without risk, there's no reward.

I don't know how it works for others, if I talked on that it would be pure speculation, but for me, low fuel surcharge hurts. I run very effeciently and my checks have been getting smaller and smaller. I count the fsc as income because it is. So to say I didn't lay this out or thought it all the way through based on a few passages ice written is well, wrong. I've thought plenty about this move. And 9 cents difference is great and all, but the bottom line is that I make less money than I used to. Time for a move, don't you think?

 

I don't mean to come across as crass, but no one on here knows me. I didn't create this thread to have a discussion on what the right move is for myself or my family. I created this thread to enlighten others who are open to idea of different opportunities within this industry, specifically, my journey from JCT to A and A Express. So sit back, grab your popcorn and enjoy the show. I'm not your average truck driver. I'm the kid that walks in and takes over. I'm the guy that pays off a 5 year note in 3 years and 9 months. I'm the guy that runs 5 weeks and takes 2 weeks off every time. I'm the guy keeps his otr spending down to $40 a week. So like I said, enjoy the show.

 

Your checks are the result of an equation ... revenue-expense equals your check.

The check is going down and you've equated that to the loss in FSC revenue. But here's the question ... what has your fuel cost been doing? The FSC is tied to the fuel cost ... your net should remain static ... if it isn't, then for some reason your fuel cost has gotten out of hand.

That being the case, what makes you believe your fuel cost is going to decrease with AA?

 

Would you agree that $1.11 is less than $1.38?

 

The simplest way that I can state my case is this. 3000 miles, 8 mpg, I need 375 gallons. When the average was $4.00 as opposed to $2.50, I'd make $.48 compared to $0.21 respectively. Now, that's a difference of FSC revenue of $810. If I buy fuel at $4.00 I'd spend $1500, 375 gallons times $4.00 pet gallon. If I buy fuel at $2.50 I'd spend $937.50. So $1500 minus $937.50 comes out to a difference of $562.50. If we know that I'll make $810 more while the fuel is $4.00 a gallon, but I'm spending $562.50 more, I keep an additional $247.50 that week. Now if you don't understand what I'm trying to explain, then you need someone else to explain it because that's the best I can do.

 

I commend you for taking a big risk/jump like this.
I'm not sure I could convince myself to do the same.

 

Not sure if you're being sarcastic or not. i probably should have titled this thread differently. I don't think it's that big a risk anymore. Marty at JCT has already told me that if I ever wanted to come back that they'll be more than happy to welcome me. Thing is, I felt like I had to make a move. It's financial life and death for me. Finances facilitate my ability to take my 2 weeks off every 4-5 weeks. I'm not going to say it's easy to budget, but it's simple...just don't go into a truck for anything other than fuel receipts or showers. But, don't worry, you guys will be able to see everything that goes on at A and A Express.

 

This industry is desperate for drivers. As long as one doesn't burn their bridges altogether, you can always go back. However, I'd rather keep going forward and not backwards.

The JCT deal as you've described it doesn't sound very profitable to me. Unless I'm missing something, 0.35 to 0.39 net before income taxes is not good. There's way better options out there than that. Which is why you've decided to make the move obviously.

 

Does the truck have an i-Shift?