His math is off, along with his maintenance expenses and logic. Its a good video, but its not very accurate. If you're going to put on those miles, your goals should be higher.
It's nice to watch a video where the guy isn't chewing, or vapin' or dragging on a smoke. Thanks for using complete sentences and thinking your videos through before posting them. Thumbs up.
THANK YOU !!! I was feeling the same way at all the 'rap video' BULLSHIT I kept running into trying to do some serious research. Its so tiring and played out. This is A GREAT CHANNEL !! thanks for upload..ill be tuning in to this dude !
I'd rather be a company driver for a big company. Or a Teamster driving local making guaranteed 90k a year. I've seen too many owner operators and independents go out of business. The last straw is usually the breakdown in Jerkwater USA. Big tow truck bill, and just to get the estimate at the sketchy shop costs $900. Then the hotel stay while the shop has your truck and the shop charging you way too much for the repair that is poorly done. And then 500 miles later your radiator explodes in heavy fast moving traffic because the shop screwed up, and then you have to do it all over again in the next middle of nowhere town. True story.
Great Video Dan. I remember when i drove, i would do a few 300 mile runs from Wednesday to Monday. When i returned to where i started, there were guys still waiting for that LONG run. Funny thing was, i drove 1500 miles in a few days times making that money while they sat. They complained and i think i even got a long run before these 5 that were waiting around. A person that's not willing to work will starve in the end. Do what others aren't willing and win. Thanks Dan.... you are the man. Drive safe and get that $5 per mile when you can. Drive less and earn more.
With everything you said, company guys are the same way. I accept every load I’m offered. Long hauls, super short hauls etc. plenty of guys at the company I work for, will refuse loads they don’t like and then they sit there all day. Also, because I accept all the loads I can, lm always busy, because the company knows they can give me any loaf and I’ll take it. So it’s a win for them and a win for me. Too many truck drivers are too short sighted.
Good info, well presented, but as a company driver, I net (put in my pocket) weekly $950 to $1350 weekly with an average of $1050. Go out 5 to 6 weeks, then take off 4 to 6 days. Regional driver. No greenbelt. No contract. No risk. Just do what you say, be dependable and represent the company well. So, after taxes and all benefit costs, make more than your saying with full health for my family along with life insurance etc...what am I missing?
Exactly. This why owner ops should never accept rates lower than $2.00/mile and should be aiming for $2.50+. No need to let the brokers get rich while your only making out as good as a company driver with lots response responsibility and headache
Oil field you'll gross 10k+ a month as a company driver. Granted there's labor involved and now it's slowing down..but still..plenty of driving jobs out there to make good money if you're not afraid to work..
I'm thinking this is his lowest acceptable level of income when freight is low. I say that bc i too have a bottom dollar thats about $1500 a day. If I have to sit somewhere and it's not loading/unloading or taking my 10hr break I'm sitting at home. I've ran $1800-$2200 loads with 300 plus miles dead head that del the same day, some next day morning. I also ran $700-$900 loads with same day deliveries some locally that keeps me above my bottom dollar. I don't really look at how much a load pays per mile per say., I look to see if I can deliver it the same day. If not I just divide the rate by the pickup and delivery times *dates* if it's above my bottom dollar I book it. If it's close to my bottom but it's going to a bad area I turn it down unless I'm going home and it can cover the fuel to get me there.
Excellent Dan! You did a very good job of explaining the fixed costs. When setting parameters with your dispatcher I guess you could say you'll deadhead a certain distance and then consider the rate and mileage once you are given the details. Looking forward to more good stuff. Gord, Vancouver
You just showed the intelligence of truckers, shoot PICTURES and math all in one video. HEY you guys know the difference of a trucker and a puppy dog? The puppy stops whinning after a couple months.
Excellent video. I run with mercer doing flatbed and I have been here over a year now. I live in South Carolina so I see a lot of those short mile runs paying good. Great tips. I run my truck the exact way you describe. I also picked up some good information from you. Thanks for that. Keep doing what you are doing.
Michael Jones II what going Michael. I'm just putting truck on with Mercer. Heard some good things. Just checking to see how's it going so far with you. I know different strokes for different folks.
I'm with Mercer also and out of Beaufort, SC. January and February are historically slow months and I sat every weekend and didn't have one tarp load. Still made $563 a day in January. The money is there with Mercer even when freight is down. Now the trick is getting something that pays going home.
This made complete sense! I am hoping to find a video about plugging the holes. A leaky bucket breaks a lot of small businesses. Controlling expenses/managing costs needs to equal your management strategy. Great video! Well reasoned presentation.
You explained it very well! I like how you look at a big picture and knowing your goal. The load per mile and the dead head is well explained. Thank you!
Thank you for being straight up with numbers I know these are estimates, but great job. This is exactly how I think when working. People say why and I say I'm making money. That's where it matters and I enjoy it also.. Your right on . Thank you.
I agree with everything you say. I've been an owner operator since 1999 and drove part time from 1993. My dad, a 40 year O/O, taught me how to do it right. What prospective O/O's have to realize is that certain expenses (truck payment, insurance etc.) are fixed while others (fuel, maintenance etc.) vary. For this reason, you need to set aside a portion of each settlement as sort of an emergency fund. This way, if a major breakdown occurs, you can cover it and get rolling again. For new drivers, even fleet drivers, the best advice I can give is watch your hours and keep the left door closed! In other words, keep the truck rolling. How often do we hear drivers complaining that they're not making any money as we walk past the arcade in the truckstop on our way to the showers? If they were actually running down the road, maybe they'd make some money.
