I did it for a brief time when I packed up going over the water, I was well used to running through the night, it was the parking up and sleeping bit that was a novelty
I would recommend paying attention to the curtains, any gaps not only let in light, but also heat, so those reflective blinds are essential, can’t help with parking, except to face east as much as possible, and if you can drive in where everyone else reverses then you won’t get so much unwanted noise.
I did a Sunday to Friday morning shift pattern, so it was good for getting on one on a Friday/Saturday night, while my clubbing mates had been up all day working, I’d had been sleeping so all nighters were a piece of ■■■■ for me
I wouldn’t do it. Working nights isn’t natural and isn’t good for you. Couple that with sleeping in a tin box at the side of the road all week and you’ve got what is commonly referred to as a living nightmare.
I’d want to be taking home some serious money to even consider it. You’re messing with your mind and your body and living like a tramp for a little bit of extra cash? If you’re prepared to be exploited in such a way, you may as well just turn to prostitution.
It’s a mugs game, I’ll leave it to the mugs, plenty of 'em.
timmo:
I’ve just started a similar job at Dpd. I’m a relief driver so i cover drivers holidays at depots around the country. The runs are mainly night trunks to the hub in Oldbury and then back again. This means I stay in the truck for the week, usually in or near to the depot. So far, I haven’t had any problems sleeping during the day, but it hasn’t been very warm or sunny! The extra cash is a great incentive…
I’m currently doing it and have gotta say I find it a much easier way of working. Our shifts are only around 9 hours so I find it gives time to chill both before and after work.
I tend to sleep from around 4am until midday but inevitably sometimes things can get a bit noisy.
From a driving point of view the roads are quiet but the road closures and mad diversions can be a pain.
The only problem I have is once I’m home and have to snap straight back into days again to fit with the family.
This is more or less what we do when in Europe - driving mostly during the night, sleeping during the day… But I dont’ need to hang around for full 11 hours, if 6-7 hours is enough for me to sleep, i can drive for some meal after and then go back on the road… And if I have full day I can go sightseeing… Also I can park in some farm lanes etc - benefits of driving small van…
I am not sure if it would be as much fun on big one…
That’s how I did it on Euro mostly. Drive through the night for the best part. Few hrs kip, then on to destination.
And as Ory states. Park somewhere really quiet away from the fridges!
orys:
This is more or less what we do when in Europe - driving mostly during the night, sleeping during the day… But I dont’ need to hang around for full 11 hours, if 6-7 hours is enough for me to sleep, i can drive for some meal after and then go back on the road… And if I have full day I can go sightseeing… Also I can park in some farm lanes etc - benefits of driving small van…
I am not sure if it would be as much fun on big one…
I used to love driving vans before I got my class one. Drive when you want, stop when you want, go off route to see things of interest etc. I do enjoy driving trucks but living life according to a tacho can be incredibly frustrating at times. Its not bad here in Canada on paper log books but those days are numbered now.
bring it on Ide rather drive Nights anyday of the week, luv riding my motorbike at Night.
As they say different Horses Different Courses… i too can sleep threw WW3 or a Fire for effect Arty Mission.
