Hotshot Connect Forum :: Where is everybody???

Tom Cobb · Site Admin

I have been busy the past 2-3 days and haven't been on here. I looks like nobody else has been around either. Stroker posted a joke but that is about it.

Where are you guys? I know....you are all out making money and lots of it. Right???

Myself, I have been out shooting my shotgun at them inedibile clay birds. Those things don't have much taste and the grit is hard on the mouth and gets in your teeth.

In a week or so maybe I can get out and shoot some edible birds.

By the way.....I ain't making no money either.

Tom Cobb

D. Green

Guilty, checked in a couple times, but have been busy.

Started back to work, did runs to NE Tx, LA & MS last week.

Bought another S/W Chevy 3500 that I need to build a flatbed for.

Life goes on....

TGPILOT

Been busy too. Loaded out for delivery in the morning, looking to stay real busy all week.

Tom Cobb · Site Admin

At least I know some of you are alive and kicking.

Good to see that you are back on the road Dennis. What year model is that truck? Is it a gas or diesel?

bth9461

Recovering from vacation this weekend. Getting ready to go out Monday, 2 picks, 1 for Long Island and S.E. New York.

Brian

Tom Cobb · Site Admin

I hope you had a good vacation. Be safe and stay out of the floods.

bth9461

Seems like DOT should require life vests for saftey equipment these days.

Brian

Tom Cobb · Site Admin

Don't give them any ideas. They probably haven't thought of it. They might require life rafts when crossing bridges.

Tom Cobb · Site Admin

Finally got the driveway repair and add on done. It has kept me occupied all week dealing with contractors. Now the city can't write me a ticket for parking my boat on the grass. What a crock this has been. I am tired of cities dictating what I can park and where on my property. I am considering moving out into the county away from the cities. I really need to do it before it gets worse.

bth9461

My boat is parked on the grass, I am surprised that you would have those personal freedom problems down in Texas. Maybe it is just a city people issue, get too many of us in one spot and freedom goes out the door.

Hey on a side note, I just got back from Manhattan with my trailer. Went right past the Empire State Building, pickuped to cars from a dealer on Manhattan that went back to Mi. Leaving Tuesday for Boston and a stop in s. NY state.

On a side note I have not found the time to get my boat on the water this year.

Brian

TGPILOT

I just got in last evening. They have been running me to death all summer. This week I was running from a low of $3.50 a mile to $8.00 a mile. It's really been good weather too. Start out again Tue. and do it all over.

Gonna get some rest, you guys take it easy. Happy hollidays.

Tom

Tom Cobb · Site Admin

It is city councils prodded by people who mind other peoples business. I have had a boat parked there for 15 plus years. They pass a new ordinance without publicizing it then start enforcing it after about 6 months. They never required a permit to pour flat concrete but lo and behold now a permit is required if you are going to park on it. Who would pour concrete like that without parking on it. If you are going to put a cover on the flat concrete you also have to have a permit.

I will never understand what goes thru peoples minds that dream up this crap.

I also have not had my boat out in the past two years. My son had it out a couple of times. That is going to change however. Dad is going to use it, hopefully with the boys and grandson.

Tom Cobb · Site Admin

I bet everyone is out laboring today. Everyday is labor day for drivers. When you are retired everyday is Saturday except for Sunday. LOL!!!!

Stroker

Tom, you need one of them clocks that says " Who cares what time it is "

D. Green

Must be a terrible situation to not have to worry about time or days of the week Laughing

Maybe I'll get there someday.

Yup, I labored over the labor day week-end. Runs to east Tx rigs, then met a Diamond Offshore rig boat at Pascagoula, Ms to deliver parts to them.

Gotta load this afternoon for stops at Pioneer/Henderson, Tx & ScanDrill/Tyler, Tx tomorrow.

Stroker

At least Tom has time to play with them grand kids. Smile

That will keep him on his toes.

Tom Cobb · Site Admin

That they will do. Especially that 3 yr old grandson. The 9 month old granddaughter is becoming more active everyday and she is a grandpa's girl. Funny how the grandson was a grandma's boy and the granddaughter is a grandpa's girl. I love both of them and wouldn't have it any other way.

We have plans for a camping trip to Coyote Creek SP in New Mexico in Oct. I am looking forward to that.

I also got word tonight that my youngest brother is getting much worse and is in the final stages. In case you don't know he has cancel. Several tumors throughtout his body. He is 51 years old. I will likely go to Houston tomorrow or Thursday.

Be safe folks.

bth9461

51 sure is young to be dealt that hand, I will pray for the best for him. This must be tough on you and your family. Take care Tom.

Brian

Tom Cobb · Site Admin

It has been 3 days since anyone reported in. Get with it guys. Ya'll are sluffing off.

Where is Phil, Stroker, TG, and Brian?

I heard that TG was not feeling to well a couple of days ago. Hope he is up and around by now.

Stroker you need to roust Melvin out and tell him his abscense will no longer be tolerated. HA!!! I may have to send one of those hogs after him. LOL!!!!

Stroker

Tom, you know Melvin, he is to busy playing with LuLu to come over here.

TGPILOT

I'm here two, albeit 12:30 at night. Sent a few days upgrading one of my computers to a super computer. It's fast and gets the job done. I am just so luck I have more talent than I have beauty. At least I can fix things.

Got to load out for LA Monday, get that done and then start another busy week. Hope you guys are staying dry. We've been getting a lot of rain the past few days.

Later guys, be safe.

Tom

Tom Cobb · Site Admin

TG it is to bad that you are not talented like me. I can fix things and am handsome to go with it. What a deal. Couldn't ask for more. LOL!!!

Gary..You may be right but he needs to rest sometimes.

Ya'll be safe out there and stay dry. We could use a little rain down here.

