If you went over 3 times on the route you covered for 4 days then you could file. Just make sure you have your facts straight. if you got switched off a route on a Tuesday or Wednesday, odds are that there was a knowledge crunch. If you've been over twice going into Friday and management randomly does a driver shuffle to get you on a different route then you're a shoe in to be put on the list. Especially if you've went to management and requested to have your dispatch reduced and told them matter of factly that you're going to file 9.5 and then suddenly you're on a different route.
Honestly? If you want to opt in, then opt in. Know your contract language. Tell your supervisor that you feel like you're getting too much work and sack up. Don't go cry to your steward that you're sick of the OT. Don't hold court outside the office half hour before PCM complaining to everyone. Come tell me to my face. If you tell your supervisor that you're going to file and nothing is done to help then shame on us. I will say though, be prepared. If you want work taken off of you, then as an on road I will say my focus will be shifted to you should your overallowed go up. Think of it this way: Filing 9.5 is your way of holding me accountable. If I screw up then I have to pay you triple time. Pretty costly. Most of the guys I've worked with that opt in would file for 3 days at 9.52 just to prove a point. I'm going to hold you to the same standard. Its nothing personal, just like your grievance. Its just business.