What can you see clearly? That I pay myself a $72,000 a year salary?

 

No need to go into detail. We can arrive at our own numbers now.

 

Finally things are back to normal! Rev and Steve are not getting along anymore. :lol: I felt the need for comedic relief.

 

I am curious though - what exactly is the huge revelation that you think you've garnered from me posting my numbers? Frankly, I don't really see the significance, since I doubt my numbers are all that different than anyone else's.

 

Do you honestly think I care? I wouldn't have posted my numbers if they were some super-secret thing. I think Steve's just been drinking too much, and thinks he's one-upped me. Hell - if he would have just asked me to post them, I would have. I have nothing to hide. If I did, I wouldn't have done that 20 Q thread.


Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going back to watching The Texas Chainsaw Massacre.

 

I don't know if you care or not, you tell me! Honestly I'm not gonna take sides but what is wrong with posting your numbers? There just numbers and everyone is gonna have different numbers cause each driver runs different not two drivers run alike. If they do they may have slightly different numbers. I don't see what the big deal is honestly!

 

Me either. I think Steve is just being a douche.

 

Your question is pretty vague- "base cost for operating a truck"

I think reviewing your Dad's receipts since the beginning is where you can start. This is how transportation companies, as well as retail, develop trends for volume, expenses, etc. Since he's started up, you know annual costs like 2290, insurance, etc...

My costs per operation, differ from a lot of o/o's here. I'm leased, so besides trailer washes, I have no expense for a trailer like depreciation/replacement, maintenance.

Since you run flatbed, you need to analyze the freight climate for such freight. Weight, miles (length of haul), and geographic of inbound/outbound freight- and what it all pays. You're limited now with your radius, but looking outside the box for beyond your radius will help you prepare for the upcomin year(s).

But, going back to the beginning of my post, your Dad's expenses is where you can start. Then, like a smart business(person)- be PC in Y2K :wink: , you can "tighten the belt" in different areas of costs. I learned how to cut corners here and there to bring my operation over the past years. Little things like-

what state to fuel in

fueling at truckstops in my lanes of travel, allowing me to build shower credits for when I need them (no shower fees)

LISTENING TO OTHER DRIVERS

Picking routes that make the most sense- (I had a discussion w/ Mr Booth about Vegas to the east. I always run 15 to 80, not 70. Hills = fuel...)


Hopefully this advice makes sense, or steers you in the right direction. Of course, I run my business differently than most. I run newer equipment, spend more on preventative maintenance, and eat in restuarants that cost a buck or two more :wink:

And to take some pressure off the OP, I'll jump on the grande for a minute-

I just deadheaded 1000 miles to get a load :lol: I'm serious.....

 

They seriously don't pay to have their own trailer washed? :shock:

Shoot - that's not that big of a deal. I've deadheaded 1200 miles just to be home for the weekend, then re-deadheaded another 500 miles to pick up a load. (that Denver to WI is a boring ride, too).

BC - check your PM.

 

Nope, no paid trailer washes on the road. They have a service when it's at the yard, but I'm never there.

I guess we mirroed our deadhead, except I was coming off hometime going to Denver for my load :wink:

PM checked after I hit "submit"...