Great video. In short; keep moving,just be smart about it. Those wheels gotta turn. You'll win some and lose some. The goal is to win more than you lose. Earning a 'lil bit will still bring in the money you're gonna need at the end of the month.
I run into this type of calculation often and the biggest mistake new drivers make when making their estimations is that they leave out a *_MAINTENANCE FUND_* for their tires, PM’s, breakdowns, and miscellaneous. You will be surprised as to how many truck drivers lose everything simply because they didn’t have a maintenance account, so when the unexpected happens (and it will, it’s not if but when) they lose their shirts. Not to mention that the insurance wasn’t figured in to these numbers, and whether you’re leasing on to a company or running on your own authority because there’s extra costs involved that weren’t mention by this Super Trucker.
dan you got him working every day---no way????stephen from mich---retired many yrs ago--million miler--in my time we had it easy---yes we did !!!--great vidos good work--thanks
I'm thinking about being an owner opp and when I figured my bottom line I broke it down by mileage rate and knew that on my worst week I wanted to take home no less than $1,200 after taxes, overhead, and no less than $1,000/wk to add to my $20,000 start up maintenance acct. After doing all my calculations I found that I should never accept less than $2/mi and really need to be seeing 2.20+...2.40-2.52 is what I would consider good and any rates around 2.60-2.80 or more are excellent! Ik it's better to stay moving than not moving at all and sometimes you gotta settle for a less than adequate rate to get to a better lane that will make up for the cheaper rate so that it can average out to be a fair week overall but what you have to keep in mind is that these brokers are trying to keep as much as 50% of shippers going rate for their own pockets and their only overhead is a desk and a phone. My job is to do my best to negotiate a rate that allows them to keep no more than 25% being that I'm the one risking my life to haul it and have extremely higher overhead cost to account for than they do. It's not fair for them to get a better deal than me when I know what I'm worth and dont want to have to settle for anything less
You're right even back when this video was made a $1.50 is basically paying the bills but not making the truck anything. I operate locally, get paid hourly weather I'm running or sitting and home every night and even as far back as 2015 I was making anywhere from $105 to $130 per hour and grossing between $25,000 and $28,000 per month. The reason companies don't pay is because they don't have to when you have 100 guy's willing and fighting over the same cheap load. I charge slightly more than the other local guy's but the companies that hire me are always requesting me because I do a better job. You have to set yourself apart from the rest of the other guy's. It's 2022 now and depending on what I'm doing my truck makes an hourly rate of $120 minimum for a single trailer and I make as much as $180 per hour with double trailers.
@@clydeacor1911 I feel like a lot of owner operators are thinking they are making a good living while not realizing that there is much more to account for than just what you pay yourself and truck cost and fuel. As a owner operator you have to make sure you are putting away a good amount for some sort of retirement since you are not getting a 401k or a Pension. Also figuring in medical cost for a family is another $1000 per month. Lets not forget that you still have to pay a good amount of taxes on top of all that as well. Yes there is many ways to keep taxes down but a good chunk needs to be set aside for it and not into your cost to say how much you are making to make it look higher. Who wants to be on the road away from their family for a week or two or more making $800-$1200 a week that you put in your pocket while working 60+ hours a week driving. You can make that right at home with benefits and 40hrs a week with benefits and retirement.
Great Stuff, I understand just need to get my experience driven as did transportation in the Military last 23yrs......thanks for your VLOG Dan.........Jay....
Please read e myth. Consider if you would be better served buying your own truck or getting a better job? Good luck brother and go get it. I looked into it extensively and concluded for myself it's end up doing more work to make maybe$20k more a year. Not worth trading every free weekend working on the truck and getting loads for me. Not trying to stop you or discourage you I just see tons of guys get into it and run for 1/mi and go broke....
Awesome Video about a few essential aspects about being an O/O, with comparisons about tarping and strapping variations and benefits. What sitting at the truck stops waiting on a Bomb load really gets you in Dollars. Rather than running what works, everyday, smartly, in the big picture. Trucker Dan is Smart and Genuine.
What about food, taxes, tolls, insurance, down time, social security (if you ever get old. I did.) I started as an owner operator in the 70's. In the early 80's I decided to buy my first NEW truck. By then I had figured out how many miles per year average I ran with this company. Look back at my records and saw that it was doable. By the way, my numbers where much higher than yours, and keep in mind, that was in the 80's . Now, I have watch your other videos and know you've touch on some of this, but someone just starting out may not get the whole picture in this vid. By the late 90's with the prices on everything going up, and rates not keeping up, I sold my trucks and started driving a company truck for the same company. It was, and still is a great company. Anyway, I do enjoy your videos, and everyone has different priority's. Wishing you a happy holiday season and continued success.
Dan you video is great. There are loads that pay more per day. I haul LTL, Expedite freight in the retail market. I move fitness equipment, and Anesthesia machine, also I get accessorial pay for long carry, inside delivery, debris removal, assemble & disassemble. My average load pay min 3.35 per mile. I also get paid 70 percent leaving the yard 90 percent on return loads. there are load that are paying it depends on the type of market of freight you want to haul. In my opinion the retail market is the best market to be in, for one you are continuously moving daily
Hey Super Trucker Dave like your videos pretty cool but I wanted to see if I can correct you a little bit, I don't think anybody out there wants to drive 30 days straight to make $500 a day eventually you going to have to go home so if I can recommend for you to change that to 3 weeks out of the month and a week of home time remember you got 34-hour reset thanks again God bless be safe
Nice video Dan. Good of you to share the secrets of making money the wise way. You are a hard working wise man. You remind me so much of myself in my early days of working hard. I just kept the ticker going making money even though it was little. Many nickels make dimes many dimes make quarters many quarters make dollars many dollars make a millionaire.
