The one thing that I really wanted to do when I first started this blog was to show the general public that I myself and a great share of the truck drivers on our highways are not uneducated flunkeys just driving a truck. I wanted to show that even though there are a lot of people driving trucks because they are nothing more than a warm body holding a steering wheel for large companies like Swift, JB Hunt, CRST, Prime, CR England and so many more, we as a group, especially the Owner Operators are business owners just like those in any other business in the United States.
We take our business very seriously.
I wanted to share this, to give people an idea of what it costs to run a trucking business. I hope maybe it opens up some eyes for both the general public and drivers who want to be an Owner Operator.
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I’m home. I arrived here via airplane. Rosie couldn’t get me home this time and I had to leave her in Arizona to have her engine rebuilt. Luckily, she got me to the repair shop without having to be towed. Luckily I was able to make all of my deliveries. Luckily, I was able to get into a dealer who has the abilities to get Rosie up and running like a brand new truck. And luckily I have the funds.
So last Friday night everything was coming together rather perfect. Rosie was almost put back together from the last work I had done on her. I had a load ready to be picked up in Yuma, meaning I had only lost a day off the road. I would have been home Monday.
Unfortunately though, when they put Rosie back together (Kinda sounds like Humpty Dumpty?) and fired her up, she was pushing coolant out of the radiator-meaning there was pressure in the system-which there shouldn’t have been.
What happens then? You rebuild the engine. Which means since last Thursday I have felt like I have been hemorrhaging money. I know that probably doesn’t sound like a very nice explanation, but right now, it’s all I feel. Between truck repair, hotel rooms, airline tickets, taxi cabs, and food-I may have to have to sell a kidney when it’s all said and done!
And at this point, had I known this was going to happen-before the $13,000 I had already invested into Rosie I would have been further ahead just putting in a brand new out-of-the-crate engine. But as usual, hind sight is 20/20. And most likely because there are so many Owner Operators grabbing E models to replace the new crap motors they are putting in the new trucks these days, I’m guessing I would have had a heck of a time finding one anyway.
So above is the total bill from start to finish. I had a few things done that does not come with an engine rebuild. The radiator was extra as well as the oil cooler but they both are well worth it in the long run!
This is what it costs when a truck lays down. If you think you want to be an owner operator have a look and ask yourself if you can afford to be one. I know way too many people that think they want to own a truck, but when it comes right down to it they have no idea how much it actually costs to run a truck.
And then, just for fun since it is tax season and I have to look at all my expenses for the previous year, you can add in this, and keep in mind that I don’t run full time:
- I spent $67,487.22 on fuel for Rosie
- $1800.00 on License tags for Rosie
- $550.00 just to drive on the highways with Rosie
- $3471.00 on tires for Rosie
- And then there are repairs, truck washes, and so on that for me added up to around $88,000.00 in expenses last year.
Think long and hard if you want to own a truck for a living. Knowing how to drive a truck is not the only thing you need to be successful.
- You need to know how to run a business.
- You need to know how to manage money.
And then consider that even though YOU own the truck, and YOU pay the bills for the truck, the government is going to tell you HOW, WHEN, WHERE, and at some point HOW FAST YOU can drive the truck that YOU own. Which I think is bullshit.
About Bethany
That sucks about rosie , just think of the deductions you will have for this year. I have a good friend that owns a truck shop and he says he gets people ( so called owner operators) that have bought trucks and have no idea what it costs to mantain or repair them. They think because they can repair their pickup for a couple hundred dollars their semi should be the same . Buying the truck is the easy part and most people dont look past that , Bethany thanks for sharing this .
Wow, sorry to hear about Rosie! My father-in-law is one of those "so called owner operators" that Brandon speaks of. Minus the operator part (he hired a couple drivers). He bought a truck last August to transport cars between FL & CA. He knew absolutely nothing about trucking. He got talked into it by an out-of-work truck driver acquaintance who convinced him there was big money to be made. I wish, though, that I could have sent him the post you wrote today 8 months ago to discourage him from buying the truck! His truck already had a major break down but luckily is still under warranty… still he's already in the hole big time just from the 2 weeks down time it took to repair. We are praying for him that he doesn't have another break down for quite a while! Thanks for the post and detailed descriptions of drive-owner reality. I've been reading your blog since last spring – really enjoy hearing about your adventures – both on the road and at home
Thanks Bethany, it really does put things in perspective. I appreciate that you take the proper steps and time to ensure that you and the people around you are safe through proper maintenance.
Sure sorry to hear about the costly delay and extra expenses. Sounds to me like a head gasket was not right and pressured up your cooling system. Whatever , make sure you get all the documentation and the warranty in writing. IF Inland Kenworth should bungle something on the in-frame, it may not show up until somewhere down the road. I don't mean to be negative but you want to be covered. I am sure you have already thought about this but just in case…….I gotta say you certainly have a good attitude and I know you will get through this. I also totally agree with your last sentence. It is only a matter of time before there is a black box in every commercial truck in America with "THE MAN" always watching your every move. Anyways, say Hi to Hubs and try to enjoy your extra time at home. Salty Dog
Beth that was a hard lick, but that dealer sure did'nt cut you any slack either. Show 'em how professional you are,…rock on girl.
Hi Bethany
My honey is an O/O with his dump and I have been telling him about you and that you were broke down.. and he wondered what it ran for you. He does most his own maintenance and I am glad that you know so much about your needs. It makes me proud to see drivers like you and my John! Very wise!
So next time you get through Jordan, wave! That is where we are!
Very well put I agree and very well put. Most people that get into trucking now day have no clue what it costs to own one of these trucks, I have been there and done what you did myself only I overhauled mine in St.Cloud back in 99 at that time it cost me around 20000 when I got done. Keep up the good work.
it started as a head gasket ended in inframe they didnt deck the block? had to get it tore back down this was done at a cummins shop!! o well if they think being a o/o is driving better keep thinking later bubble