Running with JCT, Part Deux

There probably is no dock. They will unload you from street.

 

Here at the drop yard in Ft. Worth to drop off the "I" trailer I had from Bryan, Tx to Cali to here. Man, the yard is packed with empties. Quite a few with out of service tags.

 

Well, whoever picks up 5837 from Lukin, Tx is gonna be lucky. It has a new unit in it. Only 6hrs on the unit.

 

So with diesel coming down, how are the fuel surcharges now? The last week I was on the Evo it was .44

 

31¢ this week. This crap had to stop!

 

Or raise the base pay. A lot of companies are starting to offer 95¢ to a $1 plus fuel surcharge.

 

If anybody delivers to badger murphy chicago, dock is off the street, and do not come in the way the directions tell you to go. Will set u up backward for the dock. Park in center of street to check in.

 

After 12 years as company driver I am talking to JCT. BEtween them and posters all my questions are answered. Macro 41, watch fuel, stay out of truck stops. Sounds like what I do now so I'm feeling less nervous. What type of truck should I look at for first time l/p. I have driven new company trucks for years. No real maint issue. I know it's taste. I live in my truck most of time but sleep, eat, and drive is what I do now. Suggestions will be taking as that. But would love feedback.

 

Chances are you're gonna get a Cascadia. It may be a 2012 or 2014, depending on what's available at that time.

It's a good road truck especially if you're going to live in it full-time. It has the most room. As far as maintenance issues go, that depends on the previous driver(s) and how well they took care of it. That's a hit or miss situation.

Unless you luck up and get a truck with less than 30,000 miles on it, I wouldn't get too attached to it. Stay in it 90 days and then upgrade. Now that's a personal choice, but I DON'T DO USED. Nothing worse than getting a truck that your are financially responsible for and it's full of issues because previous driver didn't take care of it.

You mentioned that you've been a company driver your whole career. Nothing wrong with that, but it's important to leave the "company driver" mentality behind. Everything is now YOUR decision. Fuel, routes, speed, etc. Be mindful of your fuel economy and keep your eye out for cheap fuel. Those two things usually make or break a business. You should be able to average 7.5 MPG or better in a Cascadia. Do that and you should see the money roll in.

Best of luck and feel free to ask tons of questions.

 

Thanks Steel Tiger, I am lucky I have been choosing own routes, especially when weather is involved, for a while. The Fuel issue will be new. Would like any tips. I have all the apps Ta/petro, Pilot/flying J, Loves, Truker path etc. I have 2015 cascading evo now but 120,000 on it since March mileage varies from 6.5-7.2 but have no APU and have Capp so when power shuts off must idel truck I think with APU I can get 7.0 or better. I drive 63 mph on governed truck do you see big difference between 55 and 65 in mpg? Any advise is accepted, already have camera, gps, sat radio, iPhone, iPad. Just need fridge and I'm off the grid.