Get the Miles You Want<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\nCompany Size Matters \u2013 Small vs Large<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\nTo get the right mix of miles and home time, truck drivers must rely on their co-workers. In each trucking company, there are specific people in charge of distributing loads. Especially as a rookie driver, you need to find out who these people are if you’re going to get the miles you want.<\/p>\n
Smaller trucking companies<\/strong> usually require dispatchers<\/em> to plan the loads. Dispatchers frequently see the company\u2019s drivers and get to know them over time, which is great for new drivers.<\/p>\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.classadrivers.com\/become-a-truck-driver\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/How-Do-I-Get-the-Miles-I-Want-300x200.jpg\" "\\"More")
Dispatchers help you get the miles you want.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nAs a result of personal face-to-face time with drivers, good dispatchers will learn each driver\u2019s preference and try to help them out during the load-planning process.<\/p>\n
Much like other jobs, building strong working relationships is often the best way to get what you want.<\/p>\n
Unfortunately, because of their size, smaller companies may not have much flexibility with the types of freight and number of routes they can offer.<\/p>\n
In large trucking<\/strong> companies<\/strong>, the situation is much less personal. Designated load planners<\/em> are responsible for planning loads. Dispatchers <\/a>– the people with day-to-day interaction with truck drivers – can’t override the load planners.<\/p>\nDespite the chain of command, drivers should still form good relationships with their dispatchers. Communicate the types of freight or amount of miles you want and remember to always be respectful and courteous.<\/p>\n
Why Dispatchers Are Important<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\nRegardless of a company\u2019s size, the dispatchers working in the office are an important part of the operation. Dispatchers are at the forefront of the trucking company\u2019s activities. If a truck driver has a great work ethic, the dispatcher knows about it. If the truck driver is rude and has a negative attitude, the dispatcher knows about that too.<\/p>\n
Whether the driver prefers a number of miles, a type of freight, or a specific route\/region, the dispatcher can help. Good relationships equal good jobs.<\/p>\n
Dispatchers sometimes get a bonus for assigning a certain amount of miles each week. So if you want a lot of miles and you do a good job, it’s in your dispatcher’s best interest to give them to you.<\/p>\n
About Home Time<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\nBe very clear about your demands for home time. Communication with your dispatcher is key.<\/p>\n
When a dispatcher tells an OTR driver that there’s just “one more load and we’ll get you home,” that could mean going on runs for another month. Drivers have abandoned loaded rigs on the highway for these games. You don’t want to find yourself in that scenario.\u00a0<\/p>\n
What to Do If Your Work Is Reduced<\/span> <\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\nExperienced drivers know that “Every paycheck will be different.”<\/a> Sometimes, a truck driver doesn\u2019t get enough freight and their pay suffers as a result. If this happens, bring it up immediately with your dispatcher.<\/p>\n![\"Odometer](\"https:\/\/www.classadrivers.com\/become-a-truck-driver\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Truck-Odometer-300x166.jpg\" "\\"Counting")
For truck drivers, miles = money.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nIf you wait a few days and you still aren’t getting the loads you want, ask other drivers in your company if they’re in the same situation. Be sure to note whether or not they have a different dispatcher.<\/p>\n
If other drivers work with a different dispatcher and they have not experienced a decline in freight, write down how many loads they\u2019re getting, the routes, and any other important info.<\/p>\n
Share your notes with your dispatcher. Ask them to bring up the low freight with their boss.<\/p>\n
If your situation still doesn’t improve, politely request to speak with the dispatcher manager. This should work if all else fails.<\/p>\n
Tips to Get the Miles<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\nIn large companies, there may be over 2,000 drivers hauling cargo. If there are only 1,950 loads available, chances are that a rookie driver may be overlooked for work.<\/p>\n
To keep your truck driver pay high, make yourself stand out. Here are a few quick tips to get noticed as a good worker:<\/p>\n
\n- Keep spare trailers at the facility.<\/li>\n
- Haul loads on short notice.<\/li>\n
- Make sure your deliveries are all on time.<\/li>\n
- Decrease your downtime in between hauls.<\/li>\n
- Always keep a good attitude.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
What Are The FMCSA Hours of Service and How Do They Affect My Pay?<\/strong>\u00a0 <\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<\/a>The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, or FMCSA<\/a>,<\/u> is a government agency that regulates the number of hours a trucker can drive. FMCSA\u2019s regulations are in place to promote safe working conditions for truckers and civilian drivers alike. FMCSA works in a collaborative effort with the Department of Transportation, or DOT, to reduce accidents and fatalities across the nation.<\/p>\nBecause the FMCSA limits how often you can drive, their rules have a huge impact on your truck driving pay!<\/p>\n
