Hi guys, just a quickie. Limited experience in class 2 here but ive secured a new role going from bradford to slough for a collection, drop off at leeds then back to bradford. Steady 1 collection 1 drop role but im wondering when i should take my break or breaks? Its 200miles there 200 back. Start time 11am til finish. I dont know whether to have 45 mins before i get to slough in a motorway services or to have break in slough if time allows but unsure if theres many places there to pull up as never been in the area. Also if i have a break on way there ill prob need one on way back too due to time. Im basically wondering if you guys were doing the job what would you do or how would you go about it? Thanks in advance
I would plan on doing this. No matter what the traffic looks like on approaching the M25 area, it can change fro clear in an instant.
If the actual circumstances mean another approach is possible after you have done the run several times? Then adapt as you see fit.
If you try hard to get it done on one break then you will run yourself ragged, for no good reason. Assume two breaks. Don’t make a rod for your own back by running it down to the last minute twice a day.
I know what you are getting at mate, but breaks are there for your convenience and welfare, and a prevention of driver fatigue…… not to run a job around.
Without stopping to work your run out at first glance it may be a bit tight…..as my mate Franglais says, don’t let them run you ragged, if you feel tired stop.
Set your own pace, if you allow yourself to be pushed once they WILL expect it every time.
It’s a Job not an Endurance test !
There should be options to experiment with, it might be similar drive time using A43 and M40 than M1 onto M25. Perhaps run in from Beaconsfield services or use on the way back, there are laybys on the A404 if you drop off the M40, or I think on the A412 if using M25. Riverside Cafe on Colnbrook bypass not too far out of the way but would be a detour.
If you are doing 5 times a week after a month you could well know all the options and spots that suit you.
200 miles is going to run you mighty close to your four and a half hours anyway. Stopping short of Slough will probably necessitate a further 45 minute break before landing back in Leeds. Personally I’d go for the stop early option with a further break. You don’t need the stress day after day worrying about infringements, plus nobody was ever prosecuted for taking too many breaks.
Doubt you’d do it on one stop .your need 2.
Best bet just set off at what ever time your asked to start.
Drive for about 4 hours than gives you half an hour to plan your stop.
Don’t aim for doing it on one stop as your get to. Slough and struggle for a parking spot to take your break.
If coming down m 40 way have Beaconsfield could get there. Or Oxford services if don’t.
Have few more options along m 1 got toddington.
There’s Crawley truck stop just off junction 13 (no idea why called Crawley when noware near Crawley)
Or flamstead Watling Street truck stop junction 9 .
To add just noted you say 11am .
start not good yes your miss the traffic. But be arriving around the m 25 area around rush hour then if it’s a quick tip n go be stuck on it all on they way back.
If honest you say drop off at Leeds on way back you really will struggle to do it within your hours.
But good luck and hope your new jobs goes ok
Yep, as above. I can see going over the 9 hrs quite easily if there are problems. Hope your boss has alternative drivers available if needed.
I can see running into problems with night time roadworks closures with long diversions on the way back. There is also the little matter of winter time weather.
Thanks for the advice guys much appreciated. Im in 2 minds tbh as it does seem it will be struggle especially coming into winter plus roadworks, traffic, delays etc with the start time. And speaking to them earlier i will mostly be in a 7.5t. thanks again
There sending you empty from Bradford - slough ? Am I understanding that right ? If I am , never mind if the job is doable , where to have a break , that’s bloody ridiculous, what idiots planned that 
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A43 has been shut both times I’ve gone down m1 this week .
If I was doing that job I’d see if I could tramp it ( 20 yrs ago ) , get to leeds, tip , them head as far south as I could get assuming you’ve driving left , if you’ve enough to get to Bradford then Woolley edge should be doable , assuming I’m not reading it wrong and you’ve a load from Bradford - slough , then you’d obviously have to go back to Bradford
I would guess that the run was with product not ready until 11hr00.
I can also imagine someone saying …“Hang on driver…just another hour and we will have another pallet ready” Etc etc.
But then again, that is normal transport innit! 