Stroker

Hey Tom C, I got about a 30 min rain at the house, at around 11 this morning. Very Happy

Tom Cobb · Site Admin

I got it about 3:30 this afternoon. About 1 hr worth of good steady rain. I couldn't believe that my grass was burned to a crisp about 2 weeks ago even after all the rain we had. We had a couple of showers since then and I had to start watering the yard to get any life back in it. We had a little rain about a week ago but very little. I cut the yard, what little there was to cut, on the 25th Aug and I figured that would the last time for the year. We got just enough water and me watering to restore some life. I might have to cut it two more times unless it winds up like the year before the drought started and have to cut the grass in Nov because of some much rain. IT IS JUST TEXAS. That is about all I can say.

TGPILOT

Yesterday it rained almost all day and a bit last night. Guess we got enough. Got to go load tomorrow for LA. If Mel was close, I would let him buy me a steak.

Just may have to drop down and see you guys. I know Stoker knows where all the great eating spots are around DFW.

Later guys.

Tom

Tom Cobb · Site Admin

I know where the Cracker Barrel is. That is where Gary and I meet at. I am open to some where else.

I don't know how we are going to get Melvin over here. He don't like coming to TX. It's to big for him and to far west. LOL!!

Tom Cobb · Site Admin

Where is everybody? Brian have you gotten lost or got laid up somewhere? I haven't even gotten an email from you lately. I have heard from Gary but the rest of you seem to have disappeared.

TGPILOT

Last week I stopped and visited with Stoker for the eve. I am now in NM. Fuel here in places is running $3.25 to $3.33 a gal. Glad I have cheap (high dollar fuel) $2.84.

Tom

bth9461

TGPILOT

Glad your ok. Hope everything works out. We are on a half vacation, half work trip in CO. Been great, headed home tomorrow. Got work stacked up on us and waiting, so got to get back pretty quick.

Maybe we will see you when you come S. Watch those nuts behind the wheel, be safe.

Tom

Tom Cobb · Site Admin

Glad you are OK Brian. There are nut cases out there.

I will be having cataract surgery on the 17th Oct. Maybe they will delay it again, which is actually likely.

We are getting ready for our family excursion to NM and we are all ready for it. We will probably have the place to ourselves which is good. It will be cooler and there are lots of trout to catch.

Becareful out there folks.

bth9461

Hey T.C. , what kind of trout and are you fly fishing? I have not been fly fishing in 30 years. I used to love fly fishing. Hope you have some fun. Just finished a 2 hour tarp job, boy do I hate big tarp loads, had to use both tarps to cover 26' of the trailer. Wish I was going fly fishing or any kind of fishing rather than tarping. Getting some of that Texan rain today.

Brian

Tom Cobb · Site Admin

The creek has rainbow and brook trout. The brookies are small. The rainbows run up to about 3 lbs. It is a highly stocked stream. I use spinner baits and power bait which simulates fish eggs. Also some salmon eggs or trout eggs. My son will probably fly fish some.

We need some rain here. They have had a lot down on the coast. We haven't had much here in the past several weeks and now my yard is turning brown again.

I also don't like tarping loads. One of the worst loads I tarped was some wood structures and it was cold and raining and not a sole would come out and help me. Another bad one was some tanks that had sharp brackets and pipes protruding out of it. It punctured tarps and was a super pain in the ass. Why the used tanks had to be tarped I have no idea. I came close to driving off without tarping them.

D. Green

I try to keep an eye on you guys. Sometimes I hate to post, just never know when I'll get back to it, so I ain't being rude if I don't answer right away. Wink

Many know already, but I voluntarily suspended my authority 9/16. Since I'll be required to be here for the next few months for therapy, I hated to part with the $3000 it would have cost me in insurance for that non-productive time. In talking to FMCSA, it'll only cost me $80 for the re-instatement fee, and my insurance company was understanding, so I figured it was for the best for now.

Still running the Dodge in state and the Chevy SW & pickup all over. Heck, one of my customers was ecstatic that I would be staying in town, gave me keys to their warehouse & a generous bonus to take their loads & load myself after hours, saves the owner or salesperson getting out. LOL, I might learn to like running this way. All their interstate freight is less than 3k #'s.

Trying to get back into the heavy stuff. Finished a trailer frame over the week-end, and started the flatbed for the ChevySW. I think 4" channel iron is getting heavier.. or I'm getting older. The old shoulders feel it today. Even the therapist noted the tight muscles & scheduled me for an extra visit tomorrow afternoon. (I sure like this guy. Therapist & Chiropractor. Ya sure do feel good after a visit. Very Happy

)

I was up in Rose's neck of the woods last week. If I knew your number, I'd a bought coffee or a meal. Rose.. ya need to earn something from us old grouch's. Laughing

Tom Cobb · Site Admin

Good to hear from you Dennis. You had to do what I did for the same reasons only now I am not so sure what I am going to do, I have cataract surgery on Oct 17. Still having knee problems and not sure where that is going and when. Some days are worse than others. Maybe we will just have to grouchy old men together and keep all these young'uns in line. LOL.

Keep on coming back. We always like to hear from you. I am ready to go to New Mexico where it is cool. We are all chomping at the bit.

bth9461

Dennis you will like having those keys, when I first started hauling my brother in law's enclosed trailers I had a key to the plant gate. I could go in the middle of the night and grab a trailer and head off towards Chicago and beat the AM rush hour traffic. Crossing Chicago land into WI at 4am is a peace of cake. You will like that flexibilty, of after hours access.

Hey TC be careful about what you wish for, you might get a monsoon. When you get to that stream you won't have a care in the world. Thats what I like about fishing, some call it boring, I call it relaxing.

