Income?

[Sarkus]

Greetings to Everyone,

Based on what I've made the first 9 months of this year, I'm on target to make right around $40,000 this year in gross revenues. This is for a B unit.

I'm spending around $1,000 per month on fuel, which brings me down to about $ 28,000 per year, and then subtract all the other expenses, like a truck payment, truck insurance, maintenance, living expenses on the road, health insurance, and whatever other expenses that I can't even think of at the moment.

That puts me somewhere under $ 20,000 per year at best.

For those of you who might have more experience in expediting than me, does this seem right?

Does $ 40,000 per year seem about right for revenue for a B unit?

I do believe that empty miles are a factor in this, both in terms of decreased or lost revenues, and increased expenses, especially fuel.

It just feels like revenues should be higher.

Any comments appreciated.

Sarkus

 

[raceman]

Do you have a lot of empty miles? I would think you should better than that. I have had a number of people tell me they make close to double that. One person I know is making much more than that. You may want to take a hard look at how you are being dispatched, are you getting a competitive pay rate and are positioning yourself correctly. Since I dont know who you run for it is really hard to say. The business as a whole should be very good if your truck is being used properly by your company/dispatch and you are putting yourself where the freight is. You may also want to get yourself a mentor if you do not already have one. If you are being paid at a good rate and keep your unit where the freight is I would think you could do better. On the other hand there are a number of folks that never make money at this and there are as many reasons why they dont. All in all I did not say much to help you here but I do suggest you compare the compnay you currently run with to some others and then take a good look at how you run your truck. Do you understand where to position yourself? Do you go all the time? Are you accepting the right loads? I hope this at least sparks some other input for you and gives some things to consider. Good Luck.

raceman

 

[Glen Rice]

It's hard to say what the ideal number for all "B" units should be. In talking with friends that are running similar units there revenue is higher. Do you run the big cities? Chicago, New York, Atlanta, or are you trying to stay in small towns and close to home? It's your business and you choose your path. I think your doing pretty good. Review where you are working and how much time your dedicating to your business. Best of luck and keep us posted how your doing.

 

[jg]

Gross revenues of upper 50's to low 60's is not out of the question for a solo van. At least it wasn't a couple of years ago, and from what I read on this board, business is better now than before. Hope others share their current gross revenues for comparison.

 

[terryandrene]

I think you are well lower than average for 'any' van carrier.

If my math is close, $12,000 per annum for fuel at $1.80 gal equals 6666 gallons burned. If you avg 14.7 mpg you'll travel about 98,000 miles to gross $40,000, you'll earn about 40 cents per mile. That's about 5 pre-tax cents, after expenses, for you to spend any way you'd like.

my advice is to do the math with your numbers to see how you relly fare. I hope better than my guess.

 

[Sarkus]

Well, let me see if I can do some math and come up with some numbers.

I do believe that I should be doing better even for a one person van.
I too, expected to be at least somewhere in the $50,000 range for gross revenues.

I'll do the math, but I do think the problem is the empty miles.

I've gone on a few trips upwards of 1,000 miles away and have had to return empty. And I've gone on more than a few in the 300 mile range and had the same problem. I've tried to reposition myelf on most of those occasions, or at least follow a route that I usually has some freight along the way, but many times have had to run empty all the way back.

Lot of times will have a day with maybe have two or three runs......drive empty for 100, pickup a load for 92 paid, drive another 60 empty, pickup a load for 110 paid, drive 50 or 60 empty, maybe get one for 200 and some paid.

So you can see in this example, drove 622 miles in a day, 402 were paid. So, it would be about one third empty on a day like this, plus the sometimes long empty hauls coming back. I don't know if that's normal or not.

Obvious enough to say, but you can't make money when you're busy running around empty.

Any suggestions on a carrier that might have less empty miles and that could get you back to the midwest?

I've heard a lot of good about Express-1, but sounds like you'd have to buy a Sprinter to sign on with them these days.

I've heard Landstar really keeps their vans moving, I've heard drivers at truck stops talk of 2,000+ mile weeks.

And, then I've heard all the expediting companies are the same to some degree too.

Or, perhaps it's time for me start looking for another job. I said I'd give expediting a try, but had hoped to do better.

At any rate, I appreciate everyone's input and opinions. If you've got any more, I'd love to hear them.

Sarkus

 

[Sarkus]

Terry and Rene,

Just did the math and unfortunately, your math is very close to correct. Just revised my revenue projections and based on my last settlement, I projecting just under $38,000 per year in gross revenue. It does look like your figure of 5 pre-tax cents to spend any way you want is very close.

 

[ATeam]

While you may not be satisfied with your income numbers, you should give yourself a pat on the back for being honest with yourself, making a factual analysis of your situation, and asking good questions of good people. Good job!

 

[raceman]

I do run for Express1 and you would need at least a Sprinter. I am uncertain of what you mean when you say you have to run all the way back empty. Does this mean you are going home all the time or maybe you have to return to a terminal? When you drop off your load do you just hang out in that area waiting your next load. Maybe if I understood your statement I could be of more help. If you are doing expediting and somewhat living in your van, your empty miles sound high. If you are going back (home) empty that is most likely your choice and you can correct that. If some is making you come back (terminal) you are with the wrong company. I know some folks with Tri State and Fed. Ex that are doing real well in vans. I am by no means an expert on vans but it sure sounds like you may want to keep at your very honest analysis of your situation and maybe look into some other companies. Moving sometimes will make all the difference in the world. Study many palces before you do since each move will cost you some dollars. Best of luck.

raceman