Maximize driving time with split sleeper

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by Oilfieldmike, Sep 27, 2017.

  1. Oilfieldmike

    Oilfieldmike Medium Load Member

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    Anyone figure out how to maximize driving time using split sleeper?

    I've seen drive 10 hours, sleeper 8, drive 6, sleeper 2,

    Is there any trick to squeeze out a few more hours per day? I drive Florida to California and back so could play with a few options to try to get the most hours per cycle
     
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  3. RoadRooster

    RoadRooster Road Train Member

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    Nope, if you drive 10 hours on your first shift when you do 8 hours in the sleeper you're only going to get one hour back.

    So you drive one hour after that 8 hour break, and take a two-hour break, that will get you 10 hours back.

    In summary, the split sleeper does not get you more hours than 11 to drive in a one day period.
     
  4. RoadRooster

    RoadRooster Road Train Member

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    Split sleeper comes in handy where there are very specific circumstances. Example, I park six miles from my customer and I still have 3 hours left on my clock but my appointment isn't till tomorrow morning. If I take a 10-hour sleeper break I'll be late for my appointment, but if I only take an 8 hour break I can make the appointment on time cuz I'll have 3 hours available to do it in.

    I hope that helps.
     
  5. ncmickey

    ncmickey Road Train Member

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    Durham NC
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    You can maximize your time that way, but not drive more hrs. But you can skip your 30 minute break.
    Drive 7hrs
    Take 8hr break in sleeper
    Drive 4 hrs
    Take 2 hr break
    Repeat
     
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  6. STexan

    STexan Road Train Member

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    The key points of the 8/2 have been well noted above. Bottom line is, at best you can shave a half hour per day off of your end arrival time if you use the 8/2 judiciously. To me in my work, the 8/2 is only used to meet critical appointment times or avoid traffic, where a 10 would be a problem and I know there will be a good opportunity/chance to do a 2 later in the work day. Otherwise, I prefer to only do one 30-45 minute break then resume.

    There are times when you must do this to meet appointments. Also, there are some who just prefer running this way daily as a matter of routine
     
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  7. tscottme

    tscottme Road Train Member

    Split sleeper can wwaste more time than a 10 because you have to stop twice just short of using up your max driving time. 2 times a day you will be trying to find a parking space before you rum out of hours. What are the chances you have a truck stop with parking at exactly where you have minutes left to drive?
     
  8. STexan

    STexan Road Train Member

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    For me, the 2 is usually at a shipper or receiver dock so parking is not an issue but I'm not following why you have to take either break at a specific time. But it does only make sense to start your drive time right at 8 hours, not 8.5, or 9, or 9.5 hours.
     
  9. Dave_in_AZ

    Dave_in_AZ Road Train Member

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    The only way I've found to game the game, is if the run requires two shifts with a total of 15 or less driving, you can eliminate your half hour break if in you wind up in a good spot closing in on the 8th hour.
     
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  10. tucker

    tucker Road Train Member

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    10 hours off is so great, 2 hours to goof off, 7 to sleep and an hour to get woke up, in fact a 11 or 12 hour break is even better.
    Even if you can master the split sleeper break, the 70 hour rule is gonna get you and you’ll see splitting your break was a waste of time
     
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  11. Hawkeye212

    Hawkeye212 Light Load Member

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    Jul 22, 2017
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    If you break for 8 hours, you can still drive for whatever amount of time of your 11 hour clock you had left when you stopped. Then the 2 hour break would reset it back to a fresh 14 hour clock because you took a 10 hour break within your previous 14 hour day.

    If you drove for 6 hours, took an 8 hour break, then you'd have 5 hours left on your 11 hour clock. Whether you use the rest of that 5 is up to you. If you only drive for some or all of it, then followed by a 2 hour break... Then your clock resets for a fresh day.
    If you break for the 9.5 hours like your last part says, only makes sense to take that final 30 mins if time allows so you're not worried about a split shift.

    Hope that helps
     
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