This is our final article in our series on Trip Planning. Hopefully this information can serve as a supplement to truck driving school instruction. This article should tie together the last 2 discussions we have had and give us the opportunity discuss how the previously discussed issues will lead you to the performance benefits that come with on-time service. In truck driving school often the discussion turns to the importance of on-time service and its benefits. We are going to list a handful of tips that will help you form a habit of on-time service and round out the process of profitable trip planning.

On-time service is the ultimate goal when you plan a trip. When you plan your trip properly and deliver on time, you’ll be ready for the next load sooner. Many companies will give you priority dispatch when you have established a history of on time delivery. Ultimately this will turn into more money in your pocket.

Here is how to plan for on-time service:

Plan your trip so you arrive at least 15 minutes early at each destination. Remember this when it comes to late loads. One minute late is still late. In truck driving school a lot of experienced trainers will tell you to plan in a 15 minute buffer. This buffer will leave you room for the unexpected traffic back up or missed turn.

Another benefit to planning with on-time service in mind is that if you arrive early you may be able to deliver early. If you are running early make sure to contact your driver manager and ask about delivering early. Wasting your drive time at a truck stop because you’re early may be relaxing now, but when you consider what it may be costing you, you may reconsider. The sooner your empty, the sooner your on the road again and miles equal dollars.

The last benefit to on-time service will make you more money than anything else. If you Arrive on time, that will prevent the “back of the line” instruction you may find from busy shippers out on the road. It seems silly, but the shipper planned to have the freight delivered at a certain time, and the next truck after you at a certain time. When you’re late you are disrupting the shippers schedule and so you may have to wait until they can work you in. Waiting around the the receiver for hours can be very expensive, especially if it happens in the summer or winter where you have to idle. Murphy’s law says, the time that your 1 minute late, is the time you wait!

This article ends our series on trip planning for truck driving school students. We tried to stress the importance of planning and staying organized. Following the tips in this article and previous parts in the series will help you realize your ultimate goal of making as many profitable trips as you can. Many of the daily headaches of a truck driver are greatly reduced with proper trip planning.