First time out

kevwin17

Seasoned Expediter
Be nice guys. I am going out on Sunday for my first OTR drive. Can you explain to my wife that $50.00 is not enough along with some bread milk lunch meat and cereal. I plan on being out this first time 5-7 days. Please help this nonsense. Thanks!!!!
 

davekc

Senior Moderator
Staff member
Fleet Owner
Gallon of milk is 3.50
Pack of lunch meat is 3.00
Loaf of bread is 2.00
Box of cereal 2.00 to 4.00 depending on size and brand.

Looks like about $15.00

She is giving you too much.
 

LDB

Veteran Expediter
Retired Expediter
What do you drive? Do you pay fuel and have to wait on the carrier to pay to get your money? If you have to pay for fuel and food then $50 won't be enough. Are you positive you'll be back in that amount of time? If you are leaving home with a fresh loaf of bread, full new package of lunch meat, new box of cereal, new jug of milk etc. then $50 would be enough for food provided you aren't eating out more than one or maybe two times off a value menu. $10 per day is no fortune though. How much do you think you need to take with you per day?
 

davekc

Senior Moderator
Staff member
Fleet Owner
The sky could be the limit if you are eating out and buying coffee and numerous other things with your listed items.
Could be 50 a day if you are eating in truck stops.
And I am not counting any fuel purchases.
 

kevwin17

Seasoned Expediter
I am not paying for fuel and I have my credit card for emergencies. Company pays fuel and tolls this money is only for eating out once a day cuz of groceries I am bringing.
 

jjoerger

Veteran Expediter
Owner/Operator
US Army
Dinner and a drink at a truck stop is about 12-13 dollars plus a tip for the great service you will receive.
I'd say $15 a day would cover it.
 

LDB

Veteran Expediter
Retired Expediter
Again, what are you driving? If you are in a van you can go anywhere and certainly eat less expensively than truckstop restaurants. If you are in a straight truck you can go some other places and eat less expensively than truckstop restaurants. You can often find a Walmart to park at within walking distance of several eating places for a meal with a glass of ice water for $8-9 plus tip vs. $12-13 at the truckstop.

If you are planning on 1 Cracker Barrel type meal per day you'll need more like $15 per day to have enough for that meal plus restocking your in vehicle larder. I am in a van so I can go pretty much anywhere. I plan on $20 per day which will let me have a bacon/egg/ham/cheese croissant from JitB plus a Cracker Barrel type meal for either lunch or dinner and have my fridge with sandwich stuff etc. to round out the day.
 

kevwin17

Seasoned Expediter
Thank you all. I will be going on my budget and seeing how it goes. I appreciate all your feedback.
 

cheri1122

Veteran Expediter
Driver
I am not paying for fuel and I have my credit card for emergencies. Company pays fuel and tolls this money is only for eating out once a day cuz of groceries I am bringing.

USA is right, you can't afford to eat out. Which is really ok, because you'll eat better and save money by buying dinner from the WalMart or a grocery store. For example: a rotisserie chicken and cold potato or pasta salad is less than $10, plus you'll have chicken enough for a sandwich or two, variety being a nice thing.
You can find good frozen dinners, even 2 will cost less than Cracker Barrel, and get some fruit, too. :)
 

cheri1122

Veteran Expediter
Driver
Forgot: since you don't have a microwave, just take your dinners into the truckstop & use theirs - I used to do it all the time. :D
 

nightcreacher

Veteran Expediter
If my job wouldn't let me have at least 1 grood meal a day,I'd be looking for another job.THe Government allows you 80% of 58 dollars for every day you are away from home
Thats a little over 45 bucks a day,you can eat 7 days a week on 175 bucks,or if you buy all your fuel at the TA.the points you get for buying the fuel will help with the expenses
 

cheri1122

Veteran Expediter
Driver
Steve: when the OP is as successful as you are, he can afford to eat like you do. ;)
Just starting out, he needs to be on a strict budget, which pretty much eliminates restaurants, but he can still eat 'good' by getting it at a store. In fact, he can get vegetables and fruits with a prepared frozen dinner and eat pretty healthy by skipping the restaurants.
 

Brisco

Expert Expediter
Why not try the "$5.00 Foot Long" at Subway every day?? Different Sub every day of the week. Have 'em pack on the "extras" a little heavy. That's about $40 for 7 days. (taxes) use the other $10 for a big bag of generic chips and case of Walmart brand sodas. Eat half for lunch and the other half for supper.

You'll make it just fine................ ;)
 
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