Running Out Of Time On The Road

Let's say you're running out of time on your clock and you can't find a truck stop with available parking, where can you park without being harassed or even given a ticket? Just basing this question on worse case scenario because I'm sure a lot of unexpected things happen out on the road especially if you're running hard.

I always have several options planned out starting about 3 hours before my clock expires. Truck Stops, Rest Areas, Walmarts, etc. Truckers Path app can help you with that. I have a Rand McNally Truckers GPS unit that has a POI feature. Between those 2 I know exactly where I can shut down and avoid an HOS violation. I never try to push on to the last available option. I'll make sure I have enough time to shut down safely and legally, even if I have to sacrifice 20 or 30 "extra" miles for the day. Hope that helps.

Tractor Man....I also have that Trucker's Path app on my phone. That's an excellent tool and very interesting to look at. I see some trucks pulled over on the road and even off ramps from time to time. Are they just begging for a ticket or is it legal in some circumstances?

My Company's policy is NO on/off ramps. That is my personal SAFETY policy as well. Parking on an Off Ramp is plain suicidal in my opinion. (Just think of the speed of vehicles coming up behind you!) I suppose an on ramp would be safer. I just never put myself in that position as an option.

There are also Truck Stop/ Rest Stop guides in book form available at Truck Stops. I think I'm gonna pick one up. They do not require batteries, cell towers or satellites! Kind of like an Atlas, works every time you open it!

Best thing is like tractor said, try to start looking for places about 2 to 3 hours before you need them. Truck stops and rest areas are most accessible, and Wal marts are good but sometimes off the highway a little.

Always call and talk to someone at the Walmart before parking on their lot. They may not allow it, and you don't want to be an hour into your rest period and then be asked to move.

There are also Truck Stop/ Rest Stop guides in book form available at Truck Stops. I think I'm gonna pick one up. They do not require batteries, cell towers or satellites! Kind of like an Atlas, works every time you open it!

That's hilarious....what are the rules for parking on the side of the road? I see that quite a bit too...

I don't know why that last comment went in to your box....but same question.

Different States have different laws. Many Companies have their own policies as well. Swift has a NO on/off ramp or side of the Interstate policy. I would NEVER park on the shoulder of the Interstate for any reason other than a break down. At that, I would probably get out my folding chair and get as far from the road as possible. I would have a huge fear of some SUPER TRUCKER veering on to the shoulder at 90 mph and slamming into me with 80,000 pounds of sheer violent DEATH!

I do regional with short loads, and we have some company drop yards around, so I don't usually have an isuue. But I just had 2 day with loads that had to be delivered the same day, so I had no choice but to go down to the wire. Both times I delivered the loaded trailer and bobtailed out to the nearest parking so that I could squeeze in somewhere, then went back in the morning to pickup an empty. Well, I guess that works if you're doing drop and hook , probably not useful in general.