Solo straight truck drivers, doing Ok?

[JimF51]

Generally speaking, and I realize that everybody's income needs are different, but are solo drivers doing alright?

I'm coming back to expediting (not that I've done a lot) after a failed attempt to do my 1st love, OTR flatbed. I just don't have the stamina any more to secure and tarp loads.

I'll be driving a straight truck for a local owner, he runs it, a smaller box (cube) van and 2 cargo vans. He's willing to let me go solo initially. 60% to me, plus fuel surcharges, and I pay fuel. He covers tolls, all maintenance, and he'll pay workman's comp, in return for me paying to get the truck washed about once a month.

My minimum income needs are aprox. $600. a week avg. Is that do-able? The numbers he showed me, pay to previous drivers, seems to indicate so (actually more), but thought I'd ask here anyway.

Thanks.

 

[fortwayne]

Well, it kind of depends on what your guy is getting paid from his customers or from his carrier that he is signed on with.

Depends on how many miles you are willing to drive, how many loads your except vs the loads you refuse.

Since you are paying for the fuel, well, it depends on what you are going to pay for fuel, if you are going to be running the truck in idle when you are at a truck stop to stay cool or warm.

There are alot of things to take into consideration here, but, if you know what you need to make - then lay out the game plan to reach that goal.

But, you gotta' know what your operating expenses are, which also includes cell phones, food, like I mentioned the fuel.

 

[truckblue]

I am running solo in a straight truck. Nothing fancy, 22' box. I am also driving someone elses equipment. I get a flat 36% of loaded miles, but no expenses except personal ones. At this rate, I am getting .45 cents/mile. I can easily do 12-1500 miles a week most weeks, and often get 2000 plus. At .45cpm, 600-700 is very realistic. On occasion, I do get "stuck" somewhere, and lose revenue, but all in all I think there is plenty of work for solo drivers.