considering leasing

I've averaged just under $1100/wk gross (including per diem) here as a 2nd year company driver this year. That's with taking maximum allowed hometime and boatload of maintenence problems and downtime in january/february. I could probably push much higher if I stayed out longer and didn't catch absolute hell this winter.

I don't know how much greener the pastures can potentially be on the lease side, but not having to make a truck payment when I go home, shell out money for repairs, and dealing with MPG killing winter blend fuels in my opinion prime treats it's company guys exceptionally well and minus the hassle and financial headache when things go south.

 

It's all about how efficiently you run your business. No experience? Don't expect to be able to run that business well enough to beat the company paycheck.

 

IP, how much does it cost per mile for you to run including fuel and scheduled maintenance? I was considering an opportunity which is $.95/mile plus fuel surcharge, tolls, bobtail. All drop and hook. I don't have truck payments and like the fact I won't be waiting for scheduled load and unloads.
thanks!

 

$1.09 per mile, including my truck payment. That's not a lease payment.

 

That would leave about $.55/ mile based on what the are telling me. Plus since we are paying cash for the trucks. That is very helpful.

 

It's all based on fuel consumption... I'm running 8.47 mpg (current 30-day average including APU burn,) and I do a really good job of buying my fuel. So do keep that in mind.

 

A skill you picked up through experience no doubt. I don't think guys fully understand how important saving money on fuel is, both usage and price.

 

I showed up in Springfield a little over 2 years ago with nothing but a permit , a crisp 100 dollar bill and a bag of change, and of course clothes . I went through my PSD and TNT with a lease op he tried to talk me into going company but couldn't convince me I jumped head first into a 3 year lease and I'm loving every minute of it I make good money . the best advice my trainer gave me when he knew he couldn't convince me to go company was the ch cking acct decides when I go home not me . I think that is where most ppl get into trouble thinking hey it is my business I'll go home when I want

 

We try to get folks to do a year or two on the company side simply because the failure rate in the first year is so high... the deck is stacked against you. It gives folks a chance to get trucking figured out, decide if driving is something they're suited to, and lay back enough cash to get through the rough patches. Even the most inconsequential choices have financial consequences when you're leasing.

 

Krazy these guys are assuming that you think you can make $2000 because your trainer does. Why dont you tell us what you expect to make per week leasing on your own?