Truck Load Rates Halt 8 Week Slide 2.0

Certainly, it was the greatest so far for me. I am sure that some fellows reporting $10K on 1500 miles per week or 40K per month are better showcases but this is what I got. I thought that I would show it here because, during the history of this thread, I reported the lowest and the highest points, so now there is an example of how things change in time.
I expected that the average rate per mile would be higher, somewhere above $3 but it must have been the deadhead that skewed the effect of good rates, which often were $4-5 per mile on Chicago outbound lanes and almost always more than $2 per mile on the backhaul.
I don't mind to deadhead even 500 - 700 or more miles on a whim. Often going home or just getting out of a lousy place where I feel bad. Something like that and at that frequency would not be possible for a company driver. I think that despite all the high mileage this year, the home time was the best ever. Many loads I picked were chosen in such a way that they would allow me to spend a day or night at home en route, while most of the weekends and all the holidays, I was home present as well. Twice, I went on luxurious 8 day long vacations, which greatly helped to recharge batteries - especially on the mental side.
But I was willing to pay the price for that - the DH, reflecting in the lower rate per mile.
In the last two years or so, I am less focused on what the rate per mile would be versus how much money I would be left with after fuel and tolls. So for example, if during 4-6 days a week, I already know that the revenue is high enough to allow me $3000-4000 after fuel and tolls (including possible cost fuel and toll to deadhead home) then I will deadhead if I feel like it.
This year started very well. The first week's loop was $5700 on 1600 miles. I went from Chicago to Williamsport, MD for $3850 then deadheaded to Altoona, PA to deliver close home for $1850. After fuel and tolls, it would have been a net of $4500 but I did PM at Speedco for $450 and bought a set of 4 new batteries for $600. On the other hand, I just paid my last trailer loan installment, so now I have $600 of more disposable income at hand every month and this way, I'll be able to afford to do just a little more of the frivolous deadhead or book a load for just a little less than others, so it is awarded to me and not to them.

 

Made some progress over the weekend. I don’t like how the fenders sit with the bags inflated so this week we’re going to build a new front bracket, and I’ll end up having to drill new holes for the rear bracket but that’s life. Also screwed around and painted some things that they don’t paint at the factory. Salesman told me Friday that he has an offer of $220k if I want to let it go, but now I kind of like it.

 

For 220,000 I would keep it. At 250,000 I would really consider it but doubt I would then either. Nice looking paint job!

 

to calculate the cost of ownership too many people think of truck payments, like if its paid off it doesn't cost. it still does of course, because eventually it needs replaced. So, when you calculate your ownership costs, now do you do it? depreciate the purchase price to zero straightline over 10 years to get a useage rate, or what?

 

Yeah, the salesman is probably making 20 or 30k off of it. Heck, I’d toss around the idea of giving 225k so I can resell it myself. Seriously.

But, After crawling under it, touching her up, and massaging on some of her bolts, I’m confident Long FLD is going to keep it anyway. lol

 

Only thing better then more money less miles is more money and even more miles. Glad you had a good year Joe.

 

If I was not driving the truck and was putting a driver in it. IT would be sold without thinking about it for that. Ha Ha

 

I don't have any method about it. I paid it off in two years after I bought it -$55k, I paid down $20k.
I never worried about the replacement fund but I always made sure to have enough cash on hand ($20k - $30k) for the purpose of making a good down payment for a brand new or to buy another used.
I still do but new trucks are about 20k more if ordered through a dealer and the used ones are even more overpriced. New trucks are hard to come by, so if something major happens I will most likely pay for a new engine and keep using the truck I have.
I spent roughly $15k - $20k per year on maintenance and repairs. You don't have it with a new truck but instead you have $150k to pay off in 5 years. Even with today's good rates it means a steady systematic workload done at pacy tempo.
.

 

I'd like to run less and spend more time at home for the same money, of course.

 

At 220 I’d make 50 over what I paid. And my old truck is bringing only 20 less than what I paid for it 3 years ago. But as much as I like a fixed up Freightliner I don’t know if I could drive a 22 year old truck every day anymore.