Some numbers for new O/O

And you try to explain that to people that aren't in our profession, and they can't grasp where you are coming from or why.

 

As a matter of fact, remembering your outstanding numbers, (which make mine dull as hell ) I think that you are well qualified to start a thread of how to maximize the revenue side of the equation. I mean maximization of home time with revenue over 200K. There is not a single one formula for everyone, but there must be some common things. For instance, going beyond comfort zone and stop relying on load-boards as much.

 

I think that the real and potential costs are often underestimated and played down. Even as a driver, I only saw the fuel prices and anything else was completely obscure. Besides, the newcomers - myself included at the time, have a tendency to enter the field with this strong dose of naivete, despite all the warnings in place. On the other hand, you have to risk sometimes too, otherwise you're always going to be stuck in the same place.

 

You have to save money is the golden rule period. I don't care what you do. So many guys get their first big check, and it's spent on something useless. Saving every penny for years is the only way.

 

Everyone wants a guarantee. Good luck with that. The only thing I promise everyone coming in, is that on occasion, through no fault of your own, you will get it shoved up your ###. It's just the way it goes.

 

I've utilized that very principle since becoming an owner operator. Live below your means on EVERY level and save.

You're right, when I worked inside for a time, so many company guys turned lease ops would show up and show me their new Ford pick-up, 5th wheel, Harley, etc.

Little did they know what was coming...

 

My standard celebration when I complete a run is some Chinese and a Starbucks. $10 give or take. I tell people that, and they're like " Wow you're a real animal." How do you think I got the money for the truck I'm offering to put you in? To cover your butt, until you get a healthy maintenance fund built? I just through my old sneakers away that were 2 years old. The back of the one finally wore through to the plastic and was starting to dig into the flesh. My phone is 3 years old. But currently I'm looking for two more drivers lol.

 

@TallJoe
Thanks for sharing your numbers. They are very close in percentages to mine. Looks like you had a nice balanced year?

Seems like no mater what something happens every year that’s $10 to $15k just when you feel like you got it all figured out?

Then your down a couple weeks with personal things and bam!!!!!

Right back to having to refill the war chest. $$$$$

 

It was a good year but in retrospect, seeing how slow it is now, perhaps I should have run harder and made more out of it. I was not expecting this downturn coming so early and to this low level. Quite the contrary, I hoped until November that it would get even better, so I thought that I should take it easy and conserve some energy for later.
The cost side is unforgiving, year after year, I spend the same amount of money for maintenance and pretty much the rest of it is the same too. I don't hope that it will be much different this year either. The revenue side is what makes a difference and getting that 190-200K in 2019 won't be easy If I sit at home for over 4 months in total again.

 

Yup, I was making a living on less than 300 mile runs the last couple years. I had to switch it up this year for market and company reasons. I’m now over 500 mile average.

2018 was $247 gross for me. I’m sure I could of got to $300 or really close had I tried harder?

I’m running hard right now because rates are still better than 2016 and I fear the rates will be back down there in the fall of this year?

We better get it while we can?