Going back to OTR with Schneider Lease Purchase!

Definitely the case in Texas. I woulda thought rates would be better there but it's almost not worth going that way, save for the cheap fuel. Money is made in the Midwest. Lots of good loads going into the Northeast, provided you're lucky enough to find a decent backhaul for more than $1.10/mi

 

For the first question: I'm not so sure. SFI runs on weekly payments, and I'm paying $940 something a week just for the truck itself. Mind you it's brand new and I put $3000 down ($1600 cash, $1400 rebate). A 2018 truck I was shown came in at only $40-$50 cheaper a week, and because it's older, they require a larger weekly maintenance deduction that basically wipes out the benefit of a lower payment. In my opinion the only thing an older truck grants you is a shorter lease term, 1-2.5 years depending on age vs 3 years brand new.

2nd Question: Yes the whole truck payment (truck, MMA account) plus insurance and permits are due every week whether you work or not. Incomplete or late payments are subject to a 5% or $50 late fee iirc. To take that much time off so as to not miss a payment you'd have to build up enough cash in your optional truck credits account to cover those costs. I'm initially deducting $100/wk starting on the 17th. At that rate, I could take a full week off and have those things taken care of as soon as the 3rd week of April.

3rd Question: If you mark a trailer "no defects" when something is damaged on your pretrip, and the next driver to have that trailer marks it as damaged, it's technically yours. But if you get into a not at fault accident that damages the trailer, you're absolved of responsibility. Regardless of how the trailer is damaged though, you can't be expected to pay out of your own pocket for equipment that belongs to Schneider. Your financial responsibility begins and ends with your own tractor. For example, you're driving and got a flat trailer tire. Schneider will pay for the repair truck to come and replace it. If you have a problem with your truck, you are responsible for all repairs and tow if necessary, which can also be paid through your MMA account, provided you have enough stashed away.

 

This past week was damage control but I'll make just enough to pay my necessary bills and get by. Nothing to complain about. This week though should be good, and on top of that I've found a load going to California! Should be easier finding a load from there back to Utah

Here's my runs for this week:
Cedar Rapids, IA - Romeoville, IL, 208mi, $497
Gary, IN - Gas City, IN, 190mi, $320
Indianapolis, IN - Carlisle, PA, 593mi, $1130
York, PA - Franklin, KY, 751mi, $792
Evansville, IN - Hammond, IN, 389mi, $493
Elwood, IL - Delaware, OH, 348mi, $644
Rockford, OH - Frankfort, IN, 219mi, $386

2698mi, $4262 revenue. $1.579/mi for the pay period ending the 13th.

I'll also be picking up a load in Plainfield, IN late Monday delivering to Perris, CA the following Friday! It may only be $1.30/mi all miles but it will more than cover my expenses for the week in one shot, and I've still got Saturday, Sunday and Monday the 20th to build on that.

I had found an unbelievable load from Winona, MN to Phoenix, AZ today. Paid $1.80-1.90/mi but before I could figure out a route to make the pickup, someone else grabbed it! So I settled for the Perris run. Still not bad as it shouldn't weigh a ton and I don't have to cross snowy mountain grades through New Mexico.

Think I'll keep my wife outta the loop and surprise her with the news the day before I return home. This'll be fun!