$15-$30K Net Profit Owner Operator in 2022?

I have to ask what is up with the rates. My owner-operator friends say they're making 30K to 15K net after a month's expenses. If the truck and trailer are paid off is that even a possible number? Obviously, the market fluctuates, and the truckers are expensive. I got out of the trucking game in 2015 and drove for someone else and saved money to retire early, but what the 30-15k net! What do you guys think?

 

There are a few guys here posting statements etc that could allude to 15-20k months relatively consistent.

All depends on your area, freight lanes, type of trucking etc

 

Take it all with a grain of salt. This is the internet.

And some people don't know the difference between gross and net.

 

Think of it in terms of the olden days when a gold rush would happen. If we’re looking at a time line then you’re towards the end of it. At this point and where you currently stand, the ship has sailed.

Those that were already digging dirt and when tools were cheap, struck gold.

 

If I run hard 6 days pulling containers for cotton out of west texas my average NET after ALL expenses was between 3.8k- 4.7k. that was pulling containers. Our dry van guys steadily make 4.5k- 5.5k net running FTW-> OKC -> Austin -> Amarillo -> Dallas Tx. Or any of those routes in rotation. Been doing that for 6 months now. They work 4-5 days.

The key is that I own my truck and have already rebuilt it. My maintenance stays pretty low and my trucks gets 6.7-7.5 mpg.

No way I’d get a new truck now, these rates aren’t gonna stay. Tail end of it now. When rates were more normal I’d normally run 4-5 days, home daily, netting 2.5k-3.3ish.

 

Ha a perfect example! I am gonna use it the next time someone asks me about buying a truck and hiring a driver.

 

I have one load booked for Monday that will net me 13k for a 5.5 day run..

 

No way you can know your net until the load is delivered.
You can only “guesstimate.”

 

Yes, and I under estimate as always

 

Depends who and what they are hauling, and how much road time.

January & February $20K yes. That's me with my humble Cascadia and dry van.

March no.

Last two weeks are bouncing at $5K.

I can't run like I used too, but a young guy could definitely pull down $250K this year.