Alliance Advice Thread

As an Alliance driver, I make high $50's as a solo driver and mid $70s if I train.
There is no real secret. Just follow the business plan they give you before you sign on.
The single largest variable is your fuel consumption. The better mpg's the better your check.
Watch your fuel pricing. Purchase at the lowest cost locations. That isn't always your optistops. Experience will show you where to purchase.
As an example, NEVER purchase in Calif unless you have to. Then only the bare minimum to get you to the next state.
Fill your tank before entering the state. As an example, I purchase in St George for about 0.50 per gallon cheaper than I can purchase in Barstow.
Keep your out of route miles to a minimum (good trip planning), run your APU only when needed.
Just common sense things.
Develop your contact with the dispatchers. Work with them for preplans so you don't sit. Look to see where you can repower a load that doesn't work for you.
I don't like running in areas with tolls. So if I have a NE run (and no student), from the time I pick it up, I look for the best place to repower it.
Again, if I pickup a meat load in Dodge, I know E St Louis to Chicago is a good corridor to trade loads with someone else.
That way, I keep rolling.
Those are the major points to concentrate on.

Now I disagree with you on your postulation that leasing is to benefit the company only. A new driver will make .30 to .32 per mile and work his/her way up over years.
the same driver can make .39-.45 per mile under the Alliance program.
Does it benefit the company?
of course.
But it benefits the driver too.
It's symbiotic. Both benefit.
But it isn't for someone that doesn't want to work hard.
If you've ever owned a small business, you know you eat, sleep, and live that business to be successful.
If you aren't willing to do that, then Alliance is probably not for you.

 

What Emulsified said is spot on.
I would only add that I dont get my PM Service done at TA/Petro like Stevens advises. I always hit Speedco and save some $$$

 

Whatever twirls your propeller.
I had a business partner whose 3 most important things in life: Women, His house, His car.
As he aged, he found it cost more and more for the women he wanted.
He kept upgrading his house, but never was satisfied
And he drove very expensive cars.

I kept the same wife
I stayed in the same house
I drove a car that cost less than half what he spent.

But both of us were happy.
So some drivers want the brand new Pete or KW or whatever. It's what makes them want to get up in the morning.
Why deny it?
If you want the lowest payment...great!
Different strokes for different folks.

 

it's not $540.00 including fixed cost is it?what is the (ballpark) total cost per week?

 

Payment, insurance, variables, maintenance escrow...etc...figure $900-$950.

 

As an alliance operator cam you have a pet or is it strict no pet there as well. And what about riders as an alliance drive r. Is the age requirement the same for a rider. Do they really go through the alliance program with you and show toy the basic in and out of the business. You mentioned repowering in order to keep you running and of the east coast tolls. How do you decide if it is beneficial for you to repower. Is it hard to get the repower approved what reason do you have to give for that option. Other than not refusing loads and keeping the door shut and good mpg and service record what else helps with success. Do you find training beneficial as a alliance driver. What if a student messes up your truck like rolling it who flips that Bill. Is it better to be paid by mile or percentage of the load. Is that even an option. Thank you on advanced for your time in answering.