run out @70 orkeep it goin?

[ElcaminoMan]

I have a question about how the general populous runs out there. I know that there are too many circumstances to cover here, but I am just wanting to get ya'lls opinion.
Do most of you just run your tail off and sit for 34, or do you try to make your time work with you and try to keep your 70 going?
I know, I know,,,,, dock time, load time, wait time, run time. It's really hard to put this into words, I guess, so just humor me and please reply.
Thanks

[Skidmark]

I work till I'm tired,then I rest. When I'm tired I sleep,when I'm hungry I eat, and when it's time to run,I keep the left door closed and truck. I don't advocate running a blown out Log. I try to keep it realistic. But, I dictate the log not the other way around. Call it creative writing if you will. All I know is when I'm in my equipment,I'm the boss, Not the broker, and not the DOT. In saying that I am also individually responsible for my own performance and decisions. Sometimes you are at the mercy of the shipper/receiver, you can push um' a little but only so far before it has an adverse effect. I always try to be respectful and let them think they are in control, I have been known to buy breakfast in Brooklyn, even though the reciever often made me feel as though he was doing me a favor by eating it (he never once refused),and never once kept me waiting.........

[RickyRicardo]

I couldn't have said that any better skidmark, therefore I have very little to add.
Only this. A lot of guys are under the misconception that a 34 hour reset is mandatory, when in fact it is optional.
The 34 hour reset has only been around a relative short period of time.
Guys like skidmark remember having to work that book however you have to. I have never declined a load because of my logbook as long as I was physically capable of running the load on time.
It really burns me up when a driver stops short of his destination, saying he is out of hours.
Well, he should have declined the load in the first place if he didn't plan on showing up.

[ElcaminoMan]

Yea I know right? I mean that only takes a lil bit of sense to think that one thru. I also hear of guys only driving for 8 hours a day. How can you make any money like that? I just know that if you were to try that, then get held up at 1 stop or another, you'd have a hard time even buyin lunch on that payday.
I guess each trip or day you just have to go with the flow and see what hand you are dealt and make the right choice. I have no problem driving each day and letting my hours recycle as I go. I don't have enough DVD's yet to make a good 34 yet.LOL

[RickyRicardo]

A lot depends on your job situation too. My company is aboveboard for the most part and is concerned with their image and their safety rating.
But they are also realistic, especially when it comes to keeping the customer happy.
With so much competition for the good freight, sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do.
I know there is a legal risk involved and the driver will always take the fall if something happens, but I'm willing to risk it, within reason.

[jack knife]

the sharper the pencil the more hrs you have. that is if you want them