#26 So You Want to be an Owner Operator Flatbed Truck Driver More Money Talk

I talk more about how much money an Owner Operator can make.
I show a different way of looking at the money you make.

[@BigDish101]

You just made me realize something, it's the truckers with good math skills that make the best money!

[@SuperTruckerdan]

+BigDish101 Good math and being able to think outside the box

[@ResseBrown]

Seriously- gotta make sure you invest in a good calculator

[@RealCoachRonn]

True

[@JasonVladimir]

Basic math at that! ...Valid point!

[@triple-tinc.8651]

His math is off, along with his maintenance expenses and logic. Its a good video, but its not very accurate. If you're going to put on those miles, your goals should be higher.

[@blindambition5053]

finally a few guys are making trucking videos about trucking thank you

[@siry0ggdstinguishdgent.680]

say Mr... i appreciate your diligence...and sharing your knowledge....KEEP ON TRUCKING .MAY GOD BLESS YOUR BUISNESS!

[@mikejonesii9140]

Excellent video. I run with mercer doing flatbed and I have been here over a year now. I live in South Carolina so I see a lot of those short mile runs paying good. Great tips. I run my truck the exact way you describe. I also picked up some good information from you. Thanks for that. Keep doing what you are doing.

[@SuperTruckerdan]

thanks for watching

[@iroc8653]

Michael Jones II what going Michael. I'm just putting truck on with Mercer. Heard some good things. Just checking to see how's it going so far with you. I know different strokes for different folks.

[@dapro2524]

Mike Jones II how much you make on average ?

[@BadKarmaTrucking]

I'm with Mercer also and out of Beaufort, SC. January and February are historically slow months and I sat every weekend and didn't have one tarp load. Still made $563 a day in January. The money is there with Mercer even when freight is down. Now the trick is getting something that pays going home.

[@williamlucas3272]

Good info, well presented, but as a company driver, I net (put in my pocket) weekly $950 to $1350 weekly with an average of $1050. Go out 5 to 6 weeks, then take off 4 to 6 days. Regional driver. No greenbelt. No contract. No risk. Just do what you say, be dependable and represent the company well. So, after taxes and all benefit costs, make more than your saying with full health for my family along with life insurance etc...what am I missing?

[@nickfehrenbach382]

Exactly. This why owner ops should never accept rates lower than $2.00/mile and should be aiming for $2.50+. No need to let the brokers get rich while your only making out as good as a company driver with lots response responsibility and headache

[@nfthero4280]

Oil field you'll gross 10k+ a month as a company driver. Granted there's labor involved and now it's slowing down..but still..plenty of driving jobs out there to make good money if you're not afraid to work..

[@dchawk81]

Not everyone wants to be an employee. Small shop owners in your hometown aren't all getting rich either.

[@k.lamareyev4418]

I'm thinking this is his lowest acceptable level of income when freight is low. I say that bc i too have a bottom dollar thats about $1500 a day. If I have to sit somewhere and it's not loading/unloading or taking my 10hr break I'm sitting at home. I've ran $1800-$2200 loads with 300 plus miles dead head that del the same day, some next day morning. I also ran $700-$900 loads with same day deliveries some locally that keeps me above my bottom dollar. I don't really look at how much a load pays per mile per say., I look to see if I can deliver it the same day. If not I just divide the rate by the pickup and delivery times *dates* if it's above my bottom dollar I book it. If it's close to my bottom but it's going to a bad area I turn it down unless I'm going home and it can cover the fuel to get me there.

[@gord2358]

Excellent Dan! You did a very good job of explaining the fixed costs. When setting parameters with your dispatcher I guess you could say you'll deadhead a certain distance and then consider the rate and mileage once you are given the details. Looking forward to more good stuff. Gord, Vancouver

[@SuperTruckerdan]

+Gord Stone Thanks for watching

[@mikebereck7641]

Hey Dan great job on the videos! I am also so glad to you see being professional and not your typical truck driver. You are rare. Keep it up!

[@SuperTruckerdan]

+Mike Bereck Thanks for watching

[@Playmudd4by4]

Thank you for being straight up with numbers I know these are estimates, but great job. This is exactly how I think when working. People say why and I say I'm making money. That's where it matters and I enjoy it also.. Your right on . Thank you.