Brian

Tom Cobb · Site Admin

The weather is a lot cooler too. High's in the 60's and 70's and lows around 35-40. I like that kind of weather. I also like rainbow trout that is fresh from the stream and fried. Add fries, hush puppies and cole slaw and your tongue will beat your brains out trying to get to the trout and fixin's.

Tom Cobb · Site Admin

Dennis

Is there enough work to keep a 1-ton dually with a pickup bed busy?? I would like to stay in TX so I don't have to restart my authority. Can this be sensibly done. I am not looking at making a big amount of money but just to stay busy and make enough to pay expenses and pocket a little. Give me you thoughts about this.

Tom C

TGPILOT

I am in CO for the second time in two weeks. On my way to the Canada border with a pallet paying $5,000.00. Just had to take it before winter set in. Already snowing the other side of Larmie. I should miss most of it. Gotta go. Time to eat....lol

Tom

Tom Cobb · Site Admin

Sure seems early for the snow. CA had a bunch yesterday as well. I will be in NM next week trying to forget all of you guys are out there slaving and I am fishing. I will have to try not let it bother me. LOL.

See you next week before my eye surgery on Wed 17th. Becarefull out there on them highways.

TGPILOT

TC, it's five a.m. I've been up a few hours making the miles. I am in Sheridan, WY. 34 degrees about six inches of snow on the ground and the wind is howling.

Pop two straps and they can have this load and then I am headed South. 700 lb. pallet paying $5,000. Now that is a Dennis load. not bad. Been doing a lot of these loads lately plus others, still staying busy.

Stay out of trouble fishing, used to fly that country a lot, always pretty there.

Tom

bth9461

TGpilot that must be an Air freight load and rate. Did you park the truck and start flying?

TC hope everything goes well. How was the fishing?

Got stopped 2 weeks ago in PA by DOT then 3 hours later at the OH I80 scale, level one inspection. Have been inspected every year 05MD, 06NY, and now 07OH. Passed still rolling. Both officers were polite, but said they are looking for bootlegger 1tons especially, I said good get them off the road.

Brian

TGPILOT

I should go back to flying now and then lol. I've been getting some lite wt. hotshott loads lately.

Company that I pull for pays good and willing to pay a lot more for the fast ones. They keep us busy, was hoping to slow down and only run three or four times a week. But don't think that's going to happen.

Hope your doing good Brian. The DOT in Canada is a lot more thorough than ours, but they were really nice and joked with us a lot. Send me you'r pic's and info so I can add them to my project.

Later,

Tom

D. Green

Tom Cobb · Site Admin

I have considered checking with Venture. They have a couple of terminals in this area. I am also working on a job that Stroker told me about. It is transporting by driving or trailering high dollar cars like Ferrari's, Rolls, etc. I think most is local or in this region but not sure on that yet. I got the impression it is mostly trailering because they want someone with a tow vehicle. I am not sure about the trailer but they didn't say that a trailer was required. It pays $15.00 an hour and $.30 a mile for fuel.

This whole deal has a lot of questions that has to be answered. The fuel rate is not high enough and no money for maint costs. I am not sure they are DOT but I would have to qualify for their insurance. Like I said there are a lot of questions.

D. Green

Yeah, I'd check with the big hot-shot carriers, Ace, Acme, Venture, whatever is in the area. You know the questions, just insure mileage covers vehicle costs & deducts.

Get lots of good answers on the local auto transport deal. Doesn't sound too bad, if you're under their authority. I'm sure you know Tx requires TxDOT minimum to move auto's intrastate.

Tom Cobb · Site Admin

No I didn't know TX required TXDOT to move autos. Glad you said that. I thought the 26K rule applied. Learned something new today so it not a wasted day. Thanks Dennis.

I still haven't heard back from them. I have cataract surgery tomorrow so I will wait until after that is all over with before I call them.

bth9461

When I got inspected in OH the DOT officer said that you needed 1mil in liab insurance for Auto's. I guess they nail a lot of guys that only have 750k liab insurance. Did not know that.

TC, that high end car deal sounds like it might have some potential. Some of the idiot haulers out here are hauling for less than 5 bucks an hour after expenses. If your milage is 12-14 mpg then the cost is .25 to .22 per mile at 3.00 a gallon. I would ask if that milage rate changes with the fuel prices.

Brian

D. Green

It's been years since I checked into auto moving, but I believe TxDOT required $300k liability, 100k cargo for intrastate single car moves.

Just a quick look found this, but I gotta run. Back later.

http://www.dot.state.tx.us/services/motor_carrier/tow_truck.htm

Tom Cobb · Site Admin

Stroker and I both have doubts as to whether this company has any authority to transport cars. I am going to call them when I get my senses back. I had the cataract surgery about 2 hours ago and I have not got all my facilities about me yet. Some say I never did. LOL

TGPILOT

Don't know what's going on, but this trip I just got off of, I saw a lot of big class 8 and dulley enclosed car haulers. Someone is making money.

Tom

bth9461

Hey TG, did you see any of those Pilot Transport stacker enclosed trailers pulled by their Class rigs? I see them out east all the time now. I don't remember those rigs 3 years ago. Their stuff looks real clean and new, matching paint on the trucks and trailers.

Brian

TGPILOT

I didn't notice that name in particular, but there were a lot of different companies out there hauling. Some had some nice enclosed with matching paint jobs, others were just plain jain white.

Also seeing a lot of class 7 rigs out there every day too.

Later Mark, have fun.

Tom

Tom Cobb · Site Admin

Have any of you had problems getting loaded with decent loads. A driver I know says he has been down for 3 weeks trying to get decent paying loads. He finally got a load from MS to UT leaving tomorrow.

He also said that he had been told that several large companies were laying off drivers and shutting down trucks because of lack of loads. He saw an add somewhere where for cdl drivers but with a clean record stipulation only, which may not be that unusal.