It really helps alot to know how much truckers make on a flat bed trailer a mile I'm to go back to the DMV in pekin Illinois and get my CDL license and if I don't pass it this I'll start driving hot shot 30ft gooseneck trailer and go that way
You are so right, good way of thinking of it, another way to think of it the 2 days of 290 that you lost for sitting there has redistributed through your remaining days of the month. Hope that makes sense, good quality video.
Exactly right!😉BEST WAY IS FIND THE RIGHT KIND OF TRUCKING YOU ENJOY!😉 WHETHER ITS FLATBED OR REFER OR BOX OR TANKER ! AND AREAS YOU LIKE CROSSCOUNTRY OR REGIONAL ! AND ENJOY THE TRIPS BECAUSE IF YOUR NOT ENJOYING IT YOU'LL WASTE TIME INSTEAD OF BEING EAGER!😉😊😄/ i use to love going OUT WEST AND BACK TO ANYWHERE EXCEPT NY CITY!😄
Good info and tips. When I was trucking the terminology I used is FIXED COSTS. Everything you mentioned and I would add to the equation your insurance, per mile for tires, (that may fall under maintenance), registration, health ins, etc. At the end of the day, and year,it really reveals whether your margins are acceptable for yourself on top of the costs of running a trucking business.
+rooshooter yes Fixed Costs good term. I was just trying to hit on the main cost. Some times to much detail and people get lost. I was just trying to give simple formula to calculate how much you need to make to be profitable. A lot of young drivers get stars in their eyes thinking as soon as they have their own truck the money starts falling from the sky.
I am wanting to get into trucking. I'm basically trying to find a company to train and hire me with my criminal background. Been difficult, but I still watch videos on the industry. I really enjoy your videos and I like your way of thinking. I have the same mindset. The place where I work had will ask people if they want to stay a couple hours over sometimes. So despite people groaning and saying "it's only like 40 bucks extra on your check", I still do it. I'm still using the same amount of gas to get home. I wouldn't earn that 40 dollars sitting at home for 2 hours. I always look for ways to make money. When you stop.. you don't make anything.
Finally a guy who makes sense..i went threw a few vids,waist of time...this driver is what old schoolers call (BEAN COUNTING)..MICRO MANAGE EVERY MOVE AND TURN YOU AND YOUR RIG MAKES....
Great video Dan, unquestionable truth. But why do you go on classic truck, because they have a very high fuel consumption, did you think you could change to an aerodynamic truck like Cascadia, or Kenworth T700 or 680? God bless you sir!
Another really interesting video. Would be interesting to hear your perspective on saving and paying off the truck and trailer as soon as possible--I realize that many driver's home situation just does not allow them to save that kind of money.
Dan I agree with you on the costs but you forgot insurance , road and fuel taxes and the big one replacement /major repair of truck and trailer . Do not include your own pay. What O/O’s need to know is what it costs them per mile to operate per mile whether they are loaded or empty. You must pay the truck first. Your per mile rate will vary based on fuel cost but that is easy to calculate . Here’s an example based on 100k miles per year: Fuel .75 Insurance .12 Maintenance .15 Truck payment .36 Trailer payment .10 Rd taxes .08 Major repair or replacement .25 Total is 1.88 per mile Most people never account for a blown engine or having to buy a new truck or trailer. Owning your truck and trailer takes a significant chunk out of your operating cost. This is just an example everyone’s costs will be different depending on truck payment, fuel economy , insurance cost etc. however the categories in the accounting is the same. I forgot licensing renewal and 2290. So even if you do not have a truck and trailer payment your true cost per mile will range fro 1.30 - 1.60 per mile before you pay yourself.
I like the process of coming up with the numbers, your coming up with. I would suggest changing Carriers that have better paying freight in lanes you want to or make your money on run. In most cases it, has been pointed out, the hos and normal trips your out of reasonable time in 6 days then a 34 break. Good points on deadhead, work days, and tarping. If your not going to due the job way are you doing it. Good video
Your thoughts on net/ actual profit. And gross vs net are right on run 4,000 miles and expense leaves $2,000 net. Then run 1500 miles effectively and net $2,000. Less fuel turn the Trk off, drive slower, fuel price, less wear on equipment, it's how the number play out. It's taken a step back and looking at how you run and how much. Good video and points to think about.
You are right on, Dan! It's all about income per day. Another RUclipsr, Jeffery Like, stresses the same things. You guys are among the few who emphasize the right priorities.
This guys right. Other Drivers Sitting. My Fleet Manager would always take care of us. Keep Moving. Me and my co driver would take everything. Coming into where drivers were sitting. Our fleet manager would load or have a load waiting. Always took care of us. He new we didn't want to sit.
I love your perspective on this. I'm 30 years of age and just now getting into the trucking industry. After a year or so, I wanted to go the route of an Owner Operator. Everything you've said in this vid makes perfect sense. Thanks for the informative video. Make that money and be safe out there man
@@vannwesson2751 Yes. I've been trucking going on 5 years now. 2 years locally/ heavy equipment operation and going on 3 years on a regional dedicated account. Get home daily and make good money. Which helps with my real estate investments.