[@SuperTruckerdan]

+Edgar Gonzalez Thank you for watching

[@OneEphraimite]

I run into this type of calculation often and the biggest mistake new drivers make when making their estimations is that they leave out a *_MAINTENANCE FUND_* for their tires, PM’s, breakdowns, and miscellaneous. You will be surprised as to how many truck drivers lose everything simply because they didn’t have a maintenance account, so when the unexpected happens (and it will, it’s not if but when) they lose their shirts. Not to mention that the insurance wasn’t figured in to these numbers, and whether you’re leasing on to a company or running on your own authority because there’s extra costs involved that weren’t mention by this Super Trucker.

[@robertelam8953]

Great video. In short; keep moving,just be smart about it. Those wheels gotta turn. You'll win some and lose some. The goal is to win more than you lose. Earning a 'lil bit will still bring in the money you're gonna need at the end of the month.

[@frederickoning191]

This made complete sense! I am hoping to find a video about plugging the holes. A leaky bucket breaks a lot of small businesses. Controlling expenses/managing costs needs to equal your management strategy. Great video! Well reasoned presentation.

[@mattyp3860]

Thanx for information. Been driving 18 years as company driver. Thinking bout buying truck

[@SuperTruckerdan]

+Matty P Thanks for watching

[@simranjeetsingh4641]

Matty you look ripped brother!

[@dominick253]

Please read e myth. Consider if you would be better served buying your own truck or getting a better job? Good luck brother and go get it. I looked into it extensively and concluded for myself it's end up doing more work to make maybe$20k more a year. Not worth trading every free weekend working on the truck and getting loads for me. Not trying to stop you or discourage you I just see tons of guys get into it and run for 1/mi and go broke....

[@daviddriver8645]

Setting your bottom line. Great video.

[@SuperTruckerdan]

+David Driver Thanks for watching

[@nolanmanley5359]

Your videos are excellent. Please keep them coming. I like the way you think on the money too. Simple but true.

[@SuperTruckerdan]

+Nolan L Manley Jr Thank You

[@Intell3ctualProperty]

He is the SUPER TRUCKER!!! THANKS DAN

[@stephenanzalone4754]

dan you got him working every day---no way????stephen from mich---retired many yrs ago--million miler--in my time we had it easy---yes we did !!!--great vidos good work--thanks

[@levoidejr]

New Sub...This might just be the best video on KZbin! this changed my hole thought process...can't wait to go back and check out your old video's

[@SuperTruckerdan]

+Lee Simpson Thank You

[@Freedom1man]

Should check your hole.

[@rafaelrodriguezmoreno1966]

Wise words Sir. It all makes sense keep making that money 💵 no matter what at the end it will payout. Thanks for your input!

[@MikeBrown-ii3pt]

I agree with everything you say. I've been an owner operator since 1999 and drove part time from 1993. My dad, a 40 year O/O, taught me how to do it right. What prospective O/O's have to realize is that certain expenses (truck payment, insurance etc.) are fixed while others (fuel, maintenance etc.) vary. For this reason, you need to set aside a portion of each settlement as sort of an emergency fund. This way, if a major breakdown occurs, you can cover it and get rolling again. For new drivers, even fleet drivers, the best advice I can give is watch your hours and keep the left door closed! In other words, keep the truck rolling. How often do we hear drivers complaining that they're not making any money as we walk past the arcade in the truckstop on our way to the showers? If they were actually running down the road, maybe they'd make some money.

[@CaptHayes-tl4tj]

thank you for this video. as someone trying to figure numbers out to get into the game, it helps alot.

[@VessellNick]

Super helpful video!!! Way more professional and sophisticated than other explanations. Thank you!!!

[@kalebberend]

Awesome Video about a few essential aspects about being an O/O, with comparisons about tarping and strapping variations and benefits. What sitting at the truck stops waiting on a Bomb load really gets you in Dollars. Rather than running what works, everyday, smartly, in the big picture. Trucker Dan is Smart and Genuine.

[@SuperTruckerdan]

+Kaleb Berend Thanks for watching

[@itoldyouso2137]

Thinking about becoming an owner op but looking for something dedicated. Gonna favorite this video. Very knowledgeable info. Thx

[@SuperTruckerdan]

+Mr. Pink Thanks for watching

[@davesmith1574]

Great video. Lots of truckers on KZbin say they are not making any money even though they run hard.

