My First 3 Weeks Running Solo Report

Hey all, I just got back for my first home time as a solo OTR driver with Schneider. Out almost 3 full weeks of non stop pickups, delivery's and, of course, lot's of driving. It was a great adventure with a few harrowing moments thrown in. I'm happy to report that I made it through my first stint with no mishaps or damaged equipment (both mine and others) and I made every pickup and delivery on time and in good condition. I actually out ran my 70 hour clock twice and had to take 34 hr resets. I hate resets already. Mostly the company routed me through the south, from the Atlantic coast of Georgia west to Laredo, TX. Then I got sent up north through snow and ice in the Ozarks, to Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania and then back home through Chicago back to Wisconsin where I get 3 days of home time. There were two equipment related incidents. One of my air lines broke and that required me to bobtail to a nearby Operating Center to get it fixed. Then my trailer brakes froze in North Canton, Ohio. The company had to send a service truck to me and free up the brakes. Now I know what to do to prevent this from happening again. Drag the brakes to dry them out in wet conditions and then use just the tractor brakes when on level ground. Don't set the trailer brakes. And I could have freed up the brakes myself if I had a metal rod with me to tap the brake shoe webbing and break them loose from the drum. Next time out a rod will be in my side compartment. And I'm also putting a automotive creeper in my under bunk storage for use when I have to go under the trailer. My number one goal going out solo for the first time was to be safe on the roads and everywhere else I was sent. I guess I could have run faster, but why? I still out paced my DOT clocks. And the only trucks I passed were a few Prime trucks. My number two goal was to pick up and deliver on time and I was able to do that without much anxiety. Well, I have plenty of stories to relate from my first trip. I guess I'll save them for later. Stay SAFE out there, everybody!

Congratulations Bruce, you did well - you didn't hit anything - that's good!

I slide under a trailer on one of those cheap dollar store windshield screens.. ya know the ones that are silver, shiny and have those insulation "bubbles"? When it's slick or snowy they'll glide right under.. better than a sled.. folds nice and small, lightweight and easier to store than a creeper. Just a thought.

Glad you had a great first 3 weeks. As a suggestion, I never set the trailer brakes unless I'm in a dock, or dropping the trailer. Another thing that can work for laying on under that trailer is one of those silver windshield covers that are used to block out the sun. They fold up very small, too.

Good job Bruce. Keep it up and you got it licked.

I think Susan D. beat me to it. Sorry.

Based on my first time out solo, I have a question for the experienced drivers: If you are out OTR for over 2 weeks at a time, how do you manage your 70 hr. clock? Do you limit your driving per day to avoid a 34 hr reset? Or do you like to take the reset? I had 2 resets my first time out, and even though I had books to read, I hated them. Any advice for me moving ahead?

I personally prefer to reset though it kills me to sit lol. Planning your reset in a place that offers plenty of interesting things to do sure helps.

My ideal week would be 6 days of hard running, followed by a reset. That day of sitting gives me a chance to recharge, relax, go for a walk, Uber or bobtail somewhere interesting etc.

In reality though, every week will be different depending on your loads or appt times. I prefer to work when I can and rest when I must, because I never know when an unexpected delay will slow me down. Taking advantage of any opportunity to get work done is what I feel keeps me ahead of the game.

How do I manage my 70? That's tough to answer, but basically I'm always looking for what advantage can be gained in every little thing I do. In every situation I give myself options A, B, and C, then decide which option gives me an edge.

In a nutshell, I take advantage of every minute I have, because I never know when I won't have those minutes.