FMCSA Hours of Service<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\nSafety standards that are set in place by the FMCSA and DOT are referred to as the Hours of Service or HOS.<\/p>\n![\"Clock](\"https:\/\/www.classadrivers.com\/become-a-truck-driver\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/What-Are-the-FMCSA-Hours-of-Service-and-How-Do-They-Affect-My-Pay-300x201.jpeg\" "\\"Hours")
Truckers can drive for 11 hours straight.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nThese rules regulate how often a trucker may work on any given day, based on either a seven or eight day work week.<\/p>\n
During each of these weeks, a trucker is required to restrict their driving time each day to 11 hours.<\/p>\n
Beyond the 11 hour restriction, FMCSA Hours of Service permits an additional 3 hours of on-duty work. Drivers use this time for unloading, loading, and other job duties that don’t involve driving.<\/p>\n
Each 14-hour shift must be followed by 10 hours of rest according to the HOS.<\/p>\n
The off-duty time should be used to unwind, relax, and get some sleep. A fatigued driver is a dangerous driver.<\/p>\n
Logbook<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\nIn order to track their hours, truck drivers must enter their information into a log book (or electronic log book app) each day. Drivers must include the date, the number of hours worked, and other information such as the vehicle number and the company you are working for.<\/span><\/p>\nAverage Weekly Schedule<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\nDuring a seven-day work week, truckers are required to limit their time driving to 60 hours. This means that after five days of 11 hour driving periods, a trucker may only drive for 5 hours on the sixth or seventh day. On the eighth day, a trucker may drive an additional 10 hours.<\/p>\n![\"Out-of-focus](\"https:\/\/www.classadrivers.com\/become-a-truck-driver\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/FMSCA-HOS-and-Truck-Driver-Salary-300x200.jpg\" "\\"Time")
HOS regulations affect how much you can make.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nFor example, let\u2019s say a trucker\u2019s work schedule begins on Sunday and they drive eleven hours a day until Thursday. That Friday, the trucker may only drive 5 additional hours and log zero time driving on Saturday or vice versa. Once Sunday rolls around, however, a trucker may again drive for 10 hours.<\/p>\n
After a full week of driving, the FMCSA Hours of Service regulation mandates that a driver goes off-duty for a consecutive 34 hours. This regulation promotes rest, relaxation, and safety for truckers.<\/p>\n
Once a driver has taken 34 hours of off-duty time, the HOS resets to zero. During this off-duty break, the rules prohibit truck drivers from hauling another load, regardless of who they are driving for.<\/p>\n
FMCSA\u2019s Effects on Truck Driver Salaries<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\nThe Hours of Service regulation prohibits truckers from being able to work every day. For drivers who only want to drive and earn money, this can be a bit of a pain. These regulations limit how much money drivers can make.<\/p>\n
Some drivers \u201ccheat the book\u201d or purposefully enter incorrect information in their log book in order to keep driving and make more money. This is getting more difficult with electronic logbooks and cameras installed in trucks.<\/p>\n
Keep in mind the purpose of the HOS – to keep the roads safe for you and other drivers. You can still make plenty of money by following the Hours of Service, and you stand a better chance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle with enough sleep.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
To get the right mix of miles and home time, truck drivers must rely on their co-workers. In each trucking company, there are specific people in charge of distributing loads. Especially as a rookie driver, you need to find out who these people are if you’re going to get the miles you want.<\/p>\n
Smaller trucking companies<\/strong> usually require dispatchers<\/em> to plan the loads. Dispatchers frequently see the company\u2019s drivers and get to know them over time, which is great for new drivers.<\/p>\n As a result of personal face-to-face time with drivers, good dispatchers will learn each driver\u2019s preference and try to help them out during the load-planning process.<\/p>\n Much like other jobs, building strong working relationships is often the best way to get what you want.<\/p>\n Unfortunately, because of their size, smaller companies may not have much flexibility with the types of freight and number of routes they can offer.<\/p>\n In large trucking<\/strong> companies<\/strong>, the situation is much less personal. Designated load planners<\/em> are responsible for planning loads. Dispatchers <\/a>– the people with day-to-day interaction with truck drivers – can’t override the load planners.<\/p>\n Despite the chain of command, drivers should still form good relationships with their dispatchers. Communicate the types of freight or amount of miles you want and remember to always be respectful and courteous.<\/p>\n Regardless of a company\u2019s size, the dispatchers working in the office are an important part of the operation. Dispatchers are at the forefront of the trucking company\u2019s activities. If a truck driver has a great work ethic, the dispatcher knows about it. If the truck driver is rude and has a negative attitude, the dispatcher knows about that too.<\/p>\n Whether the driver prefers a number of miles, a type of freight, or a specific route\/region, the dispatcher can help. Good relationships equal good jobs.<\/p>\n Dispatchers sometimes get a bonus for assigning a certain amount of miles each week. So if you want a lot of miles and you do a good job, it’s in your dispatcher’s best interest to give them to you.