Is Staying Out Longer Worth It Financially (For Me)

[@acd1202]

Many many years ago, when I was in my early 20s a much older man said to me, "these guys run around trying to earn more than the next man, you need to understand that it isn't what you make that matters, it's what you have to spend to make it that's important." I've never forgotten that piece of wisdom because it's just as true now as it was then, maybe more so.

[@johnsiu2529]

Kurt, I was a company driver for 35 years and I got criticized often about how and why I did things. I'll say to you what I said to them, "you do you and I'll do me".

[@stevenbuis4490]

Bought a truck in June 1976 didn’t go home for 6 months. Been getting home every night the last 4 years. Now I am DONE!!!

[@jimanderson8002]

All depends, I used to stay out 4 months at a time, course being single helped. To make money in those long periods required not eating in truck stops and only showering when you had free showers from fueling. I would take a 34 to reset my clock when I ran out of hours, then jump right back in push some more. Made sure I worked every holiday to give the married guys time to spend with their families. For the most part life was good on the road!

[@papat7663]

Hey dude you're not the only one I talked to my shepherd all the time without making this sound I've lived by myself for many years my shepherd is old she just celebrated her 13th birthday with the McDonald's McFlurry life is good I wish you well my friend.

[@kevinryan3241]

I 100% agree with you about working more hours to compensate for higher prices that doesn’t work we just need a government that’s for the people and not for corporations, and that goes for both sides!! Keep up the great work you’re awesome Kurt!

[@TheBeast-mf3nc]

I run a 1993 international daycab. I only make 1200 a day (gross) but I'm home everyday and it works for my situation. I couldn't imagine being gone out on the road away from family but i tip my hat to those that can do it.

[@Trucker_Josh]

I have come to the conclusion like you that going further and longer doesn't equal more money. I stick to my bubble of around 1000 miles from home and I have found that I make just as much if not more than I did when I was out weeks at a time.... AND I'm home much MUCH more often. I have settled into my regional work and am very happy. We seem to have a lot in common. By the way... Iowa is in my regional bubble. Maybe one day we'll cross paths

[@truckingwithschmidt7120]

That would be great.

[@johnmcclain7072]

I'm out 3 weeks 4days off. Been doing it for years. Works for me. You do what's best for you. Only other opinions that matter are at your house. You and Opie truck it safe brother 😎

[@AlanHite]

Troy should be out of school. So you take him for a week on the road.and troy learning to drive the big semi was awesome.

[@williambillwaynerobertson930]

Kurt I believe it all applys to the individual trucking, it's definitely harder on the body with stress. I remember running a cattle pot in the 80's through Missouri, Iowa, Arkansas, Kentucky, Tennessee & Illinois the money was good but it caused alot of stress and problems. You're the boss you do what's best for you Bud.🇺🇸👍🇺🇸🙏

[@thomashall1380]

A LOT OF US OLDER GUYS ARE PROGRAMMED INTO LONGER TIME SPENT WORKING. NOT THE CASE ANY MORE DRIVERS HAVE TO CONSIDER THEIR FAMILIES THEIR ACTUAL TIME SPENT UNWINDING FROM THE ROAD, AND YOUR BOSS SHOULD UNDERSTAND THAT. TODAYS HOURS OF SERVICE IS A MESS PERIOD. YEARS AGO AND STILL TODAY WE WERE TOLD WHAT TO DO AND IF WE DID'NT DO IT WE WERE FIRED. MANY COMPANIES SAY ONE THING AND PRETTY SOON IT'S A DIFFERENT STORY AND IT DON'T TAKE LONG FOR THAT TO HAPPEN. MANY OF THESE COMPANY PEOPLE ARE PROFESSIONAL MANIPULATORS.. JUST ONE MANS OPINION.

[@jason-oe8yy]

That Cat sounds so good on my car stereo!

[@bryancrawford8498]

😊 Hi Kurt, remember that all important thing. That if Momma ain't happy, nobody ain't gonna be happy! Do what's good for you and your family my friend! Also, I enjoy seeing the content that you're putting out with you & Lil' Bud and you teaching him thing's. 😊

[@thomashall1380]

THREE DIVORCES AND CHILDREN SHOULD BE A PERFECT WAKE UP CALL. 22 YEARS OVER THE ROAD AND RETIRED NOW. BY MYSELF. ALL FOR ?

[@heatherkohlwey8379]

You do what works for you. It's your life and if someone else doesn't like it, tough. Speaking of dork, here is a random, goofy question. Have you ever had a bat roost under your sun visor? It looks like it would be a good spot for them. Yup. I'm a dork. Safe travels, and God bless.

