I had no problem driving long hours, mostly since I was a taxi driver before this and even then I love driving. Most days I drive as much as I can with a 30 minute break in the first 8 hours and other days I take multiple breaks if I feel tired, have to use the bathroom or just generally feel I need a break.
It becomes easier the more you drive, you body gets used to it. This is comings from spending countless hours as a tax driver and my little experience in trucking.
Although trucking isn't for everyone, as not everyone can spend hours everyday driving and those people tend to get into trucking for the wrong reasons. I'm only referring to the driving part, not all the other stuff truckers have to do.
Including my training I've been doing this just under 4 months and I was driving 600 miles a day my first week. Of course I was tired my shoulders hurt my arms hurt my butt hurt. But my body got used to it. Most importantly I think it's how sharp you are mentally. I take a break every two to two and a half hours sometimes just to walk around the truck it's only 8 to 10 minutes. But I get refreshed. Also gives me a chance to check my phone for messages and respond. Driving a truck on the interstate is much easier then driving through traffic like in rush hour. But in both cases you need to be aware of your surroundings and can't get caught daydreaming. As soon as you get tired get off the road even if it's just for a break or you need a nap. It will lives and your career.
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Well that eases my anxiety, thanks
I'm sure some more experienced drivers will comment soon! I better get to bed, it'll be time for me to get up before I know it.
Over the past month I've stop multiple times. Tired eyes, smoke break, stressful stretch of road (twisty turny down grades at night, stop, take a few deep breaths). Then there times I get into a groove and drive 600-650 miles on my shift.
Feel drowsy? For the love of all that's bright and shiny, pull over and take a nap! If needed (running tight on an appointment), call dispatch and tell them what's up. They'll understand.
Speaking for myself, it took a short amount of time to get adjusted to the long hours behind the wheel. My shoulders and back would ache, and I would often start to get drowsy. This all occurred during my 7 weeks of training. Of course it didn't help that I was assigned the graveyard shift during training, and my body was simply not used to that at all.
Once I went solo I adjusted rather quickly. I could easily do an 8 hour stretch now without even thinking about it, and I will most often do at least 6 hours straight depending on my load. The only time I stop is for a quick pull off into a rest area to check my securement. A minute or two of that and I'm rolling again.
Perhaps the biggest thing to help me with my stamina was finding the correct seat position, and more importantly body posture. It's hard to explain but comfort isn't always what you're looking for. Good posture will keep you in the right position to avoid pinching and numbness. It also helps you stay much more alert. At least it does for me. Like Junkyard Dog said, keeping your mind alert is the most important part of stamina.
Thanks guys
My first day of driving I got 494 miles in, I was not happy at all with that. My trainer explained we drove through California at 55-60 mph for a majority of my shift couple with traffic, accidents we did okay. My best day was 691 miles. When i drive I know I have 8 hours to drive before that 30 minute required break. I will generally run that 8 hour down to the last twenty or thirty minutes. I like to drive and put in miles. Of course that hasn't always been the case. Unfortunately sometimes things happen and you have to creep along or deal with mother nature when last night's 2 for $3.33 hot dog special comes back for a social visit
Some have it right away and others build it up. Don't sweat it. I can do a 650 mile day if I have to. However, I try to stop about every 2 hours for a quick pee break. Makes it more comfortable. You will be just fine.
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Can anyone build up the ability to drive long hours every day or do some people just have it?
It's a huge leap to go from 25 minutes here and there to an all day affair, how many people make it?
Do the breaks really breakk it up?
is it like anything else? half-way through the day and it's down hill from there?