[@SuperTruckerdan]

+Dave Smith thanks for watching If you run steady and don't have too much overhead you can do ok

[@lectricfence1]

What about food, taxes, tolls, insurance, down time, social security (if you ever get old. I did.) I started as an owner operator in the 70's. In the early 80's I decided to buy my first NEW truck. By then I had figured out how many miles per year average I ran with this company. Look back at my records and saw that it was doable. By the way, my numbers where much higher than yours, and keep in mind, that was in the 80's . Now, I have watch your other videos and know you've touch on some of this, but someone just starting out may not get the whole picture in this vid. By the late 90's with the prices on everything going up, and rates not keeping up, I sold my trucks and started driving a company truck for the same company. It was, and still is a great company. Anyway, I do enjoy your videos, and everyone has different priority's. Wishing you a happy holiday season and continued success.

[@RealCoachRonn]

Great video man! You are really on top of the numbers. That's what people need

[@matthewgreen8830]

Dan you video is great. There are loads that pay more per day. I haul LTL, Expedite freight in the retail market. I move fitness equipment, and Anesthesia machine, also I get accessorial pay for long carry, inside delivery, debris removal, assemble & disassemble. My average load pay min 3.35 per mile. I also get paid 70 percent leaving the yard 90 percent on return loads. there are load that are paying it depends on the type of market of freight you want to haul. In my opinion the retail market is the best market to be in, for one you are continuously moving daily

[@rcdenis1]

If the wheels ain't turnin they ain't earnin.

[@sergioc8096]

No shit?

[@MrWisdom79]

Ya ain't makin no bacon less the front wheels are shakin.

[@IxxxMnMxxxI]

and they ain't churning...LOL

[@JT_8283]

@@MrWisdom79 if your front wheels are shaking you might want to check your alignment

[@michaelphothasoneRunning]

Great way of thinking the numbers! Keep up the Great Work 💯.

[@astonmartin2727]

Nice video Dan. Good of you to share the secrets of making money the wise way. You are a hard working wise man. You remind me so much of myself in my early days of working hard. I just kept the ticker going making money even though it was little. Many nickels make dimes many dimes make quarters many quarters make dollars many dollars make a millionaire.

[@matth7469]

I don't understand why you wouldn't just break it down in to a per mile expense. The more granular you can get it the more you see your true numbers and how everything is impacting your bottom line. If you hold 200 gallons of fuel and avg 7 miles per gallon that's 1400 miles @ x amount per Gallon. Then you factor in your fuel surcharge... All costs in my opinion should be broken down to the penny. Driving is what gets you paid therefore to the penny costs of everything from fuel, insurance, payments, maintenance, etc. You can put #s down on a paper and say you need to make X amount per day but how do you know if you really made that without factoring everything in correctly. You then can adjust accordingly depending on fuel prices. Knowing where to fuel up and when and calculating that in as some states are more costly than others. Profit and Loss is a must and every penny per mile counts.

[@SuperTruckerdan]

+Matt H A lot of my loads are short haul 300 miles or less. I calculate those loads by the hour. Ask your self how much is your time worth just not per mile rate. How would you rate a per mile rate on a load going 100 miles. I don't I Factor a per hour rate how many hours will it take me to complete. I would rather do a load paying $500 (which is my minimum rate) going 100 miles that takes 3 hrs to complete.

[@looking4wife]

Awesome video trucker Dan. Sounds likes a lot of good advice. I’m wanting to become a owner operator, this helps me.

[@jamesclaptrap614]

It's nice to watch a video where the guy isn't chewing, or vapin' or dragging on a smoke. Thanks for using complete sentences and thinking your videos through before posting them. Thumbs up.

[@SuperTruckerdan]

+James Claptrap Thank You

[@ClaudBol]

James Claptrap agree

[@eddyspagetti9899]

THANK YOU !!! I was feeling the same way at all the 'rap video' BULLSHIT I kept running into trying to do some serious research. Its so tiring and played out. This is A GREAT CHANNEL !! thanks for upload..ill be tuning in to this dude !

