HELP: Managing expenses & budget post a template or a spreadsheet?

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by Rich_Trucking, Dec 23, 2012.

  1. Rich_Trucking

    Rich_Trucking Light Load Member

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    HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYBODY

    I am a new O/O and I would like to know how my fellow truckers manage the cost and finances of being an O/O.

    If you have a templete or a spreadsheet please share. (If its not too personal)

    With so many variable costs and expenses, how do keep track of them, what the best way the works for you?

    I want l get a trailer and get my own authority soon, so I would like to see how other O/O keep track
    Maybe an example of a templete or spreadsheet. That would be great!



    Thanks everybody
     
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  3. G/MAN

    G/MAN Road Train Member

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    There is a spreadsheet that you can download from the OOIDA website that might help you get started (www.ooida.com). There is also trucking software that you can purchase which makes it much easier to keep track of expenses and revenue.
     
    SavageSam Thanks this.
  4. SpyderRyder

    SpyderRyder Medium Load Member

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    My advice, go to http://www.mygauges.com/ and see what they have to offer. Even though I have an accounting firm that takes care of my stuff the small amount this service costs is well worth it. I input my stuff as it happens and I can get an instant profit and loss statement when I need it. I love the free Fuel Gauge they offer.
     
    SavageSam, Rick_C and BAYOU Thank this.
  5. BigBadBill

    BigBadBill Bullishly Optimistic

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    OOIDA was what I used from the beginning when I was planning and then once I started.

    I thought you where looking at reefers/vans/flats and running coast to coast (maybe I am thinking of someone else). But if not, what have used used to create your business plan that made you decide that doing flatbed was the way to go?

    What is missing from the financial parts is the narrative. Everyone should be writing out what they are doing each week like a journal. We have found that our drivers that do this often solve their own problems just from this simple step.
     
    SavageSam Thanks this.
  6. Rich_Trucking

    Rich_Trucking Light Load Member

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    Dec 11, 2012
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    Yes I am looking at trailers to buy, but currently I am an O/O with a local company and I feel that it's time for me to become independent, I have been a driver for about 7-8 yrs. I have experience In both vans and Flatbed, I initially was set on Reefer because I am in Northern California, and there is a lot of produce coming out of Ca. The reason I am thinking of going flatbed is because Its cheaper and there aren't any of THE CARB laws on flatbed trailers. I called the CARB DEPT. and they told me that with Reefers, you have to change the engine every every 7 years. So I was thinking about buying an 09 reefer so I can get a few years out of it before putting in a new engine, Prime quoted be $32,000 and I could get a good flatbed for half of that.

    Thanks for all the help everybody
     
  7. BAYOU

    BAYOU Road Train Member

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    I just wish it was for multiple trucks I really like what he offers for a single truck and at $20 a month that's way better than paying a book keeper
     
  8. BigBadBill

    BigBadBill Bullishly Optimistic

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    I wasn't going to throw $20 away to see if it had all the things you will need. But they way it is described it seems like accounting lite. "30-mins a month"?!? Really?!? Someone that is leased to a carrier and all they are tracking is revenue, miles and expenses is going to spend that amount of time every week.

    Just seems like a get rich quick sales pitch or lose weight just spreading jell on your beer gut. I get we all hate this stuff and it is work. But sometimes I think that is the problem. We don't need to be short cutting these types of business tasks,

    Now, the 30-mins a month could be all sales BS and it is a complete package. I don't know, maybe I should just pony up $20 to see if it is complete.
     
  9. BAYOU

    BAYOU Road Train Member

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    I think that's if you already put in all your fuel, did you watch the demo? Also you can get a free 30 day trial and if you sign up with in 7 days you get it at $20 a month if you wait it cost you $24 I think
     
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