<\/p>\n Be very clear about your demands for home time. Communication with your dispatcher is key.<\/p>\n When a dispatcher tells an OTR driver that there’s just “one more load and we’ll get you home,” that could mean going on runs for another month. Drivers have abandoned loaded rigs on the highway for these games. You don’t want to find yourself in that scenario.\u00a0<\/p>\n Experienced drivers know that “Every paycheck will be different.”<\/a> Sometimes, a truck driver doesn\u2019t get enough freight and their pay suffers as a result. If this happens, bring it up immediately with your dispatcher.<\/p>\n If you wait a few days and you still aren’t getting the loads you want, ask other drivers in your company if they’re in the same situation. Be sure to note whether or not they have a different dispatcher.<\/p>\n If other drivers work with a different dispatcher and they have not experienced a decline in freight, write down how many loads they\u2019re getting, the routes, and any other important info.<\/p>\n Share your notes with your dispatcher. Ask them to bring up the low freight with their boss.<\/p>\n If your situation still doesn’t improve, politely request to speak with the dispatcher manager. This should work if all else fails.<\/p>\n In large companies, there may be over 2,000 drivers hauling cargo. If there are only 1,950 loads available, chances are that a rookie driver may be overlooked for work.<\/p>\n To keep your truck driver pay high, make yourself stand out. Here are a few quick tips to get noticed as a good worker:<\/p>\n <\/a>The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, or FMCSA<\/a>,<\/u> is a government agency that regulates the number of hours a trucker can drive. FMCSA\u2019s regulations are in place to promote safe working conditions for truckers and civilian drivers alike. FMCSA works in a collaborative effort with the Department of Transportation, or DOT, to reduce accidents and fatalities across the nation.<\/p>\n Because the FMCSA limits how often you can drive, their rules have a huge impact on your truck driving pay!<\/p>\n Safety standards that are set in place by the FMCSA and DOT are referred to as the Hours of Service or HOS.<\/p>\n These rules regulate how often a trucker may work on any given day, based on either a seven or eight day work week.<\/p>\n During each of these weeks, a trucker is required to restrict their driving time each day to 11 hours.<\/p>\n Beyond the 11 hour restriction, FMCSA Hours of Service permits an additional 3 hours of on-duty work. Drivers use this time for unloading, loading, and other job duties that don’t involve driving.<\/p>\n Each 14-hour shift must be followed by 10 hours of rest according to the HOS.<\/p>\n The off-duty time should be used to unwind, relax, and get some sleep. A fatigued driver is a dangerous driver.<\/p>\n In order to track their hours, truck drivers must enter their information into a log book (or electronic log book app) each day. Drivers must include the date, the number of hours worked, and other information such as the vehicle number and the company you are working for.<\/span><\/p>\n During a seven-day work week, truckers are required to limit their time driving to 60 hours. This means that after five days of 11 hour driving periods, a trucker may only drive for 5 hours on the sixth or seventh day. On the eighth day, a trucker may drive an additional 10 hours.<\/p>\n For example, let\u2019s say a trucker\u2019s work schedule begins on Sunday and they drive eleven hours a day until Thursday. That Friday, the trucker may only drive 5 additional hours and log zero time driving on Saturday or vice versa. Once Sunday rolls around, however, a trucker may again drive for 10 hours.<\/p>\n After a full week of driving, the FMCSA Hours of Service regulation mandates that a driver goes off-duty for a consecutive 34 hours. This regulation promotes rest, relaxation, and safety for truckers.<\/p>\n Once a driver has taken 34 hours of off-duty time, the HOS resets to zero. During this off-duty break, the rules prohibit truck drivers from hauling another load, regardless of who they are driving for.<\/p>\n The Hours of Service regulation prohibits truckers from being able to work every day. For drivers who only want to drive and earn money, this can be a bit of a pain. These regulations limit how much money drivers can make.<\/p>\n Some drivers \u201ccheat the book\u201d or purposefully enter incorrect information in their log book in order to keep driving and make more money. This is getting more difficult with electronic logbooks and cameras installed in trucks.<\/p>\n Keep in mind the purpose of the HOS – to keep the roads safe for you and other drivers. You can still make plenty of money by following the Hours of Service, and you stand a better chance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle with enough sleep.<\/p>\n <\/p>\nWhy Dispatchers Are Important<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
About Home Time<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
What to Do If Your Work Is Reduced<\/span> <\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
Tips to Get the Miles<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
\n
What Are The FMCSA Hours of Service and How Do They Affect My Pay?<\/strong>\u00a0 <\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
FMCSA Hours of Service<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
Logbook<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
Average Weekly Schedule<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
FMCSA\u2019s Effects on Truck Driver Salaries<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n