I’m @ MERCER too my friend .. everyone break down is different.. me personally I think 1.60 mile is very low. . . I’m here at MERCER in flatbed and make well over 2.00 a mile. I need to make no less then 1.85 average. So if you only need 1.60 you doing good lol ... mecer is a great company 👍🏻
I don't understand why you wouldn't just break it down in to a per mile expense. The more granular you can get it the more you see your true numbers and how everything is impacting your bottom line. If you hold 200 gallons of fuel and avg 7 miles per gallon that's 1400 miles @ x amount per Gallon. Then you factor in your fuel surcharge... All costs in my opinion should be broken down to the penny. Driving is what gets you paid therefore to the penny costs of everything from fuel, insurance, payments, maintenance, etc. You can put #s down on a paper and say you need to make X amount per day but how do you know if you really made that without factoring everything in correctly. You then can adjust accordingly depending on fuel prices. Knowing where to fuel up and when and calculating that in as some states are more costly than others. Profit and Loss is a must and every penny per mile counts.
+Matt H A lot of my loads are short haul 300 miles or less. I calculate those loads by the hour. Ask your self how much is your time worth just not per mile rate. How would you rate a per mile rate on a load going 100 miles. I don't I Factor a per hour rate how many hours will it take me to complete. I would rather do a load paying $500 (which is my minimum rate) going 100 miles that takes 3 hrs to complete.
Very smart guy! Dead head miles are of no consequence. I run Arkansas to Texas weekly roughly 450 miles a day and average 2.05 all miles and dead head 150-250 miles every other miles.
I agree with pretty much everything you say except for the fact that you used 30 days for your cost and revenue. I would chose to divide everything by 22 to 25 days a month people do want to go home on weekends and to do that you would go home at least 4 days a month for 2 weekends ! making it a 26 day work month ! but good information all the same !
Hey Mr Dan !!! This video just popped up & I have a? I backed up to 2020 & am listening to all your videos from then …. Do you still try to work today on this Theory as to what you can make in a day !!?? Thank you in advance!!! Eastern NC !!
That was an awesome video Dan. I am most likely 2 years out from getting my own truck, and I am sure many things will change by then, but wow! what great incite. thank you.
Very nice Video, I make Expedite videos as well, I was told by one of my viewers to check out your channel, and it’s really nice I must say, now I will drive and watch your videos
I don't have any Payments on my Truck, I do my own Maintenance work. So I get more money back too me and my Truck. I don't use ELD's or DEF, My truck is a 1974 Peterbilt 359-A
If I ever made the switch from company driver, there would not be a truck payment involved for the first year or two. I'd pay cash for a 00-03. Can still use an eld, no emissions.
Thank you for all this useful information good man. This helps me a lot because I'm trying to save money to buy a truck & trailer and be my own boss. God Bless you brother.
![Stromae, Pomme - “Ma Meilleure Ennemie” (from Arcane Season 2) [Official Visualizer]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/1F3OGIFnW1k/mqdefault.jpg)
You just made me realize something, it's the truckers with good math skills that make the best money!
+BigDish101
Good math and being able to think outside the box
Seriously- gotta make sure you invest in a good calculator
True
Basic math at that! ...Valid point!
His math is off, along with his maintenance expenses and logic. Its a good video, but its not very accurate. If you're going to put on those miles, your goals should be higher.
It's nice to watch a video where the guy isn't chewing, or vapin' or dragging on a smoke. Thanks for using complete sentences and thinking your videos through before posting them. Thumbs up.
+James Claptrap Thank You
James Claptrap agree
THANK YOU !!! I was feeling the same way at all the 'rap video' BULLSHIT I kept running into trying to do some serious research. Its so tiring and played out. This is A GREAT CHANNEL !! thanks for upload..ill be tuning in to this dude !
+Eddy Spagetti
Thanks for watching
Eddy Spagetti totally agree
I'd rather be a company driver for a big company. Or a Teamster driving local making guaranteed 90k a year. I've seen too many owner operators and independents go out of business. The last straw is usually the breakdown in Jerkwater USA. Big tow truck bill, and just to get the estimate at the sketchy shop costs $900. Then the hotel stay while the shop has your truck and the shop charging you way too much for the repair that is poorly done. And then 500 miles later your radiator explodes in heavy fast moving traffic because the shop screwed up, and then you have to do it all over again in the next middle of nowhere town. True story.
finally a few guys are making trucking videos about trucking thank you
say Mr... i appreciate your diligence...and sharing your knowledge....KEEP ON TRUCKING .MAY GOD BLESS YOUR BUISNESS!
Great Video Dan. I remember when i drove, i would do a few 300 mile runs from Wednesday to Monday. When i returned to where i started, there were guys still waiting for that LONG run. Funny thing was, i drove 1500 miles in a few days times making that money while they sat. They complained and i think i even got a long run before these 5 that were waiting around.
A person that's not willing to work will starve in the end.
Do what others aren't willing and win.
Thanks Dan.... you are the man.
Drive safe and get that $5 per mile when you can. Drive less and earn more.
With everything you said, company guys are the same way. I accept every load I’m offered. Long hauls, super short hauls etc. plenty of guys at the company I work for, will refuse loads they don’t like and then they sit there all day. Also, because I accept all the loads I can, lm always busy, because the company knows they can give me any loaf and I’ll take it. So it’s a win for them and a win for me. Too many truck drivers are too short sighted.
I'm not a truck driver and I shouldn't be watching but your logic is impeccable. Great thinking.
Good info, well presented, but as a company driver, I net (put in my pocket) weekly $950 to $1350 weekly with an average of $1050. Go out 5 to 6 weeks, then take off 4 to 6 days. Regional driver. No greenbelt. No contract. No risk. Just do what you say, be dependable and represent the company well. So, after taxes and all benefit costs, make more than your saying with full health for my family along with life insurance etc...what am I missing?
