Companies that run distances

**layoutshooter** · 03-16-2010, 08:16 AM

[QUOTE=aristotle;357532]LOS... I would like to give you the benefit of the doubt. But, I must ask, were you in a clear state of mind when you typed this nonsense?

Do me a favor as well, maintain the best possible physical condition for yourself. CSA 2010 is going to tighten up the rules for drivers. Many an old geezer will finally have to hang up the keys. I won't stop beating the drums for good health. Maintaing good mental health and a positive attitude, including anger management, are paramount in some obvious cases. Please do your part for highway safety. Don't you just hate following a straight truck for 50 miles with its left turn signal on? You would think the driver could hear that loud clicking sound coming from the dash. Is that safe driving?[/QUOTE

You might be able to drive 14 or 15 hours straight, I don't dispute that. You have done it safely for years, I don't dispute that either. I also don't dispute the fact that study after study, not just on driving, shows that extended work hours leads to more mistakes. You are not the norm.

I participated in several studies on hours worked vs. mistakes made. It was fasinating. Mistake rates went up as the number of hours worked went up. Mistake rates went up as the number of days in a week worked went up. That held true in every study. Mistake rates in one study showed that there was a 60% increase in mistakes on the 6th day of our work week compared to the 2nd. There was only a 40% increase over the first day.

As to health, you are in far better shape than I, no doubt. I don't wear my hearing aids when driving, they make my hearing worse in the truck. They only make the engine noise louder. It is harder to hear conversation, sirens etc with them in. Sorry I need them. I would give anything to have my hearing back.

By the way, I hate following any car, truck, rv, cargo van, semi or anything else going down the highway with their turn signal on for miles. Sure glad I don't do that!! Ain't that much of a "geezer" yet.

Someday you might be an "old geezer" too. What ever age ranks one as a "geezer" I hope to be one someday. I do know one thing for sure, the official age of "geezer" keeps getting pushed back as I get older!

As with laws, which are written for the norm, I was not speaking of any one individual. Facts are facts. Longer hours, for the bulk of the population will lead to more accidents. I am sorry if you took it that I was writing about you in particlular. I also could have worded it better. My fault.

**aristotle** · 03-16-2010, 10:02 AM

No problem, LOS. I know you value safety just as much as myself or any other driver. Just snagged a load, Louisville to Laredo. Gotta go.

**OntarioVanMan** · 03-16-2010, 10:11 AM

Awww wasn't that sweet...kinda gives you the warm and fuzzies...

2 ole soapbox boys huggin and makin up...

**jrcarroll** · 03-22-2010, 12:03 PM

Originally Posted by Turtle

Long runs can be a double edged sword, and a lot of it depends on the intelligence of the driver, and how willing he is to be let himself be manipulated by dispatch. 1100 miles, 1400 miles, with no break, yeah, it's legal, but it's pretty stupid, generally speaking. Many times you can drive that with no break, but the question is, should you? Usually, on runs that long, if it's booked at 45 or 47 MPH, then you can make up enough time to get a good nap along the way. But if it's booked so that you barely have time for fuel stops, then it's not a smart run.

There are times when you start out on a long run and two hours into it you're ready for a nap. Other times you can drive 15 hours solid and are ready for several more hours. It all depends on your body's state of rest and alertness.

I will whole heartedly agree with that.
That being said I'd be willing to work for a company like that. As long as the runs were not booked back to back.

**x06col** · 03-22-2010, 10:11 PM

Originally Posted by jrcarroll

I will whole heartedly agree with that.
That being said I'd be willing to work for a company like that. As long as the runs were not booked back to back.

Seems to me there will always be an "as long as". I'm still wondering IF there is anyone satisfyable out there. Want the money but not the work. Roast goose hunters!!!

**OntarioVanMan** · 03-23-2010, 12:38 AM

Originally Posted by x06col

Seems to me there will always be an "as long as". I'm still wondering IF there is anyone satisfyable out there. Want the money but not the work. Roast goose hunters!!!

