What Happens When You Don’t Have a Plan

Without a planned trip, you could hit every honey hole along the way, avoid traffic, and get to your destination on time – maybe if you’re really lucky. The risks of going without some basic trip planning are worrisome:

• Running out of fuel
• Not having a truck stop or an affordable place to grab a meal
• Running into trouble balancing on and off hours
• Wasting time and money on alternative routes and last-minute stops
• Potentially arriving late, which damages your driving record

To avoid that, consider the following trip planning for truck drivers. Whether if you’re heading out for your first trip or want some new updates for a seasoned pro, consider the following strategies.

Start with Time Windows

It’s quite common for drivers to not plan enough time for stops. You think you’ll muscle through it and avoid delays. To start planning your trip, look at the total distance of the trip first. Then, use a figure you’re comfortable with for the miles per hour you’ll travel. For example, a conservative number is 38 miles per hour. That gives you time for everything from eating and fueling to navigating border crossings.

Factor in where you’re heading. If you’re traveling through areas like New York or South Carolina, you’ll run into incredible traffic slowdowns. Alternatively, if you’re traveling through Wyoming or the surrounding area, you’ll be able to move faster with less frustration.

Determine the Number of Stops You’ll Make

Over-the-road and long-haul drivers will need stops. Set a realistic figure for how many you’re planning to complete. You’ll need to think about this on a per-route trip. Weather and traffic, as well as factors like construction, will play a role in that, as well as border crossings.

Then, consider the locations where you’ll stop. For example, if you’re a driver planning to keep costs down, consider planning stops along the route where you have easy access to Walmart or other affordable retailers you prefer to shop at to pick up groceries. If, alternatively, you’re okay with a few restaurants along the way, plan out locations for them first. This way, you’ll know exactly where you’ll stop in the ideal plan and not have to trip to figure it out later.

Plan for the Unexpected

Depending on where you’re driving, you’ll also need to think about the weather, especially if you’re in an area where it changes quickly, depending on the time of the year. If storms pick up and you need to stop, have a plan for a few locations along the way to do so.

Weather reports are not something to ignore. Stay up to date, especially in areas where it’s the middle of winter and you’ll be heading through the Rockies. Let’s also be frank. As a trucker, you’ll learn that there are numerous areas along the eastern seaboard that are, unfortunately, high crime, especially after dark. Don’t put yourself in those situations.

Overcoming the Parking Dilemma

For over-the-road truckers, parking is the thorn. No one wants to pay for it, but as more trucks hit the road, it's harder to find a place that’s on the route and affordable. Here are some factors to think about along the way:

• On the eastern seaboard, you absolutely need a plan. If you wait to stop in the early evening, you’re already going to struggle to find a location. It’s very expensive – real estate here is just limited. The truck stops available tend to have limited parking or you’re traveling well off the route to get there.
• If you’re in the middle of the country in Nebraska, Montana, or Colorado, real estate is easier to come by, meaning you can travel later into the evening and still have a place to stay.
• If you’re heading into any of the areas with more remote stretches of land, you need to be prepared for the worst. Plan to have essential supplies on hand. That’s especially true if you’re coming into these areas without a lot of fuel on board.

Use Tools and Resources to Help You

Truckers know the work that goes into truck driving success extends far further than getting behind the wheel. With a careful plan, you reduce the risk of complications to your trip, get there happy (and not overwhelmed), and you’ll build your reputation with every route. Trip planning isn’t something to put off or dread. It’s simply a necessary part of the job.