how much $ to put away

If Im reading your question right, I think the ideal thing now is to put back 8 months of expenses but if you only anticipate a 4 month layoff you could probably get by with 6 months expenses (Always try to put back a little extra).

 

kwhen i was in your shoes. i paid expenses and saved the rest. except for the usual play money.

savings and unemployment through the winter.

that was back when the economy was booming and there was money to be made. don't know how things are looking these days.

 

layoff as in shutting down for winter or are you shutting down over the summer (construction season). I'd try and find another company to work for to keep your wheels turnin

 

I'd personally try the seek and secure some winter work myself...it's tough to just sit and watch your savings dwindle until spring these days.

You're in Chicagoland, so there's gotta be some winter work hauling salt, etc. to survive. I'll bet that's all it is too is survival if it's anything like in the northeast here. The rates absolutely stink, but they still haul it to get through the winter. Great deal for the shippers, not so much for the truckers.

Don't know what your experience level is, or how you'd feel about getting your hazmat endorsements, but the way we do it is we have a summer job and a winter job. Haul sand & gravel during the season, then switch to fuel oil or propane in the winter. That way the revenue stays flowing. Just a little something to chew on....√

 

you plan ahead for it and save, or you line up some winter work. last year i just enjoyed a break out of the truck for a few months.