Well Col.....stick a fork in me and call me well done!

I want the money and don't want to work for it....

**guido4475** · 03-23-2010, 03:55 AM

Originally Posted by GatorBait

I have found a couple companies that make you run between 1100 to 1400 mile long runs,although they give you enough time to get there,but I am wondering if that is legal to run a driver that far mile wise without a break,without a logbook,in a cargo van/Sprinter? I've been told this is how the company makes their money,running long distance like this.

Out of curiosity, send me a pm on who they are, I may be interested in talking with them.Thanks in advance.

**guido4475** · 03-23-2010, 04:26 AM

In 2008 I used to run for a company that would run me into the ground, literally.It was my choice to say yes or no to the loads offered, but after 6 months wasted at 2 other companies who did nothing but lie to me about miles averaged in a week, I was broke and desperate to make up what I had lost.And that I did.Grossed $137,000 in that year, that co alone, running solo in a straight truck.Averaged $1.25 a mile for all miles traveled.Loaded and empty.The longest I ran was from the coast of NC to hayward, Ca with a 4 hour alternator replacement at the T/A in Kingman, AZ, while I slept.Arrived 4 hours early,unloaded, then re-loaded 13 miles south of there going to Roselle, MN non- stop.What an awesome week, yes.No drugs, etc.That was a 5,000 mile week.Alot of weeks thereafter have been close to that also.I got caught up real quick financially.

Would I run like that again? No way.I am feeling the effects of running like that now, years later. The once healthy me is not so healthy anymore.Everything has accelerated aging wise, and I feel it.It is not worth it, but there comes a time when a person has to do what they have to do in order to survive as well.At least I was smart enough to know the signs when to pull over and take a power nap.I do take long loads now, when offered, but I also go out of service soon afterwards and dont go back into service until I feel refreshed again.Gone are the days of the continual renegade driver, they are few and far between, and it is a matter of time before they will be extinct.No more Monfort lane,California turnarounds,etc.It is getting safer out there now, yes.But in the same sense, alot of newbies in Werner or Swift or Englands are making it just as dangerous.I cant tell you how many times if I were not paying attention to the truck I was passing, I would of been in the median because he was reading the map, texting, etc while driving.There is no common sense in new drivers anymore, just get them into the drivers seat, and make money, no matter what the cost.I would dream of getting 4-5 500 mile runs in a week, with a break inbetween.But let's face it, it just doesnt happen that often.And if it does, please pm me and let me know where....lol.

Start your fingers..let the ripping apart begin...lol !!

**jrcarroll** · 03-23-2010, 03:39 PM

Originally Posted by x06col

Seems to me there will always be an "as long as". I'm still wondering IF there is anyone satisfyable out there. Want the money but not the work. Roast goose hunters!!!

And you would run 2200 to 2400 miles straight through? I dont think so!

**jrcarroll** · 03-23-2010, 03:40 PM

Originally Posted by guido4475

Out of curiosity, send me a pm on who they are, I may be interested in talking with them.Thanks in advance.

I second that. Thanks

**Slo-Ride** · 03-23-2010, 05:48 PM

Originally Posted by GatorBait

I have found a couple companies that make you run between 1100 to 1400 mile long runs,although they give you enough time to get there,but I am wondering if that is legal to run a driver that far mile wise without a break,without a logbook,in a cargo van/Sprinter? I've been told this is how the company makes their money,running long distance like this.

Guess I dont understand why it wouldnt be legal? Ya said enought time was given. I for one like the shorter runs and get turned right away..same money or better as long hauls and not as tiring plus it keeps me in the area without worrying bout D/heading home as far if work falls off.

Originally Posted by aristotle

It's 2000 expedited loads safely delivered, but who's counting. *L* A suicidal deer ran into my personal car in 1988. If that qualifies as an accident , then that's one. There was no damage to the car. Just a quick trip to the carwash to rinse off fur and assorted animal matter.

I gotta say it sounds like a clean kill with no body damage.Did ya salvage the deer for the freezer?