Exactly. This why owner ops should never accept rates lower than $2.00/mile and should be aiming for $2.50+. No need to let the brokers get rich while your only making out as good as a company driver with lots response responsibility and headache
Oil field you'll gross 10k+ a month as a company driver. Granted there's labor involved and now it's slowing down..but still..plenty of driving jobs out there to make good money if you're not afraid to work..
Not everyone wants to be an employee. Small shop owners in your hometown aren't all getting rich either.
I'm thinking this is his lowest acceptable level of income when freight is low. I say that bc i too have a bottom dollar thats about $1500 a day. If I have to sit somewhere and it's not loading/unloading or taking my 10hr break I'm sitting at home. I've ran $1800-$2200 loads with 300 plus miles dead head that del the same day, some next day morning. I also ran $700-$900 loads with same day deliveries some locally that keeps me above my bottom dollar. I don't really look at how much a load pays per mile per say., I look to see if I can deliver it the same day. If not I just divide the rate by the pickup and delivery times *dates* if it's above my bottom dollar I book it. If it's close to my bottom but it's going to a bad area I turn it down unless I'm going home and it can cover the fuel to get me there.
I love trucks
Excellent Dan! You did a very good job of explaining the fixed costs. When setting parameters with your dispatcher I guess you could say you'll deadhead a certain distance and then consider the rate and mileage once you are given the details.
Looking forward to more good stuff.
Gord,
Vancouver
+Gord Stone
Thanks for watching
You just showed the intelligence of truckers, shoot PICTURES and math all in one video. HEY you guys know the difference of a trucker and a puppy dog? The puppy stops whinning after a couple months.
Excellent video. I run with mercer doing flatbed and I have been here over a year now. I live in South Carolina so I see a lot of those short mile runs paying good. Great tips. I run my truck the exact way you describe. I also picked up some good information from you. Thanks for that. Keep doing what you are doing.
thanks for watching
Michael Jones II what going Michael. I'm just putting truck on with Mercer. Heard some good things. Just checking to see how's it going so far with you. I know different strokes for different folks.
Mike Jones II how much you make on average ?
I'm with Mercer also and out of Beaufort, SC. January and February are historically slow months and I sat every weekend and didn't have one tarp load. Still made $563 a day in January. The money is there with Mercer even when freight is down. Now the trick is getting something that pays going home.
Hey Dan great job on the videos! I am also so glad to you see being professional and not your typical truck driver. You are rare. Keep it up!
+Mike Bereck
Thanks for watching
Wow! You got your ducks in a row! Great thinking; makes complete sense to me. Thanks for the education.
This made complete sense! I am hoping to find a video about plugging the holes. A leaky bucket breaks a lot of small businesses. Controlling expenses/managing costs needs to equal your management strategy. Great video! Well reasoned presentation.
You explained it very well! I like how you look at a big picture and knowing your goal. The load per mile and the dead head is well explained. Thank you!
Thank you for being straight up with numbers I know these are estimates, but great job. This is exactly how I think when working. People say why and I say I'm making money. That's where it matters and I enjoy it also..
Your right on . Thank you.
+Edgar Gonzalez
Thank you for watching
Incredibly valuable info for a guy looking to get into the O/O game. Thank you so much.
I agree with everything you say. I've been an owner operator since 1999 and drove part time from 1993. My dad, a 40 year O/O, taught me how to do it right. What prospective O/O's have to realize is that certain expenses (truck payment, insurance etc.) are fixed while others (fuel, maintenance etc.) vary. For this reason, you need to set aside a portion of each settlement as sort of an emergency fund. This way, if a major breakdown occurs, you can cover it and get rolling again. For new drivers, even fleet drivers, the best advice I can give is watch your hours and keep the left door closed! In other words, keep the truck rolling. How often do we hear drivers complaining that they're not making any money as we walk past the arcade in the truckstop on our way to the showers? If they were actually running down the road, maybe they'd make some money.
Great video. In short; keep moving,just be smart about it.
Those wheels gotta turn. You'll win some and lose some. The goal is to win more than you lose. Earning a 'lil bit will still bring in the money you're gonna need at the end of the month.
Hi Dan, you are tinking the right way. I agree with everything you say. Keep it up.
He is the SUPER TRUCKER!!! THANKS DAN
I run into this type of calculation often and the biggest mistake new drivers make when making their estimations is that they leave out a *_MAINTENANCE FUND_* for their tires, PM’s, breakdowns, and miscellaneous. You will be surprised as to how many truck drivers lose everything simply because they didn’t have a maintenance account, so when the unexpected happens (and it will, it’s not if but when) they lose their shirts. Not to mention that the insurance wasn’t figured in to these numbers, and whether you’re leasing on to a company or running on your own authority because there’s extra costs involved that weren’t mention by this Super Trucker.
Super helpful video!!! Way more professional and sophisticated than other explanations. Thank you!!!
Hauling steel around Midwest I always tarped my loads, enjoyed tarping, and stopped periodically to check everything.
This guy is a pro. Nice to see a business minded person making videos
Wise words Sir. It all makes sense keep making that money 💵 no matter what at the end it will payout. Thanks for your input!
thank you for this video. as someone trying to figure numbers out to get into the game, it helps alot.
dan you got him working every day---no way????stephen from mich---retired many yrs ago--million miler--in my time we had it easy---yes we did !!!--great vidos good work--thanks
Finaly a guy who speaks. English in his video.
Your videos are excellent. Please keep them coming. I like the way you think on the money too. Simple but true.