Is the shift to smaller rigs taking place as I had predicted? What is your take on this?

bth9461

TC, I am having my best month ever running my a$$ off, if you know what I mean. I did hear that Schneider was laying off some MGT and a few drivers, but then the next day I hear their adds on the radio for drivers. Go figure.

I think the Medium Duty interest is coming from 1ton guys moving up in class. Saw a couple of RV transporters with medium duties (used ones) with sleepers this week. I have not seen a Swift or Hunt Medium Duty yet.

Brian

Tom Cobb · Site Admin

I saw a couple of rv haulers in med duty trucks also while on my trip from NM.

I believe that because of a lot of LTL freight from med to small manufacturers that some of the big companies are going to start using med duty trucks and hotshot rigs to move it. It just my gut feel and watching what has happened in the past 3 years.

I could be wrong but it would be the first time. LOL Razz

bth9461

Time will tell, the problem I see is that the Medium duties don't seem to save that much fuel over a good setup on a Class 8. I talked to a guy with a International 4400 DT570 310 hp and he was getting 7.5 to 8.5 depending on the load. He pulled his RV and boat 44k gross.

Wayne over on HSH has a freightliner (FL60-70) with a 3car wedge and is getting 8-9.

A good setup on the Class 8's are getting 6.5 to 7.5 with some doing 8mpg.

Now if the medium's can get a solid 10 with the right setup you might have something. I wonder what those new Pete's are getting?

Brian

TGPILOT

TC, like Brian, I am doing well and staying busy all the time. In fact, I look forward to a day off now and then because we are running a lot and they are paying well.

Ran with a guy from Quality on my way back from AZ that was running a 2000 Volvo that he had converted to hauler bed class 7. He had a Cummings 425 in it. Said he paid $25,000 for it several years ago with a million miles on it, and has since put another 450,000 on it.

Truck looked sharp, he was set up to run heavier stuff that the dulley's couldn't. Nice walk-in sleeper etc.

Yes to your question, I am seeing a lot of class 7 stuff out there, it's a different market now I guess.

Tom

bth9461

TG, did he say what kind of milage he was getting?

Brian

TGPILOT

Yes around 9 mpg loaded and 11 to 12 empty. It was a sharp looking rig, Kind of what I was looking at doing with the full walk in sleeper.

Tom

bth9461

TG what do you think the best combination of Engine size ( under 10 ltr medium duty, or over 10 ltr Class 8's), Brand of motor ( i have heard a lot of bad things about CAT?), HP, gear ratio, brand of truck builder ( FL,Volvo,KW, Mack, Pete, IHC, ect), and tranny types. What will maximize MPG for a step deck type trailer like yours with a total Gross Weight of 50 to 54k loaded. The truck needs to climb hills good too.

Keep in mind truck longevity so engine and truck builder are important I think. I just don't know enough about trucks. Seems to me the higher MPG class 8's have gear ratios in the 2.60 to 3.60 range is that true, and are the higher ratios for heavier (over 80k) haul applications. Could a single axle Class 8 with a big 10lt+ motor and a 2.60 gear ratio get better MPG than a medium duty?

Anyone else have an opinion feel free to jump in, just looking for knowlegde on these Medium and heavy trucks.

Brian

TGPILOT

Rose will need to move this to the correct section, but in answer to your question:
Brian, I've slowly been trying to put together a guide for buying a med duty/class 8 for several months based on 41 years of being around the trucks. My brother built a three million dollar company starting with one truck. He later sold the business and retired several years ago.

This is only a bit of info here for the moment, based not only on my knowledge, but that of past and current respected experts in the field.

1. Get an aerodynamic truck, stay away from the classics for better fuel mileage.

2. Now days, an automatic or auto shift is recommended over a standard. You will also get about 3/10 better fuel mileage, and better shifting.

3. Make sure the truck is specked correctly, and for the type of hauling your going to do.

4. Take the truck to the engine mfg. shop:
a. have them run an ECM
b. Run a DYNO test ck blow by
c. Run an oil sample

5. Take the truck to a front end shop:
a. Have them compare tire wear to mileage, see if it's consistent.
b. Have them check the front end out completely

6. Take the truck to two general shops:
a. Tell them you are buying the truck, and that you want them to go completely through it front to back to see if they can find anything out.

Depending on your area and shop rates, this should cost about $1,500.00. For a class 8, or one cut back to a class 7, it's recommended that you not go over 430 hp. The biggest thing that you can do is keep your speed down to 55-58 mph. For every mile you drop in speed, you could see fuel savings amounting to $10,000 in a year based on 100,000 miles per year. Proven fact!

When buying a new/used truck, stay away from the classics. Salesman will brag about resell value etc. You are NOT interested in resell, what you want is a good solid, dependable truck that will last. After you finally wear out the engine, if it's a good truck, with good fuel mileage, you will rebuild it at least once. When you have worn the truck out, donate it to a trucking school, run it off a cliff, whatever. You have gotten your moneys worth out of it for the years that you have run it. (This is not only my thoughts on this subject, but a respected expert in the field Keven Rutherford.) Their are a lot of experts that can guide you on XM 171.

I had gathered a lot of information and articles in the past year, that I was trying to get together and post here when I have the time, I will add them.

One last thing, where most guys fail out here, it is because they do not set aside a maint/replacement fund. They are not aware of the cost per mile on operation. You MUST know this, and set money aside. Everything from paper clips, cell phone, everything used in your business must be considered. For example: On a class 8/med duty truck, if it's new you should allow about .06 cent a mile for maint/replacement for the first 500,000 miles. The second 500,000 miles bump it up to .11 or .12 cents a mile. On a pickup, dulley, I would think maybe .03 or .04 cents a mile would work. Haven't figured those numbers in a long time. Yes the bigger trucks cost more, but if you set aside your money, it will make no difference, if your driving a dulley or class 8. You will have the money for repairs.

