The Varied Mileage of Truck Drivers: Daily Routing and Long-Haul Journeys
Truck driving is a diverse and demanding profession, as the mileage covered can vary significantly between different types of jobs and daily routines. Understanding the typical mileage and the varying responsibilities of truck drivers is crucial for both drivers and logistics managers. This article delves into the complexities of the trucking industry, sharing the experiences of several drivers from different regions and their daily miles.
Local and Linehaul Routines
For drivers engaged in local and linehaul routines, the mileage can be quite different depending on the specific job at hand. In a local setting, drivers might only cover 2-3 loads a day, usually within a 100 to 200 kilometers radius. For example, they might be carting materials from a stockpile to a construction site, where logistics are not solely dependent on the trucks themselves. These jobs often involve significant downtime or operational hold-ups due to the crew's schedules and the nature of the project.
Especially when dealing with kerb and channel or footpath construction, the positioning and coordination of various equipment and personnel make the driving journey slower and the number of trips fewer. In such scenarios, a truck might even travel as little as 100-200 kilometers in a day, carrying heavy loads that require careful handling and safety practices.
Long-Distance Relay Runs
On the other end of the spectrum, drivers who engage in long-distance relay runs can cover extensive miles in a single day. For instance, some drivers from Kansas City to Perry Oklahoma swap trailers with drivers from Fort Worth or Dallas, covering a staggering 608 miles daily. Such relay driving not only increases efficiency but also challenges the physical and mental endurance of the drivers involved.
These drivers often have back-to-back shifts, with each leg of the journey lasting several hours. The absence of downtime makes these journeys demanding, and the drivers must be well-rested to handle the physical and mental strain of driving such high mileage.
My Personal Journey
As a linehaul driver myself, I cover approximately 175,000 kilometers in a year, converting to around 108,000 miles. My primary route involves taking a semi-truck fully loaded with chilled and frozen primary produce up to the big city and bringing back foodstuffs for retailers and distributors. The journey starts with a five-hour drive to the loading point, where I spend two or more hours unloading and loading the truck. The return journey, including stops for diesel and coffee, takes another near-five hours, bringing the total driving time to around 10 hours.
Despite the long hours, my driving route is constrained by winding and hilly roads, which can reduce the effective mileage I cover. Even with ideal conditions and no stops, my truck can manage a little over 668 kilometers in those ten hours, translating to approximately 415 miles.
However, the most significant factor is that I am home every day, albeit during the day. This arrangement allows me to hand over the truck to another driver for deliveries and pickups, ensuring the continuity of my linehaul route the next day.
Conclusion
Truck driving is a multifaceted job that involves a range of daily and long-haul routines. From local projects that might cover 100-200 kilometers a day to interstate relay runs covering 608 miles, each journey presents unique challenges and opportunities. The daily mileage can vary greatly, and it’s essential to recognize the diverse nature of trucking work to better appreciate the skills and dedication required by these important workers.