Lets talk - or not - numbers.

I posted this in my thread, but thought it might be a fun ( or not) discussion.

Number one - this isn't a phallus measuring contest. Numbers have always interested me, especially in this sector of the economy. It's so diverse. We're independent people that have an absolute myriad of different factors that come into play.

Number Two - I've always been interested and open to discussions on numbers, which seems to be outside the norm for many folks. My view is that if it helps others make better decisions, or not be fooled, or disillusioned, then it's a win.

Numero Tres - Be honest.



As a precursor - I am a solo truck - 2 trailer open deck operation leased ON to a company that primarily hauls over dimensional on 5 axles to legal weight, based in Missouri.



A look at the numbers for the past 3 years.

2023 - may as well call it done.

$156k 1099.
49,500 miles total, 22,250 miles loaded - 45% LD, 55% DH
$3.15/mile TTT - $1.90/mile profit.
90 days worked.
28 loads.

Profit to expense ratio - 60% keep / 40% expense

2022 - for comparison

$171k 1099
48,000 miles total, 28,600 billed - 42% LD, 58% DH
$3.57/mile TTT - $2.01/mile profit
95 days worked
32 loads.

Profit to expense ratio - 56% keep / 44% expense

2021 - let's go there too

$204k 1099
52,600 miles total, 33,000 billed - 62% LD, 38% DH
$3.89 mile TTT - $2.46 mile profit
120 days worked
58 loads.

Profit to expense ratio - 63% keep / 37% expense.

Notable , fuel cost as percentage of revenue over the 3 years - same truck, similar conditions -

2021 - 12%
2022 - 17%
2023 - 20%

Landstar has a nifty little breakdown tool that , in conjunction with the profit gauges, gives me these irritating little factoids to track 'performance' (or lack thereof).

Obviously what I was doing 3 years ago, as to what this year has been, have had a marked impact on revenue, and profitability.

Given the dire straits (depending on who you talk to) of the industry and economy - I don't see it as a terrible year, one in which I (and I'm sure us all, in our own networks outside TTR) have seen many friends and fellow truckers either retire, pull the plug or sideline.

But there is a solid 12% year over year, cumulative 25% drop in the major tickers in my operation, in the last 3 years.

For anyone lurking without commenting, and number researching - to recap for you - this is a paid off, debt free, one man chuck operation, leased to a carrier. Household debt is zero, no children in house, wife retired, and responsible for own medical insurance. Late 40's, early 50's.

 

Moving into 6 years of medical leave ….. planning on jumping back in when things look up….lol
0.0 income and about 300 miles a year joyriding………

Have kept everything active…so far. Although ifta is pretty cranky with me.

 

Well, even after tossing it over my shoulder, my phallus still drags the ground so I will bow out of this discussion.

 

Did you wrap it around at least one time?

 

Leased on to a carrier with my own truck, this year I’m down 27 cents per mile for all miles to my truck after lease compared to last year. And I will say it’s a noticeable difference in weekly revenue if I have to do a broker load that isn’t one of our regulars to get out of an area.

 

I am a company driver now, have been since 2016, but I have always been interested in the numbers, similar to what you said Blair.

So I'll lurk and enjoy the thread.

Cheers
Kevin

 

We carry only our own product, so our numbers are meaningless: they are passed on in the price of the product.

Sales are up about 40% over last year, the trucks are running about the same miles, so the bills are getting paid and we get to keep a little more than last year.

 

I don't/won't know until end of year/tax filing how good or bad it really is. I can and do gauge it through the year and get pretty close, but I do play with depreciation and 179 to get my final numbers.

Revenue wise, so far, it's looking like 2023 is down close to $1 per mile TTT vs 2022. 2022 finalized @ $2.4x a mile cost. Aside from dressing my wife pretty and eating most meals, literally every expense I have goes on a form B, C, D or F. It will be hard to show a profit on anything this year, and I'm holding out as much as I can (tires, batteries, etc.) until next year where I can kick the can down the road another 12 months. If we're still here that is. I expect nukes dropped on us more than a economic recovery at this point.

 

For comparison,I'm a company driver.Im old so I don't drive all year,take a break between trips.Gross is 55k so far and I have good benefits,some paid time off.After taxes and all deductions I take home .50 a mile,so about $30 an hour.Pay is 2k to 3k,twice a month.Our top team made $140,000 each last year with a lot of driving.

 

I haven't looked at $$#'s for a bit, so I'll have to revisit.

Miles for 2021 80,251
2022 132,980
2023. 126,011 currently

Last 90 days 31,660 miles for a gross revenue of $75,388