Some numbers for new O/O

Im saying I know MY limitations. There is no way Im going to engine swap a semi. I dont have the equipment nor the desire to do it. Why does me not wanting to work on a semi get so many people riled up? My time is money. I dont want to spend my off days tinkering on a semi. I would rather spend that time resting and finding direct shippers.

 

You're extremely fortunate to have that flexibility. However, it's probably more the exception than the rule. And I'd have to agree with you, there are even fewer drivers who do their own R/R and have the ability to do a swap.

 

Since I'm just sitting here while my trailer is being loaded, I figured I'd take a shot at some of the craziness some so-called lease operators engage in.

I know guys that are running under a particular companies authority. Leasing trucks from the owner with the idea they're independent and will own the truck some day.

They are paying $2,700 a month for 5 years, with a residual of $35,000 at the end of 5 years. All while running the owner's freight in the owner's trailers at $1,000 a month insurance and $900 a month trailer rental charge on top of paying for all the other expenses that comes with operating a truck.

All of this on what amounts to $1.70 (on a good day) per mile revenue.

Now, if there was EVER a case to remain a company driver with benefits, that's it.

 

Can I assume that's $1.70 per loaded mile?

 

Yes. That's the average.

 

thats bad.

 

Yes it really is. Especially when you factor in the cost of operation. I had a guy called me the other day that leases for this company. He was complaining because the company docked his settlement pay. Why, you ask? Because he went over 12,000 miles in one month LOL

 

Yeah, that's pretty cruel. OTOH, there are reputable companies who hire ICs and provide unloaded mileage pay as well in addition to a fuel surcharge and discounts on a while host of other services.

 

That sounds all good.My oil interval is 2O k Mobil Delvac $110 for oil and around $50 for fuel and oil filters. So ld say we’re pretty close on that. As far as synthetic I’m not gonna knock it. I would probably use it myself in the newer engines as they create so much heat.My oil sample is excellent at 1.2 million miles on an overhaul.I admit I’m surprised.When I bought my first Classic in 2000, I considered an aero Truck However after getting Fleet avg of only .5 mpg diff. The choice was clear. I had resale in mind at the time. Over the years I’ve seen the hassle it is to repair the aero Trucks.I do my own work if possible. The cost and availability of parts is another factor. The Truck is very cost efficient. If it wasn’t I wouldn’t have bought another. My first Truck before my Classics was a WS Beautiful Truck. Parts were a problem and still are Today. Kind of like Volvo’s. Good fuel mileage is nothing new. 7.5 was the norm for a Detroit in a Cabover or Fld since the 80s. I once idled one for 3 days as that was the company policy in winter. Still got over 7 mpg avg on the tank.You talk about so called Modern gear ratios. Again nothing new. Swift ran little Detroit’s w/9 spd directs and 290 rears. No one could understand why they would do such a goofy spec. Hurt resale. They didn’t care.Swift knew way before all the paid mouthpieces that are constantly educating Drivers with old recycled theory’s and advice.Any one with half a brain and a calculater can figure out what’s best for their operation. You don’t need a Sponsored paid talk host or his book. Basic common sense. Fuel savings are great. But you have to run to realize the savings. New Trucks are Great for the first few years then reality sets in and your maintenance costs are the same ( probably much higher) than mine.And if your lucky you can run a few yrs before an overhaul or Trade up without a loss or Rebuild and run longer trying to capture those elusive savings you’ve been counting on. I paid $21000 for my Truck Jan 2009. It had a fresh overhaul and you’re right it’s been in shop twice for more than a day. Once for a clutch in 2010 overnight and once for a trans in 2011 overnight. Other than that the only mechanic I’ve paid was to install rear spring bushings. I’ve put 3 a/c compressors ( upgraded to Sanden) 2 sets airbags got new ones now 1 clutch fan 2 turbos 2 injectors 1 steering box and an air compressor and rebuilt drive shaft. It probably sounds like a lot but none of it was expensive. About the cost of a Tank of fuel on avg.And 1 air drier ready for another one . It’s not the fancy hard to get at expensive improved one. Just an old AD9 easy acess cost $169.00 good for another 5 yrs.

 

11000 include my trailer which avg less than 2 cpm so around 8 cpm cost of maintenance on Truck . Soon to increase when I do overhaul($15k cost)