Postcards From The Road! (Post Yours Please!)

... there is a special rule that applies to home daily drivers but I still can't drive over 11 hours.

I often times debate whether or not to mention using the 16 rule because I dont want to confuse new drivers and someone get a violation

That was very clear and useful. Thank you bro ... I've learned something ... much appreciated.

This little fella paid me a visit while I was offloading earlier this afternoon; allowed me to get within several feet of it...

Two more:

(It’s a roadrunner)!

And here’s a video clip of him NOT RUNNING!

https://youtu.be/9RsviZ2tjIQ

I hardly ever see any of those guys when out west. A really odd-looking creature, adapted to nature. And they are very fast runners.

BEEP BEEP!

Yeah, I was very surprised to see him get so close to me; I thought maybe there was a nest nearby, but then saw him picking at and eating something white on the ground. I can’t imagine what it was, because the customer manufactures cardboard. He also appeared to be young... probably hadn’t developed a wariness of the humans yet. When he walked his body pitched forward; you can really tell how well they’ve adapted to running. Very streamlined.

Fueling in Primm NV.

Laura

Fueling in Primm NV.

Laura

That solar ranch reminds me of something from either science fiction or, "Lord of the Rings."

A customer I go to twice a week. An extremely tight fit. Once the tanker in the bay is empty. I have to blindside the loaded one I'm hooked too in between two sides of cars. Drop it. Grab the now empty trailer in bay take it too the corner of the lot in which it will be partially blocking traffic. Drop it. Go back for the loaded trailer blindside it into the bay. Drop it. Grab the empty and get the hell out. About 30 minutes every time. Usually about 2 to 3 times a day.

Saw this at our Gary terminal today. I guess Thomas needs a little help getting around now and then.

Just following up to mention that under normal conditions, the 16hr exemption could be used only once per week. We haul boxes for food manufacturers, and I personally have not used an exemption a single time during the pandemic. Tyson's and Freshmark (Sugardale Meats) are ticking upwards again, though.

When you say "a 16 hour day" what does it mean? You still couldn't drive past the 14 hr limit. Right? I am asking just so I understand how it is done.

as Marc Lee touched on there is a special rule that applies to home daily drivers but I still can't drive over 11 hours. I often times debate whether or not to mention using the 16 rule because I dont want to confuse new drivers and someone get a violation thinking they're able to use it. Usually I'll post it to help others see that local driving usually isnt the "banker hours" most people think it is. I wont get too in depth but there are requirements that must be met such as returning to home base for the previous 5 consecutive work days among others. An OTR driver isn't allowed to claim this so you won't need to worry about it when you get started in this career. Also, currently in my line or work (delivering groceries) ALL hours or service rules have been suspended by the FMCSA while hauling certain loads due the 'Rona. My employer is allowing us to take advantage of that but the company is still requiring us to take the 30 minute break and 10 hours off before starting another run to help avoid fatigue. Last week I went over my 14 hour clock 3 of the 4 days. 2 days ended up being just over 16. In those 4 days I put in just shy of 57 hours.