First Dispatched Load to PA
 

Hi...I have a question about how I should approach delivering my first load. I have to make a delivery on Wednesday at 6AM near Pittsburgh leaving from the Chicago area. It's about 470 miles. Basically, I was wondering when I should leave here to get there in time...but be able to get somewhere to park before my 11 hours is up. Also, if I finish my 11 hours when I get there...I might not be able to get a dispatch and have to wait til the next day to get a load to pick up (not sure on that part). Should I leave tomorrow morning and drive most of the way there, then take my 10 hour break, then drive a short distance to the receiver in the AM? Or should I just leave tomorrow night, drive to the receiver and get there a little bit early, deliver my load, and head to a truck stop for a break? Thanks!

Just me but I always got to a place early and the majority of the time they'd unload me early(er).

You never want to cut things too close when you need to make a delivery. If you don't leave yourself a window and something happens to delay you, then you could be late.

dont wait around get as close as possible then deliver. most of the time they will unload you early if you are there

drive the whole 470 miles and get to shipper same day...then get unloaded wednesday morning, coming off a full 10hr break(at least) ready to go for your next dispatch :lol:

Re: First Dispatched Load to PA
 

For me early is always best. Unless its a live unload then 1 hour early is what I would aim for. If its a drop id get there ASAP so I could set my PTA and get out of their.

Was just up in PA last week it is beautiful this time of year hope you enjoy it.

try calling them and asking them if its no problem delivering early, always expect delays, traffic, mechanical, weather and and....
get as close as possible and deliver next morning fresh after your break seems to work best.

At the very least get as close as you can and then take your break.

If it’s a drop, drive it straight through, drop it, and then go take a 10 hr break. If it’s a scheduled live unload, get as close as possible, take a 10 hr break or longer depending on what time your appointment is scheduled for. Always plan on arriving early in the event some unforeseen happenstance occurs that you could not anticipate.

I always tell new drivers to do two things and they will be okay: First, don’t hit anything and second, don’t be late. Let me add a third one, plan, plan, plan.

Keep in mind that THERE ARE NO TRUCKSTOPS IN THE PITTSBURGH AREA!! You did not say which area,IF I know which area in Pittsburgh(or even the reciever) I could tell you if parking would be a problem or not.