The thing is, if you consistently put away money in this fund, you should be ok when you have a break down, or time to replace the truck. Again, this is also highly advised by the experts in the field, not just my advice.

There is always someone who will try and argue the point, or claim other wise........It's worked for thousands, it's proven facts....it's up to you to decide. Always, Always research! That is what I have done, and continue to do. You never quit learning.

THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS PROVIDED TO HELP YOU:

gallons 25,000.00
fuel $ $72,500.00
fuel CPM (cost per mile) $0.48

Max Savings CPM Reasonable
Improvement Savings CPM
speed 10% $7,250.00 $0.05 6% $4,350.00 $0.03
maintenance 8% $5,800.00 $0.04 4% $2,900.00 $0.02
out-of-route miles 6% $4,350.00 $0.03 3% $2,175.00 $0.01
idling 5% $3,625.00 $0.02 3% $2,175.00 $0.01
acceleration & braking 3% $2,175.00 $0.01 1% $725.00 $0.00
fuel network/optimizer 3% $2,175.00 $0.01 2% $1,450.00 $0.01
tires 3% $2,175.00 $0.01 2% $1,450.00 $0.01
aerodynamics 2% $1,450.00 $0.01 1% $725.00 $0.00
alignment 2% $1,450.00 $0.01 1% $725.00 $0.00
engine technology 2% $1,450.00 $0.01 1% $725.00 $0.00
progressive shifting 2% $1,450.00 $0.01 1% $725.00 $0.00
fuel savings
(add'l profit!) 46% $33,350.00 $0.22 25% $18,125.00 $0.12
actual fuel cost $39,150.00 $0.26 $54,375.00 $0.36

_______________________________________________________________________

FACTORS EFFECTING SPEED

This is always #1 on everyone’s list because speed is the easiest to control. According to Bridgestone/Firestone of North America, and many experts, speed is the number one factor affecting truck fuel economy. According to tests by Bridgestone Tire Company and the Transportation Maintenance Council, “Good drivers dwarf all mechanical factors affecting fuel economy and the difference between the best drivers and the worst drivers is about 35%.”

A typical argument about driving slower to save fuel is that the driver can make up more time driving faster and therefore make more money by driving more miles but, how many drivers do you know that spend the extra half hour they save by driving faster drinking coffee or playing videos in the next truckstop?

Owner-operators who believe they can make more money by driving faster believe in a myth. At speeds in excess of 60 MPH, the fuel economy loss is greater than the time savings. Driving faster means you need more horsepower and more horsepower will always cost more in fuel. Also there is an additional cost in maintenance, safety and fatigue. Driving five miles an hour under the speed limit will lower your fuel consumption and put money back into your pocket. Or try limiting your top speed to 60 MPH while prices are high. Doing this might occasionally cost an hour of time in an eleven-hour stretch of driving, but you’ll save enough money to make it worthwhile.

Here’s how much you can save by slowing down - when fuel is at $2.60 per gallon the difference between 5.5 MPG at 70 MPH and 6.5 MPG at 60 MPH is nearly $40 for a 500 mile trip. In a week the difference is about $315.00. This money can go either into your pocket or out the stacks. When fuel is $2.60 per gallon, you’ve got to look very carefully at the benefits of driving slower vs. old habits and the cost of driving faster. It doesn’t make sense to drive faster if that higher speed isn’t putting $45.00 a day back into your pockets.

If you can manage your time by meeting your schedules while driving slower you’re putting money in the bank.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Out-of-Route Miles

The typical truck driver runs out-of-route 6% to 12 % of their total annual miles. This does NOT mean the difference between paid miles and actual miles. This means that many drivers who run over 100,000 miles per year on the "most practical" route for delivering their goods, will run over 10,000 miles that were unnecessary.

This comes from trips to Wal-Mart or the grocery, driving through Denver on your way across I-80 to see a buddy from high school, driving to three different dealerships to find chrome lug nut covers for your truck, etc. While these examples seem silly and like the cost is insignificant, it adds up quickly.
Manage your time. If you need to get supplies or groceries combine trips together. If you want to see a buddy tell him to drive and meet you on your route or have him meet you half-way. If you're shopping for something, a phone call costs much less than fuel and maintenance on your truck.

Idling

When fuel is below $1.25 per gallon, you can idle your truck and not worry about putting yourself out of business. When fuel is over $2.00 per gallon, you can find better ways to stay comfortable. If you keep your pet Tasmanian Devil in the truck for protection and you're worried about him getting too hot or cold, it's probably time to leave Taz at home.

You'll burn one gallon of fuel per hour you idle. If you idle just three hours per day and you're in the truck six days a week you'll spend over $2,700 in a year at today's fuel prices. Many drivers idle over 12 hours per day which equals an $11,000 raise they would give themselves for turning the truck off. At savings like that, it doesn't pay to have Taz in the truck with you.

Acceleration & Braking

Good fuel economy comes from minimizing the energy (horsepower) your truck consumes. How you drive has a lot to do with it. Much of your truck's horsepower is consumed by things like wind resistance, tires, accessories, weight, engine friction, transmission, drivelines and rear ends. As much as 50% to 85% of your truck's horsepower (energy) will go to these items.

Your job is to minimize the effect your foot has on the consumption of your truck's horsepower. The key is..."Show No Smoke!" This means that you won't ever see smoke going out your exhaust stacks. Every time you do that it's dollar bills going out your exhaust. Drive in a safe, deliberate manner. Follow at a safe distance so that you're not having to brake. Coast on the exit ramps. Don't stomp on your gas peddle. Take it easy and put more money in your pocket!