[@SamuelManaole]

Sounds like dedicated roughts are the better choice. Your so deserving of the best, you are a loyal man to your business & family. Bless you kurt

[@davefoley4963]

Dont forget about your front spring bushings !!!

[@scottycollins1829]

Thxs 4 The Gr8 vids Mr Kurt & Opie!!!!!!!😎🇺🇸🔊🔊🔊🔊🔊🔊🔊🔊🎯

[@the.porter.productions]

O-H-I-O Porter greetings 🇺🇸 I’m up before the crack of dawn & listening to the birds singing. Being out 10 days is a long time to be out, for sure. I always enjoy some good home time every week. You don’t always make more $$ by being out longer or driving farther. You might even have to spend more time waiting for a load as well. Hmmm! My brother & I would like to get out, make the deliveries & then get back so that we didn’t have to spend a weekend waiting on a load. Trucking is a different kind of beast at times! You mean the air dryer that cost you more because of where it was at? If I’m remembering correctly! Well, either way, I hope it gets cleared up. Always good to ride along with ya! Make the trip & enjoy the ride! Blessings my friend!🥰🤩✌️

[@nestor_gach96]

Hello Schmidt! We saw your sticker on a display board in Costa Rica 🇨🇷at irazu volcano 🌋 😂 Now we are looking at one of your videos. I am a gringa from Wisconsin. Nestor is a Tico and drives 18 wheelers here in Costa Rica. Now he's following you on KZbin

[@truckingwithschmidt7120]

Wow thats awsome

[@David_Richard_241]

Kurt, I think somehow the "law of diminishing returns" comes into play in your situation. Yes, those 4 Topeka loads every week would be perfect. But we both know why you are not getting the loads like THAT these days. Be patient. The herd will be culled soon enough and you can get back to what you like. As I have said before, "boring" same old runs all the time means more time at the house.

[@huskersue5123]

Opie is such a sweetheart.. I love how he looks at you with such puppy love.❤

[@bigbossman3806]

My brother in law was out a full month one time, then his wife called the company dispatcher and put a stop to it.. I think he actually liked being out but his wife and kids didn't !

[@joeprocopio494]

Hahaha!! Liked that one!! My wife would say when you coming home, after 2 days home she say when you leavin!😅

[@swexpress308]

I like hearing your business end of things..I was a company driver for 20yrs.Got my authority 2 yrs ago an now hav 2 trucks.It is a struggle sometimes,but keep tellin myself i dont hava boss.Keep up the great truckin buddy.

[@southwestiowacattlefeeding6720]

I pulled in to the scales down on HWY 2 at Nebraska city and backed my truck and potassium belly trailer up on there ramp and started in the front and adjusted all 6 axels brakes and as I crawled out from under the back end and I looked up and an dot officer asked if he could help me and I said well you was closed and I hadn't adjusted my brakes in a long time so I took advantage of your ramp so that an old fat guy could crawl underneath his truck. All he was worried about is if I backed off the side of the ramp that the state wasn't liable for the damages. But he said he was happy that I was trying to keep the truck up in good shape .

[@BrandonLeech]

Potassium belly? LOL.

[@theminotaurtrucker2419]

That’s the nice thing about owner operator. You get to make whatever adjustments at whatever time based on what you feel is the right move at that time. Ps my wife starts wanting me home by day 3, I have clue why ( something needs fixed) I’m not that exciting.

[@kevinsnyder3100]

Really enjoy all of the videos both trucking and home as well. I appreciate seeing parts of the country I’ve never been to especially the smaller towns. Thanks for bringing us along! Opie is the star of the show

[@marcbauder1002]

I lost it with your sign in the window it hit funny

[@karenatha7890]

I remain dismayed at the running working folks into the ground for somebody's profit. It's wrong on so many levels. Really treating folks decently is healthier always. Making good honest videos like this is appropriate and appreciated, sir. I'll watch and support. Please don't be silent when honesty is called for because everything you've saying makes sense. Back around when you probably were just a kid, I had a friend I would go on shorter trips with. He drove part time. Did all sorts of work. The truck had dog hairs from his usual buddy. I didn't mind that at all. We have to survive and also set boundaries. Same as back then. I worked in carpentry in Texas weather. A 98 pound woman. I loved learning to build. Not so much the having to fight for myself all too frequently. Ah well. It takes a village. Take care. Of you, your family, and thank you for serving the community of us regular humans.

