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Listen up folks, it is gettin' real close to condition critical when it comes to profit margins and makin' money with a truck right now. I wish we could all keep actin' like it doesn't matter-we'll just run a little harder, but we have to be smart right now and get as efficient as feasibly possible, cut our operating costs every chance we get, while still not sacrificing our comfort or style.

Let's toss around some simple changes that can be made. Good ol' common sense, practical decisions all of us can relate to.

• APU (auxiliary power unit)-What we used to call a generator! These units typically run $8500 to $10,000 installed. They will save a bunch on fuel consumption while also providing 110 volt power for your cab/sleeper, so you can enjoy more of those household-type fixtures that make life on the road a little better. The point here is, you can acquire one of these through low-interest financing with a payment of around $200 a month, while saving $350 to $400 a month on fuel. Not bad! You just picked up $150 a month or better, and enhanced your rig! Only downside is, you added 350 to 400 lbs. to your tractor weight. Most of us can live with that, I reckon.

 

• ADD A REFRIGERATOR (and use it!)-Keep this gizmo loaded with normal everyday groceries that you like to eat. Make your meal out of the truck a couple of times a day for $3 to $4 rather than our good ol' café meals at around $9 to $14 a stop. Chances are, you may also drop a pound or two! Do this 20 days a month and you just saved $280! Wow!

 

• CHECK YOUR TIRE PRESSURE WEEKLY-I know, I know, we kick 'em or thump 'em, or some of us have an eye that is so good we can simply look at 'em to tell if they are low! Grab a gauge, take 15 minutes, and really check them right. Keep those pressures consistent and not only will you pick up fuel mileage, you will get many more miles out of your rubber before it is time to purchase a new set. This simple task should save you around $500 or more each year.

 

• DROP YOUR RPM-Most of us are driving '94 or newer trucks with electronically controlled engines. According to what the manufacturers are saying, most of these engines reach peak torque and maximum efficiency at around 1350 to 1500 rpm. So, if you like to cruise along at 75 mph, but your tach shows 1800, consider contacting a salvage yard, drivetrain shop, or truck dealer and possibly making some changes in your rear-axle ratio, or in some cases a transmission change may be the way to go. This is a fairly costly upgrade but, like the APU, it will pay back much quicker than you think!

 

• TRUCK WASHES-Ok, I'm gonna say it, but this goes against everything I believe in: reduce your truck washes by 1/3. Let's say you are washing your ride once a week at a cost of $60. Just drop to washing every week and a half, or consider doing one of those washes at the house with a garden hose, bucket, brush, and hand mitt. Not only will this save a few dollars but just like checkin' the tire pressure yourself, as you make your way around the truck/trailer you will see things that need minor fixing or tweaking that may save you from a major breakdown in the near future. So keep an eye open as you perform these simple tasks.

 

• INCREASE YOUR FUEL TANK CAPACITY-When you occasionally see fuel that is a few cents