Stay Competitive? I do not understand your question. The only answer I can come up with he who can do it cheaper, and better (AND) usually wins. Correct?
On a used Class 8 with less than 500K it is generally between 6 and 8 cents per mile above 500K 8 to 10 above 800K betwen 10 and 12. General rule of thumb, if your above that you need to consider getting rid of it. This is to be budgeted, consider though repairs are pretty close to a thousand or more so $ must be put away accordingly.
Unless its neglect, those numbers are more than beatable, adding to your fund which when one decides to sell the truck is now profit or a down payment for the next truck or better yet PAID IN FULL. But one must be disciplined to put that away and use it ONLY for repairs on the truck not a repair to the pool liner in the back yard.
This paid off big for me two weeks ago when a Steering Box let go, did not worry about how I was gona pay for it or how short my take home was gona be cause the funds were already there designated for such an emergency. Sure I want it done as reasonable as possible, but when your at the Mercy of Who ever and you find out you paid $200 more than what it would of been back home, well remember YOUR NOT BACK HOME, and if there is no Hotel, Rental Car or other Layover expenses you just pocketed probably another $200 so the overcharge really was NOT.
