Rolling into a hot period.

[Broompilot]

You have been out for two weeks its been OK but nothing great. Make up your mind your heading home on Friday after the supposive rush hours for freight. Than you get hit with a load. Saturday you unload and another load now you see a pattern begin do you still stay out or do you head to the home knowing your gona be out for at least another week.

I have had this happen to me a couple of times this year and two times I have traveled from Boston-Maine over to Seattle to cover all 4 corners of the U.S. Thus instead of being out for 2-3 weeks I was out for more than 6 straight.

Obviously I stay out but just curious what you (other drivers do)?

 

[bryan]

Hi
Been home since 12/23 out of service till 01/03.Ex mother inlaw has terminal cancer and I wanted the kids to spend as much time as possible with her.Thats what I love about owning my own truck if I want time off I take it.I make enough money through the year that I'm not chained to my business.
As I've looked back on this year Im so thankful that this is the path I've choosen.

 

[raceman]

BP,I don't know what others do but I can tell you what I did as a Team driver and as a solo driver and as a Fleet owner when I was in those roles. Now I am dedicated for the most part so it does not come up any longer.

As a single man when I saw the pattern you described, I kept rolling. I never turned down income. I can tell you that is when I made my best money and I can tell you as an owner that is when I lost money if a driver would not stick with it.

As for you, I would say it is tough because of the family. Based on the fact you seem to run very hard for a solo it certainly would be in your best interest to attempt to reset your hours at home. The problem of course is that you are not home when you run out.

I can tell you from the stand point of being a good husband and father, it is most likely good to get home every chance you get. My children are grown and my wife has remarried. I missed a lot of my kids growing up and I lost a wife because all my life my work took me away from home. Money is not always the best choice. Balance it. I know it is easier said than done. But it worth the thought.

Best of luck in the New Year.


Raceman
OTR O/O

 

[teacel]

When I ran the road I judged when and how I went home.

If this scenario would happen to me, I too would stay out depending upon the date.
What I mean by date is if it was my wife’s or one of the kids birthday, Mothers day, Easter, Christmas, or some other major holiday, no freight or money kept me from going home.

Being out 2 wks wasn’t a big deal, and if I decided to go home because I was only running okay, and things picked up, I took advantage of it and ran till I hit a dry spell, then I would arrange go home, 3, 4, or 5 weeks later.

Even if I was running hard and getting mega bucks for the loads and it was a birthday, or some other holiday, I made it a point to get home no matter what. I even parked the truck at some airports and flew home for 2 or 3 days, but I never missed spending the birthday, or holiday with my family. As it was, I did show up late for a few.

Happy New Year!!!

 

[LDB]

I go home for the special events no matter what but if it's heading home just because then I'd stay out, or go back out, for a good money run.

Leo Bricker, owner trucks 3034, 4958
OOIDA 677319
73's K5LDB
EO Forum Moderator 1+ Years of Service
Expediters Online.com - The Best is Getting Better!
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[huntn1]

i wish i could get a little heat right now, seems slower than ever. i think i will dh home, my company never gets freight on the weekend, surely not as slow as it is right now. by the time i idle all weekend to stay warm i can go home and use the same amount of fuel.