Truck Driving Jobs

Redd202 · #31 01-03-2008, 11:46 PM

Perhaps I should have clarified in my first post. The thread was directed towards owner-op's with their own authority, though all posts are welcome (just be sure you specify which one your are: authority or leased :wink: )

wildkat · #32 01-04-2008, 12:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Redd202

Perhaps I should have clarified in my first post. The thread was directed towards owner-op's with their own authority, though all posts are welcome (just be sure you specify which one your are: authority or leased :wink: )

My mistake Red...up here (Canada) we are all owner/op's. We don't have alot of what we would term as independents. I don't really know the reason, maybe the extremely high costs? Not sure

Even where I am leased on, we have a few independents, but they are known as "trip leasors". Thay have their own authority, but pull our company trailers. The only difference I can see is they lack the job stability I have, & they can't get the same discounts for fuel, insurance & big ticket items like tires, that I can buy through the comapny I work for. I must confess I fail to see the difference between the 2 otherwise, but then I am also aware that things are quite different for you guys down there!

GMAN · #33 01-04-2008, 12:31 AM

Thanks for clarifying that for us. I run my own authority. When I look at operating expenses I also consider the cost of owning a trailer, although some who lease to a carrier will also own a trailer. The numbers I noted previously did not include the cost of operating a trailer. The major cost associated with owning a trailer, other than the payments, are the tires. The type of trailer you own could impact your operating costs. A spread axle will usually need tires more frequently than a closed tandem. A reefer will require more maintenance than a van or flat.

wildkat · #34 01-04-2008, 12:38 AM

GMAN, I am so happy when I see you posting in different threads, your advise & wisdom about such things is absolutely amazing!

The wealth of knowledge you pass along to those of us is incredible.

I know whenever you are about I will definitely LEARN something today!

Keep up the good work!

GMAN · #35 01-04-2008, 02:15 AM

That is a really nice of you to say, wildkat.

wildkat · #36 01-04-2008, 02:29 AM

At the risk of hijacking the thread GMAN, as you likely know I've spent all of my adult life in this industry, have trucked all over the US & Canada, & now after 29 years on the road, 4 years ago, I have made the full circle & gone back to my beginnings in the Canadian Arctic. I love what I do & hope to help others when I can, and the day I figure I know it all is when I have become what I never wanted to ever be known as *Super Trucker*, that's the day I hang up my skates cause IMHO that is the day I become a menace!

Always have subscribed to "If I didn't learn something today, I wasted the day" philosophy on life!

I look forward to your comments, calming voice when others get offended (you never seem to & I try not to, but some days.... :lol: :lol: ), & the wisdom you have no doubt come by the hard way! As I said earlier, please, keep the wisdom coming...we could all use some of it!

no_worries · #37 01-04-2008, 02:37 AM

[quote]That's why I take truck payments at face value. Also, when the truck is paid off, now it has a ZERO operating expense. Yes it's still depreciating, but that's only meaningful for your net worth. The longer you keep it, the less meaningful depreciation is.[quote]

I knew this would come up but I've been skiing all day :lol: What you're talking about is cash-flow, not income. I inevitably get into long drawn-out discussions regarding accounting, so I won't this time :lol: But don't be so quick to poo-poo net worth (or your balance sheet). This is a much more accurate gauge of the success of a business (or individual for that matter) than cash flow, especially over a time horizon of any meaningful length.

allan5oh · #38 01-04-2008, 02:43 AM

But see the problem is no_worries, is that your "asset" is constantly depreciating. I'd rather just consider it worth NOTHING for a few reasons:

1) If you traded it in, the new truck would depreciate faster

2) If you just sell it, then you have no way of making income

I understand fully the difference between cash flow and net worth, however like I said before if your cash flow is shit because your driving a big fancy truck, but you have some net worth, is that ok? No it's not, your going out of business within a matter of months.

I'd rather have my business with a near zero net worth, because then I know I cannot lose any money with depreciation, it's already gone. That is the point where you start making good money. No more payments.

no_worries · #39 01-04-2008, 05:04 AM

Like I said, it's "proper accounting" versus personal preference, which is why I won't argue much :lol: In the end, whatever you feel gives you the best idea of your progress is what's important.

allan5oh · #40 01-04-2008, 07:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by no_worries

Like I said, it's "proper accounting" versus personal preference, which is why I won't argue much :lol: In the end, whatever you feel gives you the best idea of your progress is what's important.

I've never seen "proper accounting" include personal meals on a business trip of any type.

Business meals are different.

View Poll Results: What is your per mile cost to move your truck?
Less than $0.70 cpm	4	18.18%
$0.70-0.80cpm	1	4.55%
$0.80-0.90 cpm	4	18.18%
$0.90-$1.00	5	22.73%
More than $1.00	8	36.36%
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