Progressive Shifting

Progressive shifting is a technique for keeping your engine performing at the lowest number of revolutions possible. It means, progressively shifting to the next highest gear while still at a low rpm. The rpm will vary based upon the load on the truck, the engine and the drivetrain setup. The key is to know your truck.

Another tool for more experienced drivers is block shifting, also called skip shifting. This is a technique of skipping gears to keep your truck's engine at low rpm. For example, going from third to fifth gear. However, this can be risky and can damage the drivetrain if you're not careful. It is typically safer to practice progressive shifting.

Finally, rather than downshifting to slow down or using your Jake brake, follow at a safe distance and coast using your truck's friction and rolling resistance to let it gradually slow down. The most important thing is...Be Safe!!!
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EQUIPTMENT CONSIDERATIONS

Engine Technology

Today's Low RPM / High Torque engines can greatly improve your fuel economy...IF you take advantage of the technology. Many old-time drivers feel that their engine is lagging and that they need to shift into a lower gear and keep the RPMs high for greater power. In reality, today's engines have the highest torque available at low RPMs. This helps improve your fuel economy. The lower the number of revolutions on your engine the less fuel your engine will consume. This means that maximizing your time in top gear at the lowest RPM (typically well below 1,300 rpm) will give you the best fuel economy.

Also, take into consideration how much energy is stolen from your truck to run your various accessories. For example, locking on your engine fan can cause an 8% to 12 % drop in mpg. If you have an air leak, your truck's air compressor can cause a decrease in your mpg by up to 2%.

Aerodynamics

According to Cummins, "Aerodynamic drag is the most significant contributor to vehicle power requirements above a speed of 50 mph." A truck with poor aerodynamic qualities will use over half of the horsepower it exerts to overcome its aerodynamic inefficiencies. "Every 2% reduction in aerodynamic drag results in approximately 1% improvement in fuel economy."
This doesn't just apply to your truck, but to your trailer as well. "Beyond approximately 30 inches, every 10-inch increase in tractor-trailer air gap increases aerodynamic drag b y approximately 2%." Therefore, snug your trailer tight to your tractor for better fuel economy. Depending on the type of trailer you haul, your trailer can increase aerodynamic drag by 5% to 30% or decrease you fuel economy by 2.5% to 15%.
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Tires

According to Cummins, "Rolling resistance is the second largest consumer of power on a truck. The type of tire and tread design have a sizeable effect on fuel economy and performance. Fuel efficient tires have demonstrated gains as high as 0.5 mpg."
"Every 10 psi of under-inflation represents approximately 1% penalty in fuel economy."

With today's aerodynamic trucks, tire rolling resistance accounts for 25% to 35% of the fuel that your engine burns. Amazingly, new tires are less efficient than tires that have worn the tread down.

Courtesy of Bridgestone Tires.

A new tire with new tread means that the truck will have more rolling resistance. Likewise, a "lug" style tread design will cause more rolling resistance than a "ribbed" style tread.
The key is overcoming rolling resistance. And the best way to do that is by managing your tire pressures. Not just on your truck but on your trailer as well. You should check and properly inflate every tire on your rig each morning and each time you pick-up a new load. It doesn't make sense to burn dollars dragging a trailer with under-inflated tires down the road.

Follow your truck and tire manufacturers guidelines for proper inflation and tire pressures. But be sure to check them everyday and at the beginning of every new load.

Alignment

Alignment can effect your fuel economy by over 2%. It's important to make sure you're not using your truck's energy (horsepower) to push axles and tires down the road that don't want to travel in the given direction the driver is steering. It's important to get a high quality alignment done on your truck at least every six to twelve months, including a check of the toe or camber settings. This will help make sure your truck is rolling straight down the road and not using excess energy to "scrub" the tires as they roll. Don't look for the cheapest shop. Find one that has recently had their machine tested and certified. Too often, a truck owner pays for an alignment on a machine that is out of alignment. Make sure you're getting a good alignment from a certified alignment professional.

Maintenance

Good truck maintenance is critical to achieving the best possible fuel economy from your truck. Be sure to use low viscosity "slippery" lubricants that will help reduce the rolling resistance and friction of your truck. Have a qualified technician perform a consistent and quality PM (preventative maintenance) on your truck at consistent intervals. The maintenance interval is determined by your type operation. For example, off-road trucking requires PMs more often than long-haul trucking. Make sure the mechanic tests the additive package in your cooling system to ensure you avoid engine cavitation.

Some of the maintenance must be done by you. Use high quality grease and get in the habit of hitting every grease point on your truck at least once per week. Good grease will cut the rolling resistance and friction. Doing this will also help you get to know your truck and identify problems that might cost you fuel. Also, keep your fifth wheel well greased so that the trailer isn't hanging up and requiring extra energy from your truck.
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Only a portion of an additional dollar of revenue goes into your pocket in the form of profit (the average Owner Operator in 2005 is earning $0.38 cents per mile profit according to ATBS data). 100% of a dollar saved goes into your pocket.

Every penny you cut out of your fuel expenditures goes directly into your pocket. You cannot make that up by driving faster or farther.

Speed vs. Time Calculator
Miles MPG Gallons
OO#1 140,000 ¸ 5.50 = 25,455
OO#2 140,000 ¸ 6.50 = 21,538
Price Per Gallon $2.89 x 3,916 = $ 11,317.48

The Cost of Speed in Time
Cost profit/mi
$11,317 ¸ 0.38 = 29,783 extra pay miles
2.8 months
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As I have time, I will add more info.
Tom

Tom Cobb · Site Admin

Sounds like good tips to me Tom. Trucks, especially new ones are very expensive. A dually can run up to around $50-55K depending how fancy you want it. Mine has 260K and I think I will drive it for a long while even for personal use. The interest on a purchase would cost more than replacement parts.

Thanks for the info.

