Testing the Waters

[mnmn926]

Good day all,

I am new to the expediter life, actually have spent 2 months dipping my feet in the waters to see if I can make a go of it. Rather that dive in deep I bought a topper for the pickup and have just made some runs using it from my base in middle TN.

I have the opportunity to dive in, buy a van etc. I'm sure this has been discussed but being new I'm having trouble finding a consensus answer.

Is $1 per loaded mile a reasonable rate? I've worked on an excel spread sheet and so far I seem to be making a profit using the paid for truck.

I pay all expenses ie fuel, tolls etc.

I guess I'm looking to find out the average pay out there and see if I'm in the ballpark.

Thanks,

Mark

 

[Monty]

Mark, all I can tell you is many make it on less. But be opmistic, shoot for a higher rate.

 

[Camper]

Good day all,

I am new to the expediter life, actually have spent 2 months dipping my feet in the waters to see if I can make a go of it. Rather that dive in deep I bought a topper for the pickup and have just made some runs using it from my base in middle TN.

I have the opportunity to dive in, buy a van etc. I'm sure this has been discussed but being new I'm having trouble finding a consensus answer.

Is $1 per loaded mile a reasonable rate? I've worked on an excel spread sheet and so far I seem to be making a profit using the paid for truck.

I pay all expenses ie fuel, tolls etc.

I guess I'm looking to find out the average pay out there and see if I'm in the ballpark.

Thanks,

Mark

If you haven't done so already, you should include health insurance as part of your expenses. It never ceases to amaze me how often that line item gets over-looked by contractors.

 

[chefdennis]

Is this going to be your primary income or an extra income stream? Do you only need to pay for the expenses of the business or are you also contributing to a household income? Are you married and does she work?

Those are just a few questions that need answering when figuring your business plan...pay is all over the place, depending on the company you lease to and unit you are driving..By a Van are you saying strictly a cargo van or are you looking at a bigger type van like a cube or sprinter or Cargo Max type van? All of those can offer different pay scales...keep in mind, the smaller the truck you drive the more limits you place on your ability to make money...but again, that is also something that can deped on the carrier and their freight needs....

Is a dollar a mile the avg..i don't thinks so, not industry wide...base for people runing at a set amount per mile will start at a base of $.70-$.80 per mile plus Fuel Surcharge...fSC can be fixed or adjusted based on the carried...so if fsc hits $.14 add that to the $.70 and you are at $.84 cents per mile...

So carriers pay a % of the load...and that also varies...If I were you, id figure something in the middle for a business plan..around $.85-$.90 per mile....

There is a good cost per mile calulator at the OOIDA website, check it out, it may open your eyes a bit...

 

[paullud]

A $1/mile is a little high for an average, I would calculate it as .90/mile, if you plan to stay out and keep the dead head reasonable. The average you will want to budget for just depends mostly on how you plan to operate and what company you chose.

Posted with my Droid EO Forum App

 

[mnmn926]

Thanks for the replies to answer a few ?'s

This is for extra income not our sole source of household income.

I have insurance through my wife as she works for a hospital company

Actually I should figure mileage as .50 since there, so far is quite a bit of deadheading back home.

I could get much more business if I upgraded to a Cargo Van from the PU since it is only a 6 1/2 foot bed so am limited.

Thanks for your insight and advice. It's a lot to think about and I've learned much browing this site.

Mark