There is money to be made with 9+ mpg trucks

So what do you guys consider decent money? Teachers take home around $3,000 per month, but the O/O's I've talked to seem to think that $1,000 per week after expenses is laughable pay. Could soneone explain why? I don't want to offend anybody, but some drivers seem rather greedy. The idea of someone not being able to live comfortably on that kind of money boggles my mind. What do owner operators want to (realistically) take home after expenses?

 

You can't compare this to a regular job like teaching. It's apples to oranges. Teachers aren't running a business. Business must turn a profit there is nothing greedy about that it's just how the real world works. And there are a lot more costs to a truck than just fuel. Most of those very same o/o laughing at $1,000 a week probably think clearing $2,000 after fuel on a 3,000+ miles week is "good money" when in reality it's an unprofitable operation. Knowing the true cost to roll and making above or beyond what a top tier experienced company driver makes after that is what most o/o want to bring home.

 

I can make $1,000 plus running someone else's truck. Why would I take on the risk and extra work for no additional income? A buddy of my lost a steer in Chicago a couple years back. It cost him $1,000 for one tire and road call. New trucks are $150,000!!! On top of that, since you cite teachers, they get summers off, tons of vacation days in the school year, great benefits, and know they just have to show up to collect a check. That has zero in common with an owner operator trucker. Teachers aren't driving through snow storms to make a delivery, they aren't sleeping at the school at night in a small closet, and on and on.

 

i think the drivers put fuel out of their own pocket into the tanks,im calling ######## on anything over 7 mpg from anybody

 

My friend that works for prime gets 7.5-8.7 a lot. He has a '12 cascadia. I seriously doubt he's putting any of his own money in his truck. He never idles since he has an apu. The newer Aero trucks today can easily see over 7mpg. Depends on who's driving.

Ill still take a hood over an Aero truck any day. There are guys on here seeing 6.5+ with an old 379. So its not a big deal to get over 7 with an Aero hood

Ethan

 

Well that clears up a few things for me. Thanks drivers, your wisdom and time is appreciated.

 

My 2000 379 got a consistent 7 with 550,18spd,3.70 and 22.5lp. The three main keys to mpg are idling(rarely idled),speed(i ran 65 max), and light throttle going through the gears. The most areodynamic truck in the world won't help if you have super trucker behind the wheel.

 

I saw a unicorn about 5:00am the other morning after driving all night....... No!...... Really! I did! Bbwwwwwwaaaahhhhhaaa!

 

quit listening to coast to coast am while driving

 

I thought the old saying went "Pics or it didn't happen!" heh.