+Nolan L Manley Jr Thank You
I'm thinking about being an owner opp and when I figured my bottom line I broke it down by mileage rate and knew that on my worst week I wanted to take home no less than $1,200 after taxes, overhead, and no less than $1,000/wk to add to my $20,000 start up maintenance acct. After doing all my calculations I found that I should never accept less than $2/mi and really need to be seeing 2.20+...2.40-2.52 is what I would consider good and any rates around 2.60-2.80 or more are excellent! Ik it's better to stay moving than not moving at all and sometimes you gotta settle for a less than adequate rate to get to a better lane that will make up for the cheaper rate so that it can average out to be a fair week overall but what you have to keep in mind is that these brokers are trying to keep as much as 50% of shippers going rate for their own pockets and their only overhead is a desk and a phone. My job is to do my best to negotiate a rate that allows them to keep no more than 25% being that I'm the one risking my life to haul it and have extremely higher overhead cost to account for than they do. It's not fair for them to get a better deal than me when I know what I'm worth and dont want to have to settle for anything less
You're right even back when this video was made a $1.50 is basically paying the bills but not making the truck anything. I operate locally, get paid hourly weather I'm running or sitting and home every night and even as far back as 2015 I was making anywhere from $105 to $130 per hour and grossing between $25,000 and $28,000 per month. The reason companies don't pay is because they don't have to when you have 100 guy's willing and fighting over the same cheap load. I charge slightly more than the other local guy's but the companies that hire me are always requesting me because I do a better job. You have to set yourself apart from the rest of the other guy's. It's 2022 now and depending on what I'm doing my truck makes an hourly rate of $120 minimum for a single trailer and I make as much as $180 per hour with double trailers.
@@clydeacor1911 I feel like a lot of owner operators are thinking they are making a good living while not realizing that there is much more to account for than just what you pay yourself and truck cost and fuel.
As a owner operator you have to make sure you are putting away a good amount for some sort of retirement since you are not getting a 401k or a Pension.
Also figuring in medical cost for a family is another $1000 per month.
Lets not forget that you still have to pay a good amount of taxes on top of all that as well. Yes there is many ways to keep taxes down but a good chunk needs to be set aside for it and not into your cost to say how much you are making to make it look higher.
Who wants to be on the road away from their family for a week or two or more making $800-$1200 a week that you put in your pocket while working 60+ hours a week driving.
You can make that right at home with benefits and 40hrs a week with benefits and retirement.
thanks for the fast response. also thank you for showing us what a flatbed owner operator goes through
Great Stuff, I understand just need to get my experience driven as did transportation in the Military last 23yrs......thanks for your VLOG Dan.........Jay....
New Sub...This might just be the best video on RUclips! this changed my hole thought process...can't wait to go back and check out your old video's
+Lee Simpson Thank You
Should check your hole.
Thanx for information. Been driving 18 years as company driver. Thinking bout buying truck
+Matty P
Thanks for watching
Matty you look ripped brother!
Please read e myth. Consider if you would be better served buying your own truck or getting a better job? Good luck brother and go get it. I looked into it extensively and concluded for myself it's end up doing more work to make maybe$20k more a year. Not worth trading every free weekend working on the truck and getting loads for me. Not trying to stop you or discourage you I just see tons of guys get into it and run for 1/mi and go broke....
Awesome video trucker Dan. Sounds likes a lot of good advice. I’m wanting to become a owner operator, this helps me.
Awesome Video about a few essential aspects about being an O/O, with comparisons about tarping and strapping variations and benefits. What sitting at the truck stops waiting on a Bomb load really gets you in Dollars. Rather than running what works, everyday, smartly, in the big picture. Trucker Dan is Smart and Genuine.
+Kaleb Berend
Thanks for watching
What about food, taxes, tolls, insurance, down time, social security (if you ever get old. I did.) I started as an owner operator in the 70's. In the early 80's I decided to buy my first NEW truck. By then I had figured out how many miles per year average I ran with this company. Look back at my records and saw that it was doable. By the way, my numbers where much higher than yours, and keep in mind, that was in the 80's . Now, I have watch your other videos and know you've touch on some of this, but someone just starting out may not get the whole picture in this vid. By the late 90's with the prices on everything going up, and rates not keeping up, I sold my trucks and started driving a company truck for the same company. It was, and still is a great company. Anyway, I do enjoy your videos, and everyone has different priority's. Wishing you a happy holiday season and continued success.
Dan you video is great. There are loads that pay more per day. I haul LTL, Expedite freight in the retail market. I move fitness equipment, and Anesthesia machine, also I get accessorial pay for long carry, inside delivery, debris removal, assemble & disassemble. My average load pay min 3.35 per mile. I also get paid 70 percent leaving the yard 90 percent on return loads.
there are load that are paying it depends on the type of market of freight you want to haul. In my opinion the retail market is the best market to be in, for one you are continuously moving daily
Very informative video Dan! Thank you for this! Stay safe and keep the great videos coming 👍👍 hammer down
Thank you for the breakdown on expenses. It totally makes sense. It's a good system to use. Thanks again
Basically run everyday for life if you want anything in life :) great advice and definitely enjoyed this video
Hey Super Trucker Dave like your videos pretty cool but I wanted to see if I can correct you a little bit, I don't think anybody out there wants to drive 30 days straight to make $500 a day eventually you going to have to go home so if I can recommend for you to change that to 3 weeks out of the month and a week of home time remember you got 34-hour reset thanks again God bless be safe
Nice video Dan.
Good of you to share the secrets of making money the wise way.
You are a hard working wise man.
You remind me so much of myself in my early days of working hard. I just kept the ticker going making money even though it was little. Many nickels make dimes many dimes make quarters many quarters make dollars many dollars make a millionaire.
