The journey begins - purchased a truck.

You’re all on the same page as us.

Gretchen has a traveling NP friend,
There’s my chiropractor - who actually listened in his years of med school -
Pretty good relationship with my GP,

And a healthy distaste for the pharmaceutical industry here, and the profit driven hospitals.

And the good old internet. Even Dr. Steve (Wierd medicine on XM radio) said -

“This isn’t the 70’s. We don’t have to consult libraries full of medical literature. It’s all online, available to anyone, it just takes some time and research, and you have 75% of the knowledge that doctors possess, without broad practical application “

 

Yeah, I think so. Unless something pops up worth doing. Not my most stellar year for revenue, but enough to sit through the holidays.

I do like me a little snow driving, but I just managed to pressure wash all that nasty salt and sand out of the crooks and crannies in the trailer, so I'm not feeling the urge to go get it dirty again.

We're okay right now. My 84 year old neighbors' son is about to leave back to Montana, so I'll be keeping an eye on him and helping out if needed. Hard transition for him after 60+ years of marriage.

 

A look at the numbers for the past 3 years.

2023 - may as well call it done.

$156k 1099.
49,500 miles total, 22,250 miles loaded - 45% LD, 55% DH
$3.15/mile TTT - $1.90/mile profit.
90 days worked.
28 loads.

Profit to expense ratio - 60% keep / 40% expense

2022 - for comparison

$171k 1099
48,000 miles total, 28,600 billed - 42% LD, 58% DH
$3.57/mile TTT - $2.01/mile profit
95 days worked
32 loads.

Profit to expense ratio - 56% keep / 44% expense

2021 - let's go there too

$204k 1099
52,600 miles total, 33,000 billed - 62% LD, 38% DH
$3.89 mile TTT - $2.46 mile profit
120 days worked
58 loads.

Profit to expense ratio - 63% keep / 37% expense.

Notable , fuel cost as percentage of revenue over the 3 years - same truck, similar conditions -

2021 - 12%
2022 - 17%
2023 - 20%

Landstar has a nifty little breakdown tool that , in conjunction with the profit gauges, gives me these irritating little factoids to track 'performance' (or lack thereof).

Obviously what I was doing 3 years ago, as to what this year has been, have had a marked impact on revenue, and profitability.

Given the dire straits (depending on who you talk to) of the industry and economy - I don't see it as a terrible year, one in which I (and I'm sure us all, in our own networks outside TTR) have seen many friends and fellow truckers either retire, pull the plug or sideline.

But there is a solid 12% year over year, cumulative 25% drop in the major tickers in my operation, in the last 3 years.

For anyone lurking without commenting, and number researching - to recap for you - this is a paid off, debt free, one man chuck operation, leased to a carrier. Household debt is zero, no children in house, wife retired, and responsible for own medical insurance. Late 40's, early 50's.