TC

Tom Cobb · Site Admin

I guess everyone drifted off to another forum. Ain't been anybody around here for a while. I keep lookin in to see if anyone is lerking but noone is. They must be out makin the big bucks. LOL

Tom Cobb · Site Admin

I guess everyone has become lookers and not participants. Everyone must be really busy and have nothing to say.

How is TGpilot doing?

Stroker

TG is alive, he will make his rounds, and post a reply.

Tom Cobb, how is the job coming???
Are you getting any of this rain????

TGPILOT

I'm on here, slow and old. Trying to get ready to go back to work. Already missed out on about eight or ten loads this week. We run study with not much slack time, Si U=I need to hustle and get back to work,

Hope you guys are doing OK.

Tom

Tom Cobb · Site Admin

TG it is good to hear you are trying to get back to work and that you are doing OK.

The job is going good. I would rather be on the road at times but the pay and hassles here are better than the road.

I am getting the rain as well. We drove to Longview last night and rained all the way there. My youngest son graduated from LeTourneau University this morning. He now has the highest education of anyone in my family tree on bothe sides, ever. He has his MBA now. I hope it opens some doors for him and I believe it will. I am trying to get him on at Bell Helicopter. He is looking to move out of his current job at a city govt here in the metroplex.

D. Green

TC... living the easy life... home every night with mama, good meals, how the heck could ya miss truckin'?? Laughing

Just got in from a run up out of Fairfield, dang wind up there is cold. If I'd had a sail, I coulda got 200mpg on the way back south!!! Gonna rest up today (I hope) I gotta go to McAllen customs port Monday morn. I have one customer in Mexico that orders parts from Houston, then I meet his driver at the port, load onto his truck, his driver continues on into Mexico. Pretty good deal.

Tell your son congratulations. I'm sure that MBA will get him much farther than us old folks.

Now, go check out www.teaparty07.com and help us get him elected. Smile

Tom Cobb · Site Admin

Good to hear from you Dennis. Two of my sons are way ahead of where I was at their age. The youngest I believe is going to do very well. The middle one will also if he goes back to school like he had said he is going to do.

My degree may payoff again soon if things work out right on something going on at Bell. There is another dept wanting me to come to work for them. If this works out it could mean a substantial pay raise and still be part time. Working as a contractor has it's advantages, especially when the medical benefits are already taken care of.

You guys keep it between the lines and be careful. Try to stay out of the north country. I feel for Brian but can't quite reach him. He should move to TX with all the others from Michigan. LOL

bth9461

Its way too hot in the Summer for me. Plus I still remember that snake photo you posted. It gets a bit cold in the winter but our Summer and early Fall make up for it. Michigan is a sportsman/outdoorsman paradise. My Mom grew up in the Mountains in CA, and has not regretted it one day, moving here. I like many of you have seen much of the country, many cool places to visit, but HOME is HOME. You undoudtly look at Texas the same way. I grew up enjoying the Winter just as much as Summer.

I just keep hoping the old Democrats die off and their offspring leave for better handouts in the Blue states, so we can go Red some day. Would like to create a MI-TX trucking route though. Great fuel mileage and less Tolls. Must say I do like Texacan's. Loved them Westerns as a kid. And I kind of like that landscape in NE Texas. Only saw it from the road but it looked very green, did not expect that.

Brian

Tom Cobb · Site Admin

I don't like Texas summers and even winter is not winter anymore. It used to get very cold here in north TX but it hasn't for a few years.

I blame Al Gore for that since he invented the internet and global warming.

Texas has a history like no other state. It is a sometimes called a state of mind and it definitely has a culture of it's own. We have had such an influx of people from the NE and and midwest and CA that the Texas culture is really being diluted. Of course the original Texicans came from other states. The Mexicans were here first but they didn't become Texans until after the Texicans along with some Mexicans fought for independence from Mexico.

Home is home. Merry Christmas to all and a Happy and prosperous New Year. Be safe and keep it between the lines.

bth9461

Every time he (Gore) opens his mouth he creates more global warming. Think he might shut up for the good of the planet.

Brian

Tom Cobb · Site Admin

That's good observation Brian. I have to agree.

D. Green

Brian, ya ever get down this way, I got ya a RonPaul bumper sticker saved. Laughing

Went to near Galveston this morning, early, then loaded again for Whitesboro, left around 10.30a. Right up in Stroker's back yard... but he was asleep & not answering his phone. Crying or Very sad

Running I-45, I think most of Dallas was coming to Houston, and the Houstonians were going to Dallas. Musta been 25 troopers working, even the south bound 167 scale was open at 9pm.

Merry Christmas all.

bth9461

Hey Dennis at least you know who you are going to vote for. I do not expect Hunter to last past SC, if even that far. I plan to book a trip to Texas this winter when I have the new trailer. So I hope to meet some of you guys then.

Merry Christmas To All.

Brian

Tom Cobb · Site Admin

Dennis

You should have called me. I would have met you for lunch. That would have been a good excuse to get out of shopping. Wink

D. Green

Tom, I was glad the run came in so *I* could get out of shopping! Smile

I was in a hurry on the way up, got there at 3:15. Them boys was cold, but trying to get finished with the brake repair so they could be off until Wed. On the way up, I ran across Dallas to I-35E N, but it was at a standstill, so I went back to 75N which was moving much better than I expected. Came back that way, too.

Brian, we'll see about voting for Paul in the next few weeks. He could be out of it by the March Texas Primary, tho I hope not. Do let us know when you head this way.

TGPILOT

You were close to Stroker Dennis. I made it back about 10 o;clock Sat. been resting up. John got Hotshott back up and running.

Talk to you and Brian later.

Tom

Tom Cobb · Site Admin

The loops and instates up here seem to stay at a stop most of the time. To many yankees and west coast yankees moving here. All those people that left MI are in TX now. It stays a traffic jam around here. I want to move somewhere but not sure where.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all.