[@joeferreira7382]

You are definitely right Kurt, shorter runs more money more money and home more Less headaches Be safe take care yourselves

[@angeleyes6861]

Nice video Schmidt you might need to take Opie to the vet and check and see what they can do about his hips he looks like he's going down in the hips its common in German shepherds i just hate to see him like that after we all like watching Opie and he helped build the channel to make sure you get Opie a cheeseburger 😊

[@MAX999MAX]

Amazing as always. God bless you brother.

[@waynehammerton5698]

Take care of yourselves won't you Kurt and Opie

[@DonRRicks]

Did anyone else say, “Wait Kurt! I can’t see what’s coming!” when the traffic cleared and he got First Class heading north? I’ve rediscovered that I’m not a good copilot 😊

[@jdubs8397]

Well said you definitely filled in the pro's and cons plus hourly vs job with you family time . Not to say you have your choice to take as much time off and not truck , but if you stayed steady wouldn't you have first dips on the loads ? You understand why you work like you do I worked on the oil rigs for years away from home . Keep up the videos

[@jerryhubbard4461]

The yellow under the hood sho looks better than black or red. Still a good looking truck with that many years on it.

[@donnakuykendall5402]

I hope Uber Dad sees that picture of Opie under the MacD's sign.... it will make a another great Trucking with Schmidt STICKER.... yeah....

[@catherinebrown5413]

McDonald’s will probably sue you for trademark infringement. 🤧

[@2fast65]

Great video Kurt only you can decide what works for you I stayed out 30 to 40 days in my younger years and as I got older 5 to 8 was enough and it got harder to leave home once I was out I was fine have a great day be safe.

[@thewatchmen4920]

Hey Mr SCHIMDT. Home time is important. Mrs Sarah likes the 💵 but she loves her 🍯 more. That's good to have a excellent wife. You're blessed. 🚛 Josh and his wife just had a 👶. Home time is a little extra more needed when there's a chance. B SAFE you and 🍔 🐕‍🦺 🛣️ 🚛 💨 💨💨💨💨

[@janandersson9657]

same here in Sweden

[@claudiolaskos8148]

👋😃👍 Tudo na vida tem o lado bom e o ruim. Vc tem de colocar na balança, e analisar se vale a pena ficar distante das pessoas que vc ama, seja esposa, filhos ou pais, por longo ou curto tempo, em troca de um nível financeiro ou conquista de uma propriedade. Por motivos, eu viajava com meus dois cachorros no caminhão, não eram muito longas, em media 3 dias fora, mas para eles, apesar de estarmos juntos, era mais sofrido ficar na cabina. Coloquei na balança e parei, guardei o caminhão e fiquei mais próximo de casa, ate que meus companheiros partiram. (Um deles esta na foto, no parachoque da caminhão. Tudo de bom para vc.👋

[@petermarshall7005]

I really enjoy your stuff Kurt I have spent a lot of time in Nebraska and Iowa and they are great places no crowds no hurry and no worries just get off the Interstate and its so good.. Best wishes from Sydney Australia

[@Jorgeola757]

Hey Kurt , when you say the work closer to you is all taken up , is the work on a seniority basis ? Appreciate the videos.

[@nasapeterbilt6042]

Hey I enjoy listening to you brother very few good guys left and old school

[@bobmoroney3643]

I started with nothing and I still have.

[@brianbridle951]

Can't say for USA but for UK short is good.

[@terryperrott8567]

What you said is so true

[@NickZitzloff-nw1hf]

I usually stay out about a month or more at a time since i have no family and my dad does the same thing and this is my mom first trip out she just retired from waltmart and i got a kenworth w 900 my dad got a peterbault 379 and moms got a international 9400 ix all pulling step deck expect mom she pulling flatbed

[@richardorourke4571]

I remember that video good luck getting home. Hope thinks work out for u.

[@rolfsinkgraven]

Kurt it is your job and you do it how you want too do it, and like you say long hauls make a lot more damage too the truck.

[@jerryhubbard4461]

How do you like those high speed shoes you are wearing Kurt. Time to get back into the short pants.

