Why must you idle?

Yeah, how about "Go around the toll road" on the 2 lanes, through the stop and go little towns.. I'll bet the difference there is made up in fuel, too, plus wear and tear on the brakes, etc.

Can't tell them nothin, though!

 

Yeah, been told and done that too. I keep detailed records in Excel on routes and fuel usage. I've told the boss, and he's welcome to see a printout any time. The difference IS more than made up in fuel and break wear and tear, ect. (and is substantial considering one can add up 60-70 other trucks doing the same).

Therefore, the boss gives us all VERY little/to no crap about idling our trucks.

 

I know of many carriers that have stricter policies than the government ones.

I saw a Schneider driver wearing a coat sitting in the truck trying to stay warm with no idle.

 

Yeah, and I saw a sweat stained/wet Swifty driver just this week in Indiana. Actually felt sorry for him.

 

Those window screens for the truck work great! They are even sturdy enough to drive with them in.

 

I agree with you completely! Right now it's 72 outside, truck has been turned off for 6 hours now, windows are wide open, and I have a fan hanging between the seats trying to circulate cooler air on me in the sleeper. Tempature in the bunk right now !!!92 DEGREES!!! OH YEAH, I AM GETTING LOTS OF SLEEP, NOT!!! But it will be legal for me todrive in another few hours.
It is obvious to me that long term exposure to excessive heat is harmful to one's health. Hell, even recruits in the Marine Corps are restricted from training in excessive heat! The Nat'l Weather Service has posted extreme heat warnings, advising people to limit their activity and stay in air conditioning! But SCREW THE TRUCKDRIVER, let him sweat to death in his easy bake oven,I mean truck!
I wonder if there have been any studies to prove what we all know to be true, you dont get good rest when you are too hot (or cold). I bet not because then the safety freaks would have to do something about it. Assuming they are really concerned with drivers being safe and not killing people, and not just wanting to raise money off of truckers trying to rest comfortably. I hope I conveyed my sarcasm sufficiently.
Safety doesnt mean a thing to them. People dying does't matter. All they(the gov't and companies) care about is the money!!!
It will take alot more dead people, unnessacary suffering, and a very persistent lawyer willing to bring lawsuits against the companies and the governing entities responsible for the cruel and inhumane anti-idle policies that are causing this garbage before changes will even be considered.

 

Not to mention the increase in the potential for accidents due to cross traffic, people who want till the last minute to stop in front of you to make a turn, cars who want to run a redlight then broadside the truck, etc...
I gotta think the toll road would still be safer and cheaper oner the long run. But I've known to be wrong before, just ask my wife!

 

Yes! That was another reason i brought up to TMC when i drove for them, they refused to pay for 80/90 through IN/OH.

 

What you might consider cool to others is not.

You're only seeing one of the drivers what if the partner in the bunk is hot because there is no air circulating back there.

My partner would request we idle....she hates bugs in the truck and you know what I my goal is to keep her happy driver.