Tom

bth9461

Loaded up the trailer this morning for a run to ME, leaving early Wedensday. This is a direct customer and they told me to get ready for a 50% increase in business the next 3 years (each). The owner told me once he gets things really cooking he intends to start Mfging another type of equipment. I hope he pulls it off, they have been great to work with.

TG, don't push yourself, get them to give you some gravy runs for awhile.

TC, did Bell close down for Christmas/New Years or do you have to work this week?

Dennis I saw 2 deer yesterday that ran in front of me while going to the IN-laws Christmas. Had visions of you as I hit the brakes.

You Texacans take care now.

Brian

TGPILOT

You too Brian, hope all goes well for you and the rest of the guys out there this coming year.

Tom

Tom Cobb · Site Admin

We are shutdown until 2 Jan. Some are not coming back until the 7th. It will be a skelton crew next week.

Brian it sounds like you are going to be busy for a while.

Melvin called me today and he has been running hard and leaving for VA Wed or Thur (not sure which day) but he and his son's have been busy. He bought another trailer. He now has 5 trailers and 3 trucks. He is adding a secretary after New Years. He is doing well.

TG take care of yourself and don't push to hard. We would like to keep you around here for a while longer.

You guys have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

TGPILOT

You too TC, hope you have abetter year and a great day today.

Tom

bth9461

I wish everybody would shut down at this time of the year. Its hard to turn down a regular customer, but I wish I was home. I think next year I am going to say no. Sittinging in Utica, NY wishing I was home.

Brian

Tom Cobb · Site Admin

I know the feeling. I have been in foreign lands many times at Christmas. At least you are in the US. When you feel like gripping about being away from home just think about the troops in foreign lands and then you won't feel so bad.

Just a thought from an old career soldier.

bth9461

Our guys over sea's have it a lot harder than I do, for sure. God Bless them all.

Snowing hard in Maine. Needed the 4x4.

Brian

Tom Cobb · Site Admin

4X4 came in handy for me quite a few times when I was running the highways. Sure glad I had it. Provided that extra measure of safety and ability to go as long as you us common sense.

An old saying about 4X4 vehicles goes like this: they will take you just far enough to get you in trouble. Don't let 4X4 persuade you to do something you wouldn't do with out it.

Be careful out there.

bth9461

The 4x4 helps you go, but you need to use good judgement on stopping. They don't stop any better than 2 wheel drive. I see many people driving too fast for conditions with them.

I also see too many Class 8 guys that will not slow down. On the Maine turnpike the can lower the speed to 45mph for conditions, I lost track of the 65mph trucks that went by me. Saw some of them tailgating cars and each other like usual. And they wonder why we get regulated so much. Felt sorry for the little cars getting smothered with slush by the big trucks blowinng by.

Brian

Tom Cobb · Site Admin

I know what you are saying. I have seen it myself. How anyone can believe they can stop 80K in those conditions is beyond me. If a car had to stop the big truck would just run right over them. I have seen them tailgate cars when it is dry and then they bad mouth 4 wheelers for driving reckless.

bth9461

Bad drivers come in many size vehicles.

On a side note, my Gateway laptop went down last thursday. Best Buy is sending it out to the service center, I had an extended warranty. 2-4 weeks though. It cost me a half a load comming back from ME though. Bought a new Acer only $499 for a backup, can't afford to be down that long. Just getting it setup now. Went cheap this time, seems like it might be find for my light computing needs though.

Brian

Tom Cobb · Site Admin

Acer makes a good computer. I had one back when the fastest thing around was an 8086 processor. My son bought an Acer laptop recently from Best Buy. He got a loaded one and seems to like it well.

I thought about you when I heard about the snow storms in MI. Did you make it back alright?

bth9461

Hey TC, It was clear sailing all the way back. The storm blew into Cannada I think. Stay home this week to get somethings done.

Brian

Tom Cobb · Site Admin

Good. I go back to the helicopter plant tomorrow. A lot of people will be out until Monday so it should be reaonably quite the rest of the week.

Get them honey doos done while you can.

Happy New Year to all of you folks out there.

Tom Cobb · Site Admin

Wake up folks. Get to posting so I can have something to read.

I am sitting in the Hilton Sandestin in Ft Walton Beach, FL listening to the waves crahing on the beach from my 12th floor luxury room paid for by Bell Helicopter. Only problem is that it is cold (61 deg) and cloudy and hazy. Life is tough. The waves sure are noisy........LOL Tough life but somebody has to do it.

The worst part is that I have to sit in a 2 day meeting and then fly back to DFW. I would rather drive any day. I don't like having to go thru or into airports and fly on cramped airplanes. My dually is much more comfortable but the pay is better by a long shot.

Be careful out there and get the computers going.

TGPILOT

Don't get a sunburn while your there. Hope your having fun.

Tom

Tom Cobb · Site Admin

It is cloudy and hazy and no forecast of sun for a few days. It is rather cold with the humidity.

When are you departing for the mountains. I would guess it will be late spring or early summer.

bth9461

On Saturday I was in Oskosh WI and it was -15 Degrees, no windchill. It has been awhile since I was in cold like that. The coldest was when I was 17 back in MI, it got down to -28 for a weekend. And I went snowmobiling. Its about 34 in Rochester NY tonight. At least I got the trailer de-iced today, brought a lot of frozen snow/ice to NY with me.

Brian

Tom Cobb · Site Admin

It would sure make this forum more interesting if there were more posters than just lookers. Participation is what makes forums work.

Come on folks...surely some of you have something to say...a question to ask....let's hear from somebody. Very Happy

bth9461

In the Philly area tonight, delivering to Trenton, NJ in the morning. Anyone else running the Roads?

Brian