So if this is real, how much left for me? The Real Cost of Trucking...

You seem to be a numbers guy. Do some research on a few of the publicly traded carriers and see what their profit per truck is.

 

As any one that has taken a course in mathematical statistcs can tell you . . . . . 98% of all statistics are made up. ~Author Unknown
In most studies the author will start with the answer that they want to achieve and then make the numbers up to back their theory.

Rely on no ones research but you own. . . . . ~My Dad.

 

I stopped at $4,000 a year for tires.

 

One of the best high level breakdowns I have seen. You can likely pick apart every number and depending on your operation come in over or under these numbers. Not sure that these numbers hold for a small carrier that can't buy anything in bulk. Long ago I came to the understanding that a large carrier can make pennies a mile and do well.

 

The most important number in any CPM estimate is fuel costs. Most of our expenses have stayed current with inflation over the last 15 years with the exception of fuel. That's just my opinion. However, your cost per mile in fuel is the single biggest expense and will eat up your cash faster than anything else.

For a good idea of how crazy fuel costs can be in this industry, checkout what Mesilla Valley has done to their trucks. Not just the boat tail fairings, but the power to the axles, and a whole bunch of other crud.

The one thing missing from that image above is how much capital you have that can extend out to 30-35 days, and there's a huge intrinsic value in how fast you get paid.

 

I have sent this to over 20 drivers that I have talked to in the past that I have noted are visual learners. Several have come back and said it makes sense and the spreadsheets that they struggle with now seem easy.

Other use outside what Sam is talking about is to use it as a bench mark. If your tires are more than $4k a year then you need to ask why and what you can do to reduce that.

But again, great job Sam.

 

I thought the numbers were pretty close to my year end numbers.