[@randallbyrd2458]

Awesome video thank you and Opie for sharing

[@Shelbyproductions]

Thanks for the video

[@dan55ellis]

If all the people from Iowa are as nice as you than the State is in pretty good shape

[@Al_Nunnery]

Dang If U Get 4 Topeka Kansas Rounds a week, this Tennessean might get to Buy Ya a Cup of Coffee or Mtn Dew ... or Breakfast ,Lunch or dinner , or just Say Hello 👋 Hey Hi and Howdy .... lol ..I Watch For Ya tho.. but I come thru Topeka super on Sunday, But on way back home from Denver I'm thru Topeka during daylight hrs ....ten roger 4 ..... ✌️ 💚 & 18 Wheelz

[@slamma2556]

At about the 17:30 mark was the inside tire on that trailer off the bead. It looked like it was moving??

[@AdrianRod526]

In Ellsworth you can take 14 (truck route) instead 156 so you don’t hit the ramp closure 14 will take you out to 70 too.

[@norplan9050]

1:28 When the Warden says To Long Out Time To Come Home, That's a Good Deal.. Considering Sarah manages the Home Front and She Probably Helps You with the Books and Paperwork Related to the Truck.. Your a Bonefield Family Man .. I used to Chuckle at a Childhood Friend who started Longhaul in the early 70's and was a an O/O for many years.. But when he did a good stretch and it paid well.. By mid of the 3rd week home there was nothing said but he got the Hint when a suitcase & Duffle Bag were neatly placed by the Front Door ...LOL.... Carry On Kurt

[@1legfr8trucking76]

If the replacement part does the same thing check your brake chambers you might have a bad chamber

[@AndrewClawson-uv1nl]

I was company driver so I use stay about 21 days to two months

[@dchawk81]

I keep telling people this. I don't run much over 62mph. Me running faster would be equivalent to you running longer, since I'm local in a day cab. Yeah, I could run faster and pick up another load that day, but I'm going to piss it away to the government, the mechanic, the tire shop, and the fuel tank. Not to mention the extra stress of "gotta get there gotta get there." It's just not worth it.

[@jamesupton143]

Overtime is hard to come by these days and times. A lot of employers do not want to pay it. They will make other employee work short handed to avoid it. One job I have, it has been almost 4 years since I have had any overtime. On the other job I have it's been over a year since I got OT there. So the reason for working two jobs.

[@jessefenton3953]

Family values is always first.

[@dashhoundlover2837]

GOSH I JUST LOVE OPIE 🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾❤️🐾🐾🐾🐾

[@jerryhubbard4461]

I think you should teach Opie to drive. He has it made.

[@shadowwolf9329]

I know that you have seen a lot crazy things on the road

[@seanmcgee5211]

At least you have Oppie to talk too, I talk to myself. Lol

[@dashhoundlover2837]

HELLO KURT & OPIE SIR YOU GOT TO MAKE A LIVING BUT HOME TIME IS SUPER IMPORTANT TOO !! ITS TUFF OUT THERE BUT YOUR FAMILY NEEDS YOU TOO ! I WOULD GO NO MORE THEN 8 T0 10 IF I COULD HELP IT ! BUT ONLY YOU KNOW YOUR FINANCE SITUATION ! MUCH RESPECT APPRECIATE ALL YOU DO KURT YOU & JOSH ARE SUCH HUGE BLESSINGS !! THANK GOD FOR ALL THE TRUCKERS !! STAY SAFE !! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🙏🙏🙏🐾🐾🐾❤️🐾🐾🐾

[@sega_saturn4life590]

I love you bro come to blue beacon in dodge city Kansas foo I’ll hook you up we’ll put brighter on your truck citrus in your trailer

[@billclements3879]

Hey Kurt, quick question,??? Is your market increasing, or staying the same?? I hope an increase for you and your family. I know in the past, you wanted to be home,and your industry tanked for a bit… love you guys and your videos…. Stay safe

[@rogersheehan3157]

Kurt, just a crazy question: I have been following for about a year and I keep forgetting to ask: what is that little thing on top of your CB?

[@alanlanghorn9528]

He has go were he can get the work he has a family to support and a house with expenses to cover also and school few and the like if applicable have a look at just trucking he is doing what he can to survive also .

[@tomlennie8538]

Sounds like my boy Murphy. I get up and go to the kitchen ,he steals my seat and will not move, so when I get up from the seat he forced meto, he steals that one.

[@alanunseld4942]

my guess is depends on what the loads pay and how far you gotta go

[@meangenemiller3362]

What brand of cordless vacuum do you use?

[@henryprice767]

Wrong way opie probably seen that sign and said fluff that😂.

[@DavidMarek-s2m]

Kurt, it you feel like you need a rest from trucking then do it ?

[@harveymanwarren1876]

What hogs hailing pay now 12 hours out with the going back home time total ,4 loads like $10.000 a week ?

