Trip Plan (check My Math?)

I just read Old School’s reply to truckinsteve. And it hit me that maybe you all could help me with a timing dilemma. I just picked up a load from Hazelton, PA going to Schaumburg, IL (746 miles). The original delivery appointment was for Sunday at 9:00 pm. I called my FM to see if there was anything we could do so I wouldn’t have to sit on the load all day Sunday. After some back and forth I was able to change the appointment to 6:00 Pm Saturday Delivery. Now, since I’ve only been solo for a week I hope I didn’t make a commitment I’ll have a tough time keeping. It seems like everything takes longer than I expect it to. Here’s my thoughts let me know if I’m crazy 1) I made it 130 miles down the road before I had to shut down so now I have 616 miles to go tomorrow 2) I made 576 in Under 10 hours of drive time yesterday on the same route. I’m fairly sure I can make the extra 40 under 11 hours, though now I’m getting concerned about Chicago traffic for the last 40 miles. 3) I’m thinking leave at 5:00 eastern, add 2 hours for incidentals 30 min break, 30 min fuel stop and another hour for potty breaks, in route inspection etc that gets me to the consignee at 5:00 and pretty well burns up my 11 hour clock. 4) I’ll need to make a call for personal conveyance when I’m unloaded to get parked. I already let my company know I’ll need it and they were ok with it. 5) I already have two pre-load notifications for Sunday. Which is way better than babysitting a load until Sunday night that can deliver early.

Ok, let me know if my timing seems OK. I don’t want to be the guy that made a commitment he can’t keep. But, if I need to say I was wrong, the time would be tomorrow morning not when I’m already late for my rescheduled appointment

Hope that all makes sense.

Here’s what I do. I figure 616 miles. I divide it by 50 and that’s how long it will take me to get there. That’s 12.32 hours of driving plus a fuel stop/30... that’s a 13 hour trip. You might make it but It’s going to be hard. I’m not saying your not going to make it because It is possible. It’s not going to be easy. It’s going to be a light saber battle to the death. Good luck

Now keep in mind...I have yet to start. Although I am in the middle of the High Road Training Program (awesome so far) and plan to be heading out in May after a college gradation (pseudo-daughter is graduating with her Masters so I gotta be there) . Would it have been better to leave the original delivery time until you got closer? Just thinking if you hit traffic issues, construction, weather you would not have put your self in a position to cut it so close or risk being late. Once you are closer and know that time would not be such a major issue then check to see if the time can be moved up? Just a thought and for my own knowledge. I know everyone does things different and I understand not wanting to sit on a load if you don't need to.Thoughts??

Def bad time to roll into chicago

Mid route update. By god, I think I’m gonna make it. I’m half way there. Traveled 309 miles and I have 307 left to go. I have 5:53 left on my 11 hour clock. Which means I need to average about 53 mph. So far, I’ve averaged about 62. So I think I got this and will have a little buffer left for Chicago traffic. I’m not going to win any awards for fuel efficiency though.

Rubber Duck, you’re right 50 miles per hour is what we’re told to calculate and that’s what I usually use. I knew though that I could do better on I-80 all day even with a 65 mph governed. To get an extra day of driving back, I thought it was worth the risk.

Adam, the consignee only delivers in the evening. So, I either needed to firm up an appointment last night or sit on it until Sunday night. As someone who plans to be one of those high performers that’s talked about here, sitting out a day for no apparent reason was not good for me. I was pretty certain I could make it but started to have second thoughts before going to bed.

Gotta grab a sandwich and get rolling.

Def bad time to roll into chicago

For sure, and on a Saturday afternoon? Additionally, the speed limit through that metro area is between 45 and 55 mph.

Do you know where you are going to park? That could be a tough situation at that time of day. Parking is a big part of my trip planning.

Yes, we have a terminal in Gary about 40 miles away. I’ve seen how full parking around Chicago gets. After heading out without a good plan a couple times I’ve tried. To make a habit of writing down a primary truck stop as well as 5-6 alternates for my 30 minute and 10 hour breaks in case something goes wrong.

Already getting wild out there, Bill, I love it.

Well, i just gained a little more confidence in my planning skills today.

I made it to my appointment right at 5:00 as planned with 34 minutes left on my 11 hour clock. It was a good experience figuring average speed achieved so far and what was needed the rest of the way. It was a long day but it felt good. Hopefully it’ll show the planners and FM that I’m able to push myself and get the job done. As a side note though as they say “don’t try this at home.” At least not in the first week solo unless you are a little crazy and thrive on a little stress like me....