6 years OTR but struggling to get back in it

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by DeathByCheetos, Feb 26, 2023.

  1. DeathByCheetos

    DeathByCheetos Bobtail Member

    Typically 6.5k-8k net including after my overhead expenses of essentials and running costs plus the taxes i have to take out. But again i essentially live out of the truck lol. No car payment or rent etc
     
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  3. ATXCowboy

    ATXCowboy Light Load Member

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    not bad at all. Do you own the truck? What kind of truck are you driving? I’m thinking about doing something similar as I’m already retired
     
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  4. DeathByCheetos

    DeathByCheetos Bobtail Member

    I normally go to companys that allow me to do kind of like a rental truck deal. They cover maintenance and when the truck breaks down i just switch to a different one. All other costs i cover. These newer trucks are kind of not great when it comes to keeping them after 700k miles but there are arguments for both sides. This just works for me so when i want to take a break i don't need to worry about the extra over head costs. Even with a fully paid off truck insurance, permits, etc still need to pay. also typically find my own loads on the DAT unless the dispatcher finds better. Screenshot the load after negotiating with broker for better rate then send it over which the dispatcher then books for me. My personal tactic for running. Obviously the other fundamentals of why you take loads to certain areas and where your willing to run or not willing to run all come in to how much you make. So you could make more or less
     
    Last edited: Feb 28, 2023
  5. ATXCowboy

    ATXCowboy Light Load Member

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    interesting. Are you able to rent month to month?
     
  6. DeathByCheetos

    DeathByCheetos Bobtail Member

    That just depends on the company. Some im sure do others might no. For me through if i know im going to take a break i just let them know ahead of time then drop the truck off and they cut the payments.
     
  7. ATXCowboy

    ATXCowboy Light Load Member

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    but you are running under your own authority right? Are you doing power only?
     
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  8. DeathByCheetos

    DeathByCheetos Bobtail Member

    No i run under the companies authority and use there dot to access the DAT. I pay monthly subscription for the DAT when doing this. Dry van. Refer and flatbed also usually can do this. It has its advantages and disadvantages. If contracted, companies have the ** we dont do business with these brokers or companies list** . so all loads you won't be able to take. So double checking before trying to negotiate is always good if the company you are wanting to book with you can do business with
     
    Last edited: Feb 28, 2023
  9. ATXCowboy

    ATXCowboy Light Load Member

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    sorry if my questions may sound dumb however I’m just learning the business. So from what I understand you’re leased on to a carrier? And you’re doing 3-6months of work per year while living in the truck?
     
  10. DeathByCheetos

    DeathByCheetos Bobtail Member

    Yeap, pretty much lol.
     
  11. ATXCowboy

    ATXCowboy Light Load Member

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    Sounds like you’re living quite the life there :) when you do your leases do you usually do 3 months at a time and then month to month? What’s the monthly payment on that arrangement if you don’t mind me asking?
     
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