[@SuperTruckerdan]

+Eddy Spagetti Thanks for watching

[@nasheemwhye5197]

Eddy Spagetti totally agree

[@pj5607]

Very informative video Dan! Thank you for this! Stay safe and keep the great videos coming 👍👍 hammer down

[@davidredhawk]

Excellent explanation for the uninitiated and ignorant or newbie such as myself... Penny wise can definitely be pound foolish !

[@patricerobinson9401]

Thank God you're SMART! I agree that you can make it without strange shit.

[@vargo0515]

Exactly right!😉BEST WAY IS FIND THE RIGHT KIND OF TRUCKING YOU ENJOY!😉 WHETHER ITS FLATBED OR REFER OR BOX OR TANKER ! AND AREAS YOU LIKE CROSSCOUNTRY OR REGIONAL ! AND ENJOY THE TRIPS BECAUSE IF YOUR NOT ENJOYING IT YOU'LL WASTE TIME INSTEAD OF BEING EAGER!😉😊😄/ i use to love going OUT WEST AND BACK TO ANYWHERE EXCEPT NY CITY!😄

[@nickmandeville6216]

You are so right, good way of thinking of it, another way to think of it the 2 days of 290 that you lost for sitting there has redistributed through your remaining days of the month. Hope that makes sense, good quality video.

[@papolove5291]

I’m @ MERCER too my friend .. everyone break down is different.. me personally I think 1.60 mile is very low. . . I’m here at MERCER in flatbed and make well over 2.00 a mile. I need to make no less then 1.85 average. So if you only need 1.60 you doing good lol ... mecer is a great company 👍🏻

[@SuperTruckerdan]

I'm glad you're doing good. Remember this video is almost 2 years old. Rates have changed. Thanks for Watching

[@turbo5488]

It really helps alot to know how much truckers make on a flat bed trailer a mile I'm to go back to the DMV in pekin Illinois and get my CDL license and if I don't pass it this I'll start driving hot shot 30ft gooseneck trailer and go that way

[@sneakyweaselchannel7135]

I am wanting to get into trucking. I'm basically trying to find a company to train and hire me with my criminal background. Been difficult, but I still watch videos on the industry. I really enjoy your videos and I like your way of thinking. I have the same mindset. The place where I work had will ask people if they want to stay a couple hours over sometimes. So despite people groaning and saying "it's only like 40 bucks extra on your check", I still do it. I'm still using the same amount of gas to get home. I wouldn't earn that 40 dollars sitting at home for 2 hours. I always look for ways to make money. When you stop.. you don't make anything.

[@4554dy]

Good info and tips. When I was trucking the terminology I used is FIXED COSTS. Everything you mentioned and I would add to the equation your insurance, per mile for tires, (that may fall under maintenance), registration, health ins, etc. At the end of the day, and year,it really reveals whether your margins are acceptable for yourself on top of the costs of running a trucking business.

[@SuperTruckerdan]

+rooshooter yes Fixed Costs good term. I was just trying to hit on the main cost. Some times to much detail and people get lost. I was just trying to give simple formula to calculate how much you need to make to be profitable. A lot of young drivers get stars in their eyes thinking as soon as they have their own truck the money starts falling from the sky.

[@dchawk81]

@@SuperTruckerdan First net after fuel: CHROME! 😳🤪😆

[@robertarmellino1646]

Finaly a guy who speaks. English in his video.

[@coloradofrontrange906]

Another really interesting video. Would be interesting to hear your perspective on saving and paying off the truck and trailer as soon as possible--I realize that many driver's home situation just does not allow them to save that kind of money.

[@meatbagflatbedder2046]

That was an awesome video Dan. I am most likely 2 years out from getting my own truck, and I am sure many things will change by then, but wow! what great incite. thank you.

[@albertmartin6298]

Thanks very much for the information Dan you just keep up the great work Buddy

[@ZimaletaMotors]

Very nice Video, I make Expedite videos as well, I was told by one of my viewers to check out your channel, and it’s really nice I must say, now I will drive and watch your videos

[@dewles3818]

This guys right. Other Drivers Sitting. My Fleet Manager would always take care of us. Keep Moving. Me and my co driver would take everything. Coming into where drivers were sitting. Our fleet manager would load or have a load waiting. Always took care of us. He new we didn't want to sit.

[@iroc8653]

Great video Dan thanks. I'm getting started with Mercer. And you gave me some great tips. Keep them coming. And keep it between the lines.👍

[@IEraiderfan]

Outstanding video lots of great information thanks for sharing.