It really helps alot to know how much truckers make on a flat bed trailer a mile I'm to go back to the DMV in pekin Illinois and get my CDL license and if I don't pass it this I'll start driving hot shot 30ft gooseneck trailer and go that way
You are so right, good way of thinking of it, another way to think of it the 2 days of 290 that you lost for sitting there has redistributed through your remaining days of the month. Hope that makes sense, good quality video.
Excellent explanation for the uninitiated and ignorant or newbie such as myself... Penny wise can definitely be pound foolish !
Great video man! You are really on top of the numbers. That's what people need
Dan your videos and experience are VERY appreciated. You have Fans in Italia Dan!
Exactly right!😉BEST WAY IS FIND THE RIGHT KIND OF TRUCKING YOU ENJOY!😉 WHETHER ITS FLATBED OR REFER OR BOX OR TANKER ! AND AREAS YOU LIKE CROSSCOUNTRY OR REGIONAL ! AND ENJOY THE TRIPS BECAUSE IF YOUR NOT ENJOYING IT YOU'LL WASTE TIME INSTEAD OF BEING EAGER!😉😊😄/ i use to love going OUT WEST AND BACK TO ANYWHERE EXCEPT NY CITY!😄
Good info and tips. When I was trucking the terminology I used is FIXED COSTS. Everything you mentioned and I would add to the equation your insurance, per mile for tires, (that may fall under maintenance), registration, health ins, etc. At the end of the day, and year,it really reveals whether your margins are acceptable for yourself on top of the costs of running a trucking business.
+rooshooter yes Fixed Costs good term. I was just trying to hit on the main cost. Some times to much detail and people get lost. I was just trying to give simple formula to calculate how much you need to make to be profitable. A lot of young drivers get stars in their eyes thinking as soon as they have their own truck the money starts falling from the sky.
@@SuperTruckerdan First net after fuel:
CHROME!
😳🤪😆
Setting your bottom line.
Great video.
+David Driver
Thanks for watching
Great video. Lots of truckers on RUclips say they are not making any money even though they run hard.
+Dave Smith
thanks for watching
If you run steady and don't have too much overhead you can do ok
I am wanting to get into trucking. I'm basically trying to find a company to train and hire me with my criminal background. Been difficult, but I still watch videos on the industry. I really enjoy your videos and I like your way of thinking. I have the same mindset. The place where I work had will ask people if they want to stay a couple hours over sometimes. So despite people groaning and saying "it's only like 40 bucks extra on your check", I still do it. I'm still using the same amount of gas to get home. I wouldn't earn that 40 dollars sitting at home for 2 hours. I always look for ways to make money. When you stop.. you don't make anything.
I’m not even a truck driver and you made perfect sense to me dan 👍
Finally a guy who makes sense..i went threw a few vids,waist of time...this driver is what old schoolers call (BEAN COUNTING)..MICRO MANAGE EVERY MOVE AND TURN YOU AND YOUR RIG MAKES....
Great video Dan, unquestionable truth. But why do you go on classic truck, because they have a very high fuel consumption, did you think you could change to an aerodynamic truck like Cascadia, or Kenworth T700 or 680? God bless you sir!
Your channel is called super trucker you should change that to the sensible trucker. You make a lot of good business sense. Great video.
Another really interesting video. Would be interesting to hear your perspective on saving and paying off the truck and trailer as soon as possible--I realize that many driver's home situation just does not allow them to save that kind of money.
Thinking about becoming an owner op but looking for something dedicated. Gonna favorite this video. Very knowledgeable info. Thx
+Mr. Pink
Thanks for watching
Dan I agree with you on the costs but you forgot insurance , road and fuel taxes and the big one replacement /major repair of truck and trailer . Do not include your own pay. What O/O’s need to know is what it costs them per mile to operate per mile whether they are loaded or empty. You must pay the truck first. Your per mile rate will vary based on fuel cost but that is easy to calculate . Here’s an example based on 100k miles per year:
Fuel .75
Insurance .12
Maintenance .15
Truck payment .36
Trailer payment .10
Rd taxes .08
Major repair or replacement .25
Total is 1.88 per mile
Most people never account for a blown engine or having to buy a new truck or trailer. Owning your truck and trailer takes a significant chunk out of your operating cost. This is just an example everyone’s costs will be different depending on truck payment, fuel economy , insurance cost etc. however the categories in the accounting is the same. I forgot licensing renewal and 2290. So even if you do not have a truck and trailer payment your true cost per mile will range fro 1.30 - 1.60 per mile before you pay yourself.
If the wheels ain't turnin they ain't earnin.
No shit?
Ya ain't makin no bacon less the front wheels are shakin.
and they ain't churning...LOL
@@MrWisdom79 if your front wheels are shaking you might want to check your alignment
I like the process of coming up with the numbers, your coming up with. I would suggest changing Carriers that have better paying freight in lanes you want to or make your money on run. In most cases it, has been pointed out, the hos and normal trips your out of reasonable time in 6 days then a 34 break. Good points on deadhead, work days, and tarping. If your not going to due the job way are you doing it. Good video
Your thoughts on net/ actual profit. And gross vs net are right on run 4,000 miles and expense leaves $2,000 net. Then run 1500 miles effectively and net $2,000. Less fuel turn the Trk off, drive slower, fuel price, less wear on equipment, it's how the number play out. It's taken a step back and looking at how you run and how much. Good video and points to think about.
You are right on, Dan! It's all about income per day. Another RUclipsr, Jeffery Like, stresses the same things. You guys are among the few who emphasize the right priorities.
