2 questions for Choice program drivers.

One thing to keep in mind. If you have a diesel Tri-pac, it only has a 65 amp DC alternator. A 700 watt microwave requires 85-100 amps DC not AC. You should still idle truck to use the microwave or eventually burn up the small alternator. I speak from past experience. The Tri-pac alternator is only designed to charge the batteries nothing more.

 

I do idle while using the microwave. Good advice

 

What's the fix cost

 

You find your break even point by knowing what all your operating costs are including fixed,variable then figuring what you need to just break even some even add in their home expenses and do it that way but thats an overall break even not just a business break even. I figure my Fixed,Variable and Profit margin but not my home expenses. I include a salary in my fixed which covers all my personal expenses. I run the truck as a business not a bigger paycheck.

 

Im not trying to hijack thread, but you can read my averages here.....Look at post #30.

http://www.thetruckersreport.com/truckingindustryforum/schneider/243616-my-ic-s-3.html

 

Whats your fixed cost

 

I have tried the lease purchase program with a company only once and found that you never get what they say. I purchased my own truck and started increasing my revenue a lot quicker without all the extra's that was included by the lease purchase programs. Also when using outside brokers such as what you spoke about, I found that you can get the load on your trailer quicker than you will get paid for hauling it. When ever doing business with any broker, make sure you having their bonding information up front and a way to find out if that broker pays as stated or will you have to run them down. As a former owner operator, I never leased to a company that where they didn't supply my loads going and coming.

 

So what are you saying?

 

i'll also do that from now on

 

using your method i decided my breakeven per day is 570. That'll cover all company expenses along with all my major monthly bills so after 2900 everything else is taxes pocket money and savings. Doing it this way puts in into perspective to help me plan.
So Lue51
I figure this can further be broken into weeks, like i know the first two weeks of the month are heavy on bills and the third is non existent and the 4th is light so i can say weeks one and two i need to run hard and aim for 4k+ but week three i can work a few days and aim just for 3200 or something . Lke Tenn and this other vets will tell you planning is vital to success. I'm new and im its a bit of a crash course but i think i'll get better with planning in the coming weeks