[@davidsnuggs7623]

Great advice using your brain looking at the big picture 😎

[@jasonstone4693]

Wow great video. Outstanding way to break that down. Thanks for the knowledge

[@solotrucker7419]

The fuel expense don't stop either if you idle your truck all the time

[@nickp9406]

very professional!

[@SuperTruckerdan]

+Nick P Thanks for watching

[@davidmanishewitz]

good vid, I dont drive truck ,but I was always wondering how the trucking industry works ,thanks for explaining and good luck

[@chrissmyth2430]

Economy from what I'm hearing is good, unemployment is down but I'm also seeing freight is just up and down, I agree it's strange

[@wrdshmn]

Very well done. I appreciate your intelligence.

[@leonardprovost2634]

I would have passed cost accounting using the great video

[@markmessenger4164]

I love trucks

[@Wolfrider750Trucking]

Awesome info. Thanks

[@fredogari4829]

First time viewing your channel. Thank you sir for a very informative video on going Owner operator. I drive local ready mix concrete been wanting to go long haul for some time now... Thanks again

[@akoo8696]

Your numbers were wrong. You only grossed $5408. Still a good number for December, but I just noticed because I was doing the numbers to add it up myself as you talk🤷🏾‍♂️... Good video though👌🏾

[@jessicascottsmith7809]

AKOO86 hey

[@sawz5]

I think: you want to make money, you do what nobody else WANTS to do and do it WHEN nobody else wants to do it.

[@youvids9820]

great video Dan ,youre right about what you said

[@massarowibrahim7583]

great video man bless you and all the good luck

[@SuperTruckerdan]

+Masar Ibrahim thanks for watching

[@simbadkadric186]

Dude hats off to you and all the flatbed drivers. You guys do hard work. But I think you need to raise your standards. I drive a dry van and will not drive as cheap as you drive... I open and shut doors. No loading unloading tarping etc... you guys need to ask for more. At our company there’s 21 of us and we average 2+ all year long. Obviously at this time of year we aren’t quite at 2$pm Most of us are home every weekend. Most of us make 2000-3500$ per week and that’s after all expenses. Truck trailer fuel insurance etc... Maybe consider a smaller company where you aren’t just a number.

[@Lucifer3001]

simbad kadric is your company hiring?

[@chriskahlson]

Better understanding of the variety of daily monetary factors that determine monthly success

[@drewblaze5901]

Great info and you are very helpful.

[@tkx86]

Number one thing being an owner operator is you are not home as much as a company driver would be. I am in the process of moving into transport here in Australia driving Heavy Rigids and drivers doing o.t. doin 100k a year. I am happy with that. It isnt just your truck you gotta maintain,gotta keep your woman maintained if you know what I mean ;)

[@timennis3456]

Great information, very helpful. Many thanks!

[@leonardshutty6516]

Your a smart man. Thanks for the info

[@TheDirtyyoungman1]

Well said, and great perspective.. Thanks.

[@anthonymartinez8488]

Great video, great info, thanks. Think I'm going to subscribe

[@SuperTruckerdan]

+Anthony Martinez Thanks for watching

[@zion1126]

You’re preaching good! Listen people, this makes business sense!

[@Niall-q4r]

Hey Dan , that all makes good sense what you are saying love your videos keep up the good work bro New subscriber Dan thanks for sharing your experience on the road

[@iamaguy1968]

You can't drive 30 days a month in a row w/o taking a breaks of at least 34 hrs every 70 hrs! So it gonna be really approx 23 days per month that means 10000/23=435 miles per day. In addition to that you need to add insurance and taxes to your monthly expenses!

[@ricksworlddereaux2397]

Dont complain,,,its good earning,,ex.a russ trucker gets 600$ max,a months...east ec max.1200$ ,west ec max.3000$

[@troyball6623]

Very well explained buddy, thankyou.

[@pftrans]

I love the weekend last minute loads. I won't go less than $3.00 dollars per mile, leave it or take it...... Period!