Thanks very much for the information Dan you just keep up the great work Buddy
Wow this is the type of video and advice that I’ve been looking for.
Thank you so much 🙏
Great information, good way of thinking. You are pretty business oriented. Thanks
This guys right. Other Drivers Sitting. My Fleet Manager would always take care of us. Keep Moving. Me and my co driver would take everything. Coming into where drivers were sitting. Our fleet manager would load or have a load waiting. Always took care of us. He new we didn't want to sit.
I love your perspective on this. I'm 30 years of age and just now getting into the trucking industry. After a year or so, I wanted to go the route of an Owner Operator. Everything you've said in this vid makes perfect sense. Thanks for the informative video. Make that money and be safe out there man
Did you ever get into trucking?
@@vannwesson2751 Yes. I've been trucking going on 5 years now. 2 years locally/ heavy equipment operation and going on 3 years on a regional dedicated account. Get home daily and make good money. Which helps with my real estate investments.
Great way of thinking the numbers! Keep up the Great Work 💯.
Definitely a driver that has his shit together... Great attitude too
Hi thanks for your view.
Im thinking of going driving and this vid really helped me out in my choice. Seem you get to be your own boss.
Well put together video. Thanks so much for sharing your advice based on your experience. Love your videos.
excellant breakdown of cost! 2600 truck payment seems steep but 35 yrs ago trucks cost half what they cost now.😃
Thank God you're SMART! I agree that you can make it without strange shit.
I’m @ MERCER too my friend .. everyone break down is different.. me personally I think 1.60 mile is very low. . . I’m here at MERCER in flatbed and make well over 2.00 a mile.
I need to make no less then 1.85 average. So if you only need 1.60 you doing good lol ...
mecer is a great company 👍🏻
I'm glad you're doing good. Remember this video is almost 2 years old. Rates have changed.
Thanks for Watching
I don't understand why you wouldn't just break it down in to a per mile expense. The more granular you can get it the more you see your true numbers and how everything is impacting your bottom line. If you hold 200 gallons of fuel and avg 7 miles per gallon that's 1400 miles @ x amount per Gallon. Then you factor in your fuel surcharge... All costs in my opinion should be broken down to the penny. Driving is what gets you paid therefore to the penny costs of everything from fuel, insurance, payments, maintenance, etc. You can put #s down on a paper and say you need to make X amount per day but how do you know if you really made that without factoring everything in correctly. You then can adjust accordingly depending on fuel prices. Knowing where to fuel up and when and calculating that in as some states are more costly than others. Profit and Loss is a must and every penny per mile counts.
+Matt H
A lot of my loads are short haul 300 miles or less. I calculate those loads by the hour. Ask your self how much is your time worth just not per mile rate. How would you rate a per mile rate on a load going 100 miles. I don't I Factor a per hour rate how many hours will it take me to complete. I would rather do a load paying $500 (which is my minimum rate) going 100 miles that takes 3 hrs to complete.
The fuel expense don't stop either if you idle your truck all the time
Great advice using your brain looking at the big picture 😎
Hey Dan, Bailey and the ol’ Dorsey trailer :) You should do this video again in todays freight market. Thoughts?
Very smart guy! Dead head miles are of no consequence. I run Arkansas to Texas weekly roughly 450 miles a day and average 2.05 all miles and dead head 150-250 miles every other miles.
Micah McPherson 🤤🤤🤤🤤🤤
I agree with pretty much everything you say except for the fact that you used 30 days for your cost and revenue. I would chose to divide everything by 22 to 25 days a month people do want to go home on weekends and to do that you would go home at least 4 days a month for 2 weekends ! making it a 26 day work month ! but good information all the same !
good vid, I dont drive truck ,but I was always wondering how the trucking industry works ,thanks for explaining and good luck
Excellent Vlog how to calculate what you should try to make per DAY as a OTR flatbed hauler in 2017. C'mon 😎
Hey Mr Dan !!! This video just popped up & I have a? I backed up to 2020 & am listening to all your videos from then …. Do you still try to work today on this Theory as to what you can make in a day !!?? Thank you in advance!!! Eastern NC !!
That was an awesome video Dan. I am most likely 2 years out from getting my own truck, and I am sure many things will change by then, but wow! what great incite. thank you.
Great video Dan thanks. I'm getting started with Mercer. And you gave me some great tips. Keep them coming. And keep it between the lines.👍
Very nice Video, I make Expedite videos as well, I was told by one of my viewers to check out your channel, and it’s really nice I must say, now I will drive and watch your videos
hey man , u made a lot of sense and realistic thanks for the knowledge and insite. learned something new....
+MOE VEGA
Thanks for watching
Just subscribed. Very informative, clear, concise content. Breath of fresh air. Look forward to future vids. Thank you Sir!
I don't have any Payments on my Truck, I do my own Maintenance work. So I get more money back too me and my Truck. I don't use ELD's or DEF, My truck is a 1974 Peterbilt 359-A
Wow great video. Outstanding way to break that down. Thanks for the knowledge
This makes so much sense! So clear and right on how I'm thinking about my business! New subscriber!
You are preaching common sense and young people let their ego get in the way.
If I ever made the switch from company driver, there would not be a truck payment involved for the first year or two. I'd pay cash for a 00-03. Can still use an eld, no emissions.
Thank you for all this useful information good man.
This helps me a lot because I'm trying to save money to buy a truck & trailer and be my own boss.
God Bless you brother.
Very well done. I appreciate your intelligence.
I not a trucker driver but thinking about it, but dam thats well said! Enjoyed this video.