Day And Night Driving

First a bit about myself since I am new here: I am currently working for a contract security company and am about to go to my 3rd site due to layoffs, and closings (I have not been with the company for even 2 full years, and each one has been a pay cut). I have had in interest in trucking but after doing some research, following forums, speaking with truckers as they come to our sites for inspections, and reading the Becoming a Truck Driver, I want to make the career change.

A question that I have has to do with driving day vs. night. I know there are factors such as appoint times, and when drop off sites are open, however I was wandering how lot of companies treat drivers her prefer to drive at night? Again, working security I am use to crazy hours, and I feel much better when doing a night shift then working up at the crack of dawn, so I would rather do the bulk of driving at night. Thanks for the help!

You drive to make the appointment. Whether it is driving all night or all day. I like days in the winter due to ice and nights in the summer because of less traffic and easier to find parking at the truckstop.

Really though, there is no set schedule, but as I get more experienced I find that I can keep myself running during a specific time by manipulating other time factors to keep it that way.

They don't care what time you drive, as long as you get there safely and on time.

Hi, Todd. Looks like you did some research already. Welcome to Trucking Truth. Here is more reading material for you. The last one, High Road, will get you ready for the CDL written test.

• Truck Driver's Career Guide
• Brett's Book: The Raw Truth About Trucking (free online version)
• High Road Training Program

As for days and nights, they really don't exist separately for drivers. True, some shippers and receivers work "normal" hours, and most people working in truck company offices do too. But a driver's life can easily be 24/7/365. (Not to worry, most truck companies do have people 24/7 to keep watch for their drivers.)

I have found, for myself, the best schedule is sleep about 4 pm - 2 am. Then I can drive the rest of the time. (There is a legal limit of driving no more than 11 hours before you have to knock off for the day.) After a bit, it's not hard at all to make your appointment times, whenever they are.

In reality, many drivers prefer traditional time. What that means is that truck stop parking begins to fill up after 5pm. If I pull in at 3pm, I can choose almost any spot in the lot.

My friend drives for Schneider and is discouraged from driving nights. My company doesn't care when I drive as long as I get there early.

Nights have advantages such as less traffic, easy for you to slow down and read signs to not miss turns, when you stop for the breaks the parking lots are empty.

However ice , mountains, and storms can be difficult at night.

My first few months I drove strictly nights. It can be done. Using the 8 hour sleeper, you can delay your clock and flip flop from day to night if need be.

An example is I had an 1100 appt. I got to the customer and instead of leaving right away, took my 10hr break there. I rolled out at 2100 then drove until 0800.

A day driver might pick it up, drive until 1700 then break. Its just redistricting your hours to a point of what works for you.

I did 18 years of night work so I know what you mean. Now I tend to not really care as much....but prefer to start between midnight and four am. By the time I shut down there is plenty of parking.

Thanks everyone. I got the answers I pretty much expected, just wanted to double check. Errol V, Thanks for the resources, I already have read the book, and am doing the study program as we speak. I am going in on Monday to get things set up with a private school (Smith and Solomon in New Castle, DE), and hopefully ask them for a list of the different openings they have currently. It will be interesting, I will be working full time Tuesday through Saturday, and doing classes on Sunday and Monday.

A lot of less-than-truckload (LTL) carriers do a majority of their shipping at night. So, if you are really motivated to do night driving that could be a good fit for you.

Thanks everyone. I got the answers I pretty much expected, just wanted to double check. Errol V, Thanks for the resources, I already have read the book, and am doing the study program as we speak. I am going in on Monday to get things set up with a private school (Smith and Solomon in New Castle, DE), and hopefully ask them for a list of the different openings they have currently. It will be interesting, I will be working full time Tuesday through Saturday, and doing classes on Sunday and Monday.

Hello fellow Delaware Vally-ian. ;).

I'm off 295 in jersey and my bro worked at the Wilmington USPS near that airport.

Good luck...S & S there is supposed to be decent. ;)

Thanks everyone! Glad to see there are some people that are close to here!

Todd wrote:

Thanks everyone! Glad to see there are some people that are close to here!

Todd something else may help you with lining up a job. Pre hire letters are a great way to lineup contingent offers, you'll spend less time worrying about it while you are in school. Check out these links:

• Article: Understanding Pre-Hire Letters: The What, Why, And How Of This Important Step
• Trucker's Wiki: "Pre-Hire Letters"
• Forum Topics Tagged "CDL Pre-Hire Letters"

I love driving at night. I work a dedicated account, driving in the Northeast Region, so driving at night when possible is great. Like most people stated, driving is generally geared on when the Customer expects the freight. Also driving at night requires you to get much needed rest. Requires you to take consistent breaks & stops so that your blood is flowing and operating with all your senses.

To make a long story short, We dont control when the product needs to be delivered. So be prepared to drive when you are needed

First a bit about myself since I am new here: I am currently working for a contract security company and am about to go to my 3rd site due to layoffs, and closings (I have not been with the company for even 2 full years, and each one has been a pay cut). I have had in interest in trucking but after doing some research, following forums, speaking with truckers as they come to our sites for inspections, and reading the Becoming a Truck Driver, I want to make the career change.

A question that I have has to do with driving day vs. night. I know there are factors such as appoint times, and when drop off sites are open, however I was wandering how lot of companies treat drivers her prefer to drive at night? Again, working security I am use to crazy hours, and I feel much better when doing a night shift then working up at the crack of dawn, so I would rather do the bulk of driving at night. Thanks for the help!