[@zaidchalabi1599]

100% agree with you u im the same way i thought he was kidding with thr 1.5$ per mile.... there are plenty of 2.75$+ per mile loads with 1000+ miles

[@teksight9714]

I'd rather be a company driver for a big company. Or a Teamster driving local making guaranteed 90k a year. I've seen too many owner operators and independents go out of business. The last straw is usually the breakdown in Jerkwater USA. Big tow truck bill, and just to get the estimate at the sketchy shop costs $900. Then the hotel stay while the shop has your truck and the shop charging you way too much for the repair that is poorly done. And then 500 miles later your radiator explodes in heavy fast moving traffic because the shop screwed up, and then you have to do it all over again in the next middle of nowhere town. True story.

[@mikemascow]

Good video Dan. Your right, you got to make a min $ revenue EVERY day...I say to people, I only have 365 "opportunities" to make money a year, and frankly, take days off and weekends, probably more like less than 300. If your wheels ain't turning, you ain't earning!!! But, you also need to consider profit. $1.50 would be a very MINIMAL average, even if you run 3,000 miles a week. A lot depends on what your second largest expense is doing, fuel. When fuel cost $4.30 a gallon a few years ago, you'd be LOOSING big at $1.50. Right now, I shoot for $2.50-$2.60, but, I try to only get 1,700-2,200 a week, so, its relative. I look for what I profit, not necessarily the miles. Sitting in the truck stop versus going down the road, you have fuel AND maintenance...every mile you drive your truck, you increase your maintenance costs. Tires, brakes, PM's go by faster the more miles you drive. Trans, clutch, engine wear out faster the more miles you run. Hence, if you set your goal to $1.50 a mi, your truck is wearing out faster the more miles you run. My insurance is also cheaper if I stay closer to home, only work in a smaller circle. I did flatbed work, tarping is a younger man's game. The answer though is a Conestoga!!! Tarp in less than 5 min! Also, if you haul for the right outfit, some companies INSIST on a conestoga...they don't want the tarp beating the paint job off their brand new $500K machine.

[@irizarrylumi]

Great great great great video....

[@mptpowertrucking8096]

Excellent Vlog how to calculate what you should try to make per DAY as a OTR flatbed hauler in 2017. C'mon 😎

[@mr007able]

Great information. Very good points

[@MustangDesudiroz]

Awesome vid

[@scottdeano8397]

Damm.. by the time you take out your truck payment your insurance your license plates all your maintenance and you add in your own health insurance in their own vacation days for yourself you end up making more money as a company driver

[@SpaceCWB0y2u]

Excellent VIDEO!

[@jag7591]

Thank you. Great lesson !

[@docb.9908]

Makes perfect sense to me. This video was posted four years ago. Do you still follow this same plan?

[@maygun4030]

Very informative video! thank you

[@SuperTruckerdan]

+Meggiemeg Curtis Thanks for watching

[@kylebermel9053]

Great video. Very informative.

[@sfitz-rp4du]

Dan - I enjoy your videos. Seems to me that flatbed is more physically challenging than driving a dry van with the tarping and whatnot. Have you ever looked at finances for dry van, tanker, or a gigantic dump truck that's just local?

[@scummybagger4213]

Don't forget cost of insurance. Can reach $8000 to $9000 per year. Or up to $750 per month.

[@natashenka04you]

What is the best insurance company you ever used?

[@yogi291]

I average 3500 miles per week and gross around $8 to $10000 every week. You are short changing yourself. My take home after expenses is around $3500 to $4000 a week.

[@giovanitorres9360]

Kevin Galey wow that's awesome money. What do you haul and which company you work for or you get loads on your own?

[@ItsNotAllRainbows_and_Unicorns]

@Kevin Galey Can you answer Giovani's question. I have heard of those figures before.

[@ThaSouthTV]

This guys taking all the loads I want!!! Lol Great vid!”

[@JMAC-rs6ey]

Like I say Dan the bills DONT stop till you make em stop.

[@rickray5884]

I Run From Arkansas to California about every week I did not get rich but I did pay all my Bills if I would have been paying a Houses payment no way would I have made it thank god my Home was paid for. I will be Honest its a lot of Hours for little pay. I do miss the Road .

[@ericlietsch994]

Good points on this , thanks and stay safe out there.

[@ufchickenz6616]

So then it's full 7 day work week for four weeks and at about 10hr work days average. Outstanding.

[@_Us.A]

Hello to you from the channel of Alex Brezhnev

[@nakobilly]

Great attitude!