The Journey of Truck Drivers: Miles, Deadlines, and Limits

Truck driving is a profession deeply interconnected with miles driven. As a commercial truck driver, every moment spent not moving is a moment not making money. This article will explore the typical distances driven by truckers, the impact of deadlines, and the stringent regulations that govern their daily lives.

Commercial Trucking: Money in Miles

The earning mechanism of commercial truck driving is based strictly on mileage. If a trucker's wheels aren't turning, they're not earning. This makes every minute of driving crucial. Deadlines and appointments play a significant role in the profession. Flatbed trucks often need to coordinate with cranes for loading and unloading, while produce haulers strive to get their perishable goods to market before spoilage occurs.

The Daily Mileage Limit

Most trucking companies schedule a loose daily limit of 500 to 600 miles. This figure is influenced by the speed limits, with some fleets having speed limiters while others do not. For instance, driving at 65 miles per hour (mph) for 11 hours yields 715 miles, but driving at 55 mph for the same duration only results in 605 miles. The difference can mean a significant increase in income for the driver.

That said, truckers are not compensated for time spent idling or waiting. Sightseeing or indulging in extracurricular activities during commuting hours would be a waste of valuable earning time. Therefore, maximizing daily miles is a primary objective.

Deadlines and Appointments

Deadlines are another critical aspect of trucking. Deliveries often have specific time slots for unloading, and even drop-and-hook scenarios require trailers to be dropped off on a particular date. The sooner a load is unloaded, the faster the trucker can take on another job, though every minute counts.

While there are set appointments, the actual driving time can vary. On average, an over-the-road trucker drives anywhere from 500 to 700 miles per day, depending on the conditions and whether the truck is governed and at what speed it's capped. However, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) limits the maximum drive time per day to 11 hours and the total on-duty time to 70 hours over a 7-day period. This means that about 63 to 66 hours per week are dedicated to driving.

Annual Mileage

While some years might see high mileage totals, such as 150,000 miles per year, most truckers average around 2,800 to 3,000 miles per week, which is the average for many.

Eld Regulations: Logistics and Limits

With the advent of electronic logging devices (ELDs), the way truck driving is regulated has been significantly tightened. Drivers are limited to 11 hours of driving per day and a total of 14 hours on-duty time within a 24-hour period. These rules vary for local or regional runs versus long-haul over-the-road (OTR) trips, making life a bit more complex for the trucking industry.

The combination of strict mileage targets, deadlines, and regulatory limits ensures that truck drivers constantly balance efficiency, safety, and profitability. The profession requires skill, endurance, and a commitment to adhering to a strict schedule.