Double Yellow's Company Driver to Independent Thread

The MC # to avoid sales tax only works in some states.

 

congrats on the 1000 post thread!
Idaho doesn't exempt MC#'s from sales tax, but does exempt interstate trucks and trailers from sales tax.

 

Question for you DY what's the optimum speed for a 3.70 rear end ratio? When is your podcast happening?

 

I have 3:70 rears with 11R22.5 rubber. My C15's sweet spot is 1,475 rpms. No idea what speed it is slower than I normally run.

 

Here is my timeline:]


DY, I've been watching you and Blair for some time. I decided to post my realtime expenses and a rough balance sheet, for some factual information if anybody is looking for some hard numbers. Before that, I want to thank you, and Blair, for your honest, factual information. Thank you.

Here's my story:
June 30, 2013 made downpayment on '08 Freightliner, CL120, DD60 14L, 90% tires and brakes, clean body and interior, 9spd tranny. (wanted 13spd, sales rep said "it's only an air line, cost you about $600 for the conversion." I believed him until pricing the conversion, gear box, shorter front drive shaft, labor, very ignorant of me to believe him) Paid $35,000, fees and stuff $3,500, out the door around $38,500, 3yr commercial paper, $1,223/month.
I bought a 1,500w inverter, satellite radio and antennas (2), CB radio and antenna. $700
My last name is my business name, no fees or delays.
Paid my 2290, $550.
Leased on to Conway Truckload. Trip deduction $2K @$50/week for Qualcom unit, and a Quadralock. That's an air device that locks all wheels unless you release it with a manual key. It's a pain but it's really safe.
I pulled my first load from Joplin on 07/06/2013.

Maintenance and repairs for 2 years:
08/2013 replace one battery. Install 2 new projector headlamp assemblies. $300.
09/2013 Webasto bunk heater fuel pump $500 (at Freightliner, never again)
10/2013 Snow chains and tensioners $400
11/2013 Set top end, PM service $500
2013 Expense $1,700 plus a couple of PM's, another $1k probably.


01/2014 Replace windshields, both sides $325
02/2014 Replace windshield wiper mechanism $195 owner install
Balance steers, rotate drives $95
04/2014 Replace thermostats $200
AC service, PM service $300
06/2014 Replace intake throttle valve $1,100 Joplin Freightliner. Same day service, but I had to turn back and drop off load. Only miles I've lost so far.
07/2014 Replace all 4 batteries, 1,050CCA. $295 (Fleet Pride batteries)
09/2014 Replace radiator, bunk heater fuel pump, more $3,600 (Freightiner)
10/2014 Replace DPF wiring harness $850
11/2014 Install 3-way air/elec lines, $165 owner install
Replace steer tires, XZA3, front shocks, 3 axle alignment $1,100
12/2014 Replace Fuel Injector, #1 cyl $900
2014 Expenses $9,125. Plus PM service and some small items, maybe another $2,000.

01/2015 Replace fuel injector cyl #1 $1,100 Same day repair, delivered on time
Drain and refill transmission fluid $175
03/2015 Replace charge air cooler, turbo hoses and fittings, replace cooling system hoses and repair leaks: $4,700
04/2015 Replace left/right rear light harnesses $120
Replace DPF filter and components, replace water pump, replace coolant $5,700
05/2015 Replace fuel injection wiring harness $1,700 (Freightliners wick oil from the injectors and the ECU becomes flooded with engine oil - very nasty)
07/2015 Replace AC condenser $120 owner install
PM service, AC system evacuate and refill, add compressor oil $500
2015 Expenses $13,995. (and it's only July! I could really do something if I keep trying!)

Only lost one trip so far, fortunate on that. I like to get home and do what I can myself, then put truck in shop while living in my own home. With my own wife, my own pets, and my own remote control!

2 partial years and full year 2014. Filed on $160K earned from truck in 2014, paid taxes, after expenses and all earned around $70K from the truck, after taxes, truck payments, everything. That's about $6K/month discretionary income from driving 125,000 miles. In the two years total I/C work, grossed maybe $330K, net maybe $140K. I just don't believe you can do that as an OTR company driver. Truth to tell, I bought the truck because I can't drive with forced dispatch. I can't live on one day off per full week of work. Work a month, 4 days off, maybe? If we can get a load going your way? No thanks. I like the income, I love the independence. I like working 2 or 3 weeks, get back home for a week or more.

I don't work real hard, although I do like running on the recap, no days sitting. I average 2,800 - 3,400 miles/week when I do bother myself with work. Conway is pretty good for steady work, good dispatch and bookkeeping, permits, the admin stuff is strong there. There's a fuel desk I can call for today's prices on fuel near me, that alone saved me @$2,000 last year. Truck is paid off in 11 months, it'll be worth around $15K or so. I think I might run a while, put some of that money aside, see what the wind blows my way. That's my plan anyway, Blair!

I hope some of this reflects reality for any interested party. It was sure real for me.

 

I didn't do a very good job on this post, with my comments in the quote screen. I'll add it to the list.

 

I'm sure you had to sign something stating your paid off in full....

Bums all of them!

 

I got it straightened out for ya.