CR England - The real story

I can't say this is what works for everyone but this is how I did it... dunno how much it will help but happy to share what I found works


I won't ########. If you come into this thinking right out the door you are going to make it, stop now. turn around and slap yourself and knock sence back into your head!! Fact of the matter is the first 6 months are NOT EASY! The key is show the ######## you want it. Lates are the number one reason people lose in the game.Work ethic is a MUST!!! Never a late in almost 5 years (knock on wood) I have 100% open lines of communication with my DM (he is Jeremy Sant in A3) He always knows 24hrs ahead of time what my situation is and that there is why I am a "goto guy" I won't #### u here. it's not always fun and it is frustrating at times but there is no point whining because they don't give a #### (belive me on that).

Another thing to keep in mind if you plan to lease. Don't come into it broke. I jumped in with 5k in my pocket. the reason is, like EVEY company out there, until you and your dispatcher have a common ground you will most certainly be butting heads for awhile and let's face the facts. 90% of them have probably never seen a truck let alone drove one so how the hell do they know what it is like for you the driver???

But like I said, this is what I have done. far as the math etc. that is more for showing the fact I pay close attention to EVERYTHING. I redo the math they have done and make sure it's all on point (belive me, it isn't always) and I call them on anything that looks funky like any good payroll dept they will screw them if you bend over long enough.

Another thing, if you are a family man and aren't ready for sacrafice don't waste your time with these guys. They push these lease's on people and sory to say... company drivers aren't making it here and you can't afford crap loads of hometime with a truck payment due every week. I won't lie, I go in the hole 3 times a year because I take 3 weeks off. The trick I used to make that manageable is the downtime fund (also where my downpayment has gone) Plus they take and extra $50 a week (my request) to put me ahead on payments.

Another trick I use is holding my trip packs (why would you, you probably will ask?) Simple, I save save save. I said it before. This is my buisness and the better I can manage the money the better it is for me. I try to send them bi weekly and I keep track of fuel religiously.

Finaly, and I know this is going to sound crazy but get an APU if you can afford it. Mine has paid for itself 16x over now (well, it's payback is deminishing but meh, 1.5g in 8 hrs as opposed to 8=money in the bank)

Seriously, if you come into this thinking ohhhh I am gonna make a killing... come find me and I will slap you back to reality. Also, if you can't manage your money don't waste your time cause it ain't gonna work for you.


Some quick math for yas.... I run 3900 miles average a week at .90cpm

3900x.90=3510

Maint reserve .07cpm = 273 (but my acct is maxed at 14k so nothing coming out)
and for those who say you can't have more than 10k.... you're wrong. I made them take out the extra 4k. never know if yer gonna blow an engine or powertrain (wanna talk about expencive!!)

my fixed costs are 578 week

Variable milage is .08cpm (like they deserve it half the time) =312

support payment 100 per week

and average fuel usage is 513 on that (I run 7.6mpg) = 2.30per gal (avg) = 1191

total after basic deductions = 1329 (and it's closer to 1600 with the rebate)

I would go into the rebate but that is like the wind.... never know what it's going to be.

after that I have 15% too quarterly taxes and .03cpm going to my downtime fund = the reason I average 800-1200 a week

Granted it doesn't seem like a hell of alot. but 117 (give or take) goes into an acct
that is basicaly my down payment on my first truck plus the 15% held for taxes. But the main reason it works so #### good for me is because I have 3 bills and they are less that 500 a month. I spend 100 a week at most on food (ya'll know the deal) and I don't buy junk at truckstops.

Really, it isn't for everyone and I think the reason so many people fail is because they think it is going to be an easy ride. it takes alot of commitment and having a goal is essential to success. if you don't have something to drive you it won't happen.

I look at where I will be in a few more months and I know I gave up alot to get this far but it is going to pay off when I buy my rig.

I hope this basic info gives a better idea of your individule situation. I'm not saying if you have a family don't do it. I'm not saying you better have 5k saved. I'm saying know the deal before you make it. Oh and READ THE FINE PRINT!!!! I am sure yer parents had to have taught you to read b4 you sign! That's your life right there on the dotted line!!

 

On another note. Afterhours.. mm yea, ignore them at all costs!!! I won't lie... I unplug my qualcom after 1800mst... they are useless and only cause you stress