Not trying to repeat anybody here, but something I learned from my trainer. We are governed at 65 and that is what he’d drive all day long fighting traffic, cursing those going just a little slower, cursing those who wouldn’t let him get in the passing lane, cursing cause it would take ten minutes to make the pass. It was stressful enough that he’d be exhausted every day just driving. He never figured out how I was fairly fresh after spending all day at 62 and having to pass maybe three trucks-so much less stress!
Driving fast in the dark is scarier too. People do stupid things even on the side of the interstate , and now you can’t see them. Came way too close hitting a guy walking up the interstate one night months ago, haven’t driven 65 at night since. Have never been late on a load either, even though I never hit my top speed. Keep the left door closed and you’ll see the same truck passing you all day long.
AMEN!!!
Commercial trade, business, movement of goods or money, or transportation from one state to another, regulated by the Federal Department Of Transportation (DOT).
First, you are correct, there are many things to consider when choosing a company and how fast the truck goes doesn't matter. Most companies dispatch at around 50 mph. That gives you plenty of time to get there. There is traffic or construction everywhere. When I was in school one of my trainers shared a story. He started his day and while driving in his governed truck a bright yellow truck blows by him. A few hours later, same truck blows by him again. This happens a couple of more times. When he was pulling off the exit to park for the night that yellow truck was right behind him. There are so many variables between point A and B that will make a difference in how fast you get there. Good luck.
I once worked as an exterminator in Phila. One of my clients was Drexel University, and when I left my office, a 10 mile, 30 minute drive (in no traffic) drive away, a guy was driving about 45 mph in front of me when I first started, and traffic was heavy, sometimes at a standstill.
I drove like the 21 year old absolute idiot that I was back then, passing people on the shoulder, driving way over the speed limit, running lights changing to red, etc.
I pulled in the parking garage, walked down a flight of stairs to the street, looked up, and the 45 mph guy was pulling into the parking garage. I learned an important lesson that day, and never drove crazy like that again.
When a violation by either a driver or company is confirmed, an out-of-service order removes either the driver or the vehicle from the roadway until the violation is corrected.
Our trucks are governed down to 63MPH and I driven almost 3000 miles in the last week and it's my first week out solo right out of training. So you can still make some pretty good money, get bonuses and good miles with governed down trucks. I have never been in a truck that went faster then 65, but I personally wouldn't want to. I'm fine running at 63MPH. I trip plan as if I'm going 50MPH which will help include delays due to weather/traffic/etc and still be on top or even early.
First, you are correct, there are many things to consider when choosing a company and how fast the truck goes doesn't matter. Most companies dispatch at around 50 mph. That gives you plenty of time to get there. There is traffic or construction everywhere. When I was in school one of my trainers shared a story. He started his day and while driving in his governed truck a bright yellow truck blows by him. A few hours later, same truck blows by him again. This happens a couple of more times. When he was pulling off the exit to park for the night that yellow truck was right behind him. There are so many variables between point A and B that will make a difference in how fast you get there. Good luck.
Great point, I didn't consider what the dispatcher calculates at.
When a violation by either a driver or company is confirmed, an out-of-service order removes either the driver or the vehicle from the roadway until the violation is corrected.
Has it really already been a year G-town?
One thing to remember about speed is we can not run full tilt the entire time. You will make more by keeping that left door shut.
I am governed at 65 cruise, 63 peddle, but am also usually pushing 80k pounds and playing in the mountains out west. My speed will drop as low as 25 mph on some of these mountains and yet I still avg 3000+ miles a week.
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Not trying to repeat anybody here, but something I learned from my trainer. We are governed at 65 and that is what he’d drive all day long fighting traffic, cursing those going just a little slower, cursing those who wouldn’t let him get in the passing lane, cursing cause it would take ten minutes to make the pass. It was stressful enough that he’d be exhausted every day just driving. He never figured out how I was fairly fresh after spending all day at 62 and having to pass maybe three trucks-so much less stress!
Driving fast in the dark is scarier too. People do stupid things even on the side of the interstate , and now you can’t see them. Came way too close hitting a guy walking up the interstate one night months ago, haven’t driven 65 at night since. Have never been late on a load either, even though I never hit my top speed. Keep the left door closed and you’ll see the same truck passing you all day long.
Interstate:
Commercial trade, business, movement of goods or money, or transportation from one state to another, regulated by the Federal Department Of Transportation (DOT).
HOS:
Hours Of Service
HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.