Second run complete. Dallas, TX to Phoenix, AZ

[Tobin S.]

This is a more accurate picture of what I'll be doing.

Revenue: $1493.16
Fuel: $511.50
Shower: $9.00
Maintenance: $105

Net: $861.66

Miles: 1082

Note that showers are usually free when you fill up with diesel at truck stops. Those are just the numbers for this run. I still have other long term expenses to think about, plus income taxes. I estimated my total costs to be around 75 cents a mile before I hit the road, and if that turns out to be accurate then my net for this load would be $705.66 before taxes. Still not too shabby for 2 day's work. Actually, 11.5 hours yesterday and 7.75 today.

The Los Angeles terminal says they'll have a load for me heading back to either Indianapolis, Indiana or Columbus, Ohio, which is where I need to be. The management at the Cincy terminal was kind of pissed at me because I didn't come right back to Cincinnati after delivering my first load. I would have had to wait another 24 hours to get something like that and this Phoenix load was available at the time and it paid good so I took it. I'm not one to sit around out here on the road. If the wheels ain't turnin you ain't earnin. This is also supposed to be a non-forced dispatch company, but they like you to take a lot of loads out of the terminal that's closest to where you live. I'm okay with that, but if they're thinking I'll wait when I don't have to they got another think coming. ;)

So, yeah, I'll be deadheading over to L.A. That's going to cost me some money in fuel, but it's going to be worth it.

[kayakjohnny]

1. You are certainly amazing, Tobin S. I really enjoy following your progress.

This could be a great blueprint for others who share your dream. I think these posts are very interesting and well done.

Thanks and good luck.

[Tobin S.]

2. Thanks johnny

I can certainly tell people how to get into trucking and into their own truck. But as far as being a successful owner/operator goes, that has yet to be seen. I think I'm off to a good start, though.

[kayakjohnny]

3. Yes, you are.

And you'll always have a nice journal of your travels. Do you carry a camera with you? It would be cool to see some shots from the road if you could do it safely enough.

[Tobin S.]

4. I do have a camera

and I'll be posting photos from the road here and there. I posted a couple of pics of my truck before my first run. The thread is probably still active a few pages back if you want to check it out.

[kayakjohnny]

6. Yes, I saw the truck pics.

Just thought you could also shoot some scenery along the way.

You'll be seeing some wonderful parts of the US.

As well, unfortunately, as some of the rougher spots.

[Callalily]

5. I truly love your updates.

I so hope that you continue to post them.

[Tobin S.]

7. I'm short on sense, short on sanity, and short on intelligence, BUT

I'm never short on words. I'll probably be writing on DU in my free time for as long as there's a DU.

[RandomThoughts]

8. I like reading your posts.

I hope to get back on the road again, although not a truck driver, I have spent some time driving around places.

It is nice to read your posts about your experiences.

[Tobin S.]

9. Thanks, RT. I'm glad you like my trucking posts

It's an interactive experience, though. Without you guys here to read and comment on my posts, I don't know if I would have ever thought to write about this stuff.

[Callalily]

12. Please, don't sell yourself short.

You are a great wordsmith, and I (along with many other DU'ers) love your stories. You truly have a talent.

[Tobin S.]

21. Thank you and I think a little better of myself than I let on sometimes

My self-deprecating sense of humor is just my way of keeping my ego in check. :pals:

[MicaelS]

10. Wow, I never knew rigs required so much maintenance....

Learned something new.

[Tobin S.]

11. I didn't have to fix anything this trip

I just figure 10 cents a mile for maintenance. That's about what it comes to on a half way decent used truck overall. That means that if I run 100,000 miles this year, my maintenance bill will be $10,000 for the year. But I did have to put about $600 in it before I got it rolling. My batteries died on me and I had to have somebody come out and fix the truck after I blew some fuses trying to jump the rig. I also had to change the oil and every filter on the motor- air filter, oil filter, 2 fuel filters- as well as a lube and a truck wash.

[MicaelS]

13. 10 cents a mile is a hell of a lot..

In my uneducated opinion. Especially considering the fact diesel engines are designed for a long lifespan.

[Tobin S.]

16. It's usually not the motor, tranny, or rear end that gives you trouble

At least not for a long time. If I take care of my Cummins motor, I might get 1 million miles out of it before it needs rebuilt. Possibly more out of the rear end and transmission if I take care of them, too. It's just everything around the drive train that falls apart as trucks get some age on them. Tires are very costly for these rigs. I haven't had to buy tires yet, but I probably will by about January and I'm going to be looking at about $3000 there for 8 drive tires.

[Ikonoklast]

22. It's everything else that wears out, and it ain't cheap to replace.

Based on my miles run, I need a PM service every third week, oil, filters, lube, etc, that's $300 every third week.

Set of drive tires is $3200-$4000, every 300K miles or so, steers $380 each, every year.

Brakes and shocks every third year or so; front shocks every time new steers go on, and a three-axle alignment...batteries every third year, if you keep after them.




And that is just the stuff that wears out like it's supposed to. You get a major mechanical problem, and ten grand goes bye-bye in a day.

That ten cents gets used up in short order.

[MicaelS]

25. Well, all this shows just how uneducated I am about rigs

Thanks for teaching me something new.

[Ikonoklast]

27. Q. Do you know how to make a small fortune in Trucking?

A. Start with a large one.

[MicaelS]

29. LOL, I believe it! n/t

[Kali]

14. OH!

Did you honk at me when you came through Texas Canyon?

[Tobin S.]

17. Aren't you near Tucson?

I stopped in the TTT truck stop there on the east side for a little bit this morning.

[Kali]

23. get the deep dish apple pie in a bowl next time, hee hee

no, I'm east of there - between Wilcox and Benson right before you roll off that big hill into the San Pedro Valley. I'm in the pretty rocks. Kind of between the rest stop and the big dirt cliff hills. (house is at mp 317, actually)

honk next time! or if you have time stop by!

There is a truck stop in Willcox (used to be a rip-off griffins, not sure what it is anymore) and I don't know if there is up at Gas City on the other side of Benson, but they do have truck parking. Seems like they have a wash, so must be fuel there too.

[Flying Dream Blues]

15. I really enjoy your posts, too, Tobin.

You write really well, and it's also just very interesting. I'm happy that you're really going after your dream. I hope you keep posting!
:hi:

[Tobin S.]

19. I'll make you a deal

I'll keep posting if you keep reading. :) Thanks for the compliment.

[Flying Dream Blues]

31. That's a deal!

Have a great day!
:hi:

[HipChick]

18. I love your posts Tobin..

[Tobin S.]

20. Thank you very much

Stay tuned! We haven't even gotten to the really interesting stuff yet.

[elleng]

24. Terminal must expect/be used to such, eh?

Great to read of your progress, Tobin!

[Tobin S.]

26. They want as many trucks as they can there at all times as far as I can figure

Doesn't matter if they got loads for them all or not. They just want them available. Like I said, I don't have a problem hauling a lot of loads for them, but they are going to have to respect the idea that I have bills to pay, too, and if they don't have anything I'll find some place that does.

[hibbing]

28. Keep them coming Tobin!

Hi Tobin,
Your posts are awesome, and I really like the detailed insight you are providing us all about the job. I am learning so much just from a few of your last few posts. I wish you safe and fun travels and please keep on posting!

Peace

[handmade34]

30. ...enjoy your posts

...I'm joining the fan club.

Be careful out there

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3awYKbiTLso

edited to offer you this song
(my dad was a truck driver all the while I was growing up)