[@LarryTrawicki]

First class is really1st class🇺🇸💪🏼👊🏻🗽

[@FM-mm1wq]

Its realy sad seeing the pint on the first class hood like that 😢

[@derekdebruin6517]

I can’t find a “pint” on first class no matter how hard I look and I did I sure hope It would have beer in it

[@FM-mm1wq]

@@derekdebruin6517 sorry paint 😅

[@francorama]

Opie da dawgie show

[@tomward6538]

What's up with the driver side mirror 😮😊

[@DonRRicks]

Kurt, question. What are the RPM shift points. First Class almost sounds like she’s at idle

[@jaredluczynski3301]

Are things that bad everywhere? If it wasn’t for all the bills that come regardless all owners should park it and let the back up of freight raise prices again.

[@joeprocopio494]

Well Kurt it depends!! If the pay is good but you being the owner maybe not worth it!! I stayed out at times made more money theres a saying " if you want the mans money you gotta work for the man" but 9 10 days no deal!!! be safe Kurt.

[@joeprocopio494]

What!!?? Just saying you gotta do what works for you!! I'm retired now after43 yrs. Wouldn't want to be truckin now got out in 2018 now way to much bull shit!! Kurt t admire your work ethics!!

[@joeprocopio494]

Oh crap!!! I think we got hacked!!!damn!!!😮

[@tomward6538]

Keep talking to the camera so you don't go passed the dork stage 😂❤😅

[@thomashall1380]

A STEADY RUN THAT MEETS YOUR FINANCIAL NEEDS IS THE WAY TO GO KURT. THEY NEED GOOD DRIVERS! GIVES YOU A LITLLE TIME HOME PAYS FOR YOUR TRUCK NEEDS, IS THE WAY TO GO. TRUCKING HAS ALWAYS BEEN A BIG ? MARK BEEN THAT WAY FOR DECADES. JUST MY PERSONAL OPINION. OWNER OP FOR 15 PLUS YEARS. HOPE NO OFFENSE.

[@meangenemiller3362]

Why don’t you carry a small barbecue pit and have a lot of protein to eat? Steaks and pork chops or bacon Yum Yum.

[@AndThen42]

The answer to the title of the video is, ABSOLUTELY NOT!

[@myronbedner989]

I agree

[@jackson_68]

It is not that cut and dried. Depends on one's situation and how/where they like to run.

[@psg6314]

Great video keep up the good work God bless from GA and stay safe

[@AndThen42]

@@jackson_68 actually, it is. Job choice, pretty sure there other supplemental jobs out there dork could qualify for and do, he’s not an I d ten tango!

[@chrisconley8105]

Are you power only exclusively for Guntren or do you own a trailer for other loads also? Thanks

[@josephlawton4525]

You run your program how you see fit

[@juniorhensley3983]

I think gorring off the beaten path occasionally would be a blessing. Then you are not seeing the same ole, same ole and exploring new sites

[@darylthisdelle7702]

I have to say that the trucking industry is in a mess. The economy revolves around transportation, trucking here. It’s treated the worst of any industry out there. Big companies make the big profits off the backs of the truckers . How does big companies keep making record profits and the little has a hard time eating. Its the power they have and the use it on every contract and every load. This will keep happening. Do you think the big companies care about most of the little guys, he’ll they couldn’t care less. That’s why we are in the position we are in today. The government can’t control these big corporations and they screw everyone. I think in the next few years a big change is coming. Have a great and a safe day. Happy trails and happy motoring.

[@amossnowdaharleyman9179]

Old saying: If the wheels ain't turnin' you ain't earnin'...

[@BrandonLeech]

Unless they're turning too cheapy and you're either treading water or going broke. 🤣

[@RDC_Autosports]

run LTL loads if you’re gonna stay out longer make more $$$

[@myronbedner989]

When you have to live out on the road you can't make money i mean you can make it but you also have to spend it companys only give you so much a week for cash advances. Then you have to spend your own money out on the road. Just my opinion. But my opinion could be wrong like it usually is. Just saying

[@Moonshineguy]

My daughter calls me a dork.and where opies favorite place to get a hamburger 🍔

[@chuckvenable6183]

Sounds like you lost your grip for all the short loads sense you took off all that time, you know when you snooze you loose

[@florentinomartinez6507]

👍👍

[@mattsmith2739]

mama was pry thinking you got a gf on the side after 11 days out and was nervous..at least you know she not cheating on you

[@sunnyray2048]

🍭SWEET🍭🙏🏼💖👍🏻