Taking the plunge. My journey as an O/O.

How many miles are on the truck?

 

I cringe when I read how much you’re paying the Shops. Now you say you’re a Mechanic! How does this not bother you? Solo Driver, You have room for 3 toolboxes on the floor of your bunk. Not only is Crete going to have You broke, Youyrunning the risk of owing them soon for repairs. You’ve already gave their Shop back a considerable amount. You can make a decent living, clearing .90c a mile after fuel. I’ve done it, but not if You’re paying high Shop bills, like You’ve been doing. Its hard to still get the miles You need.And work on the Truck. But it can be done. As You’ve pointed out, the more miles you run, the lower your fixed CPM. Same holds true for variable costs overall, even though more miles = more maintenance. You need to get the repair bills under control. That’s what is killing You now. Add a major unexpected expense that has to be done at a shop, You’re done, or deeper in debt.

 

What’s the total cpm? $0.03 or $0.05? Minimal maintenance Tires and pm @ 25 k is at least $.0.04 cpm alone.Do you run extended oil intervals? What’s the secret?

 

I guess a lot of luck. I run B service at 25k to 28k miles.

 

And I thought I was the King of good Luck! Lol I came in around $0.07 cpm last year. $5900 on 85 k miles. Truck and Trailer, includes a few washes to get the salt off. 19 yr old Truck and 11 yr old Trailer. I’m going to go back 11 yrs from when I bought the Truck. Everything ever done has usually been under $0.10 pm including Trailer. Never kept a Truck this long, I’m curious though what my maintenance costs will be on a 12 yr. average, Truck only, after I OH engine, as I bought it with a fresh OH. I recall saying back in 2000, if a Trucks costing Me more than $0.05 cpm maintenance, it’s time for a new Truck. Lol. Now normal maintenance, not counting repairs is about that much. Anyway, good #s, makes You want to quit while ahead. But never know, maybe You just got a good one. Maybe should keep it. I myself have been surprised with mine lasting so long.As they say, You know what you got.

 

Mine will be paid off in 18 mos. I can see daylight and it feels pretty good. I should be at 425k to 450k miles at that point. Unless the truck starts to nickel and dime me to death, I'm going to milk it for all I can.