Stepping Out With My Own Numbers

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by Misesian, May 16, 2017.

  1. basedinMN_

    basedinMN_ Medium Load Member

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    Do they want new Petes so they can look cool or are they concerned about breaking down? In fairness you have had truck trouble. If I were guaranteed $72k either way, I wouldn't complain. Is that the case?

    Also sorry if I missed it earlier - why are you shopping trailers?
     
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  3. Misesian

    Misesian Road Train Member

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    It’s used equipment, not the type of truck that’s the issue. I’m not buying old worn out stuff, I just manage to find the lemons. They’re paid salary, if the truck breaks down I’m paying the hotel as well. They still get their money.
    Putting them under my authority, they need trailers to pull, I’m not doing power only. I’m feeling better where I’m at. The only problem I have is the Volvo. It’s not breaking down, but fuel mileage is only 5.8-6 mpg. I’ve tried a lot of things and nothing seems to be obvious. I’m very disappointed with that truck. I’m stuck with it until February or March when I get him into a new one. It will have all the latest stuff on it for mpg. The Freightliner with the Cummins Advantage package hasn’t been that bad. Had a few things up front to fix, but has been fine since.
     
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  4. Siinman

    Siinman Road Train Member

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    On the Volvo it may be a combination of the DPF sensors. I bought this 2014 670 last year and got #### MPG from the start. Ended up rebuilding the engine 9 months ago and got about the same MPG. I have replaced I think every DPF sensors in the last few months. Now I am getting 6.5 -7 MPG and I drive 70 plus everywhere. Lighter loads I have been closer to 7 or higher. Heavy loads I am 6.3 to 6.5. Do a lot of mountains so would be better if I ran different areas. But it might be worth your time to check into the sensors.
     
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  5. RStewart

    RStewart Road Train Member

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    It is kinda crazy that guys will take a pay cut to drive a "fancy" truck.

    I like the salary pay if you can afford it. I was planning to do the same thing when I was looking to build a fleet of trucks. I'm not sure I would make a profit though cause I would like to build a company like they did back when companies cared about their employees. A nice salary and full benefits at zero cost to the employee and a nice retirement program. I might make $50 a month per truck. Lol
     
  6. Misesian

    Misesian Road Train Member

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    Everyone’s cost are different. I’m working my way to having no used equipment. With all new stuff and the cost savings, I can afford to pay into the upper 70s total compensation and still make money. Right now it’s 72k, plus 1500 sign on, 2nd year 3k retention, 3rd year, 4K, 4th year 5k, and 5k each year after that. So, 75k after only one year. I maximize their per diem, and tell them, if you want health insurance, get it, and I can convert a portion of your gross as a health insurance payment, also tax free. Same thing with 401k, if a guy wants it, I can move their taxable wages into a tax free retirement account. This saves me money, but also allows them to take home a lot more.
     
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  7. Scooter Jones

    Scooter Jones Road Train Member

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    Seems to me if you can keep that driver rolling 10k miles a month at $2.50, you should be banking 4k to 5k a month on the truck, even on a W-2. Which ain't too bad.
     
  8. Misesian

    Misesian Road Train Member

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    I can do that on my truck. With them, I’m shooting for 2-2500 a month. With employees I’m more careful with schedules. Try not to flip sleep patterns around. With me, I don’t really care, employee drivers aren’t too wild about that sort of thing, and they’ll be home every other weekend too. I stay out a little over 3 weeks and take 4-6 days off, depending how much I have going on. This time, I’ll be home 8-9 days.
     
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  9. Midwest Trucker

    Midwest Trucker Road Train Member

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    I once did warehousing for a company that did 35 million per year in revenue. My little company at the time did 400k revenue. I netted more money. It taught me that it’s not how big or how much gross you do, but how much you profit. Keep your head up, your going in the right direction.
     
  10. Accidental Trucker

    Accidental Trucker Road Train Member

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    I wonder how many of the older drivers are looking at a salary position and wondering what the catch is? When I am hiring, I often get the feeling the drivers expect to be fed a line of bull, so the only thing they can see that they know is real is the equipment.

    We've gone to bringing the spouses into the interview process. Guaranteed minimum pay and clear company policies on breakdown, accessory pay, motel policies seem to resonate much more with Mama Bear than most drivers -- for whatever reason.
     
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  11. Accidental Trucker

    Accidental Trucker Road Train Member

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    Are you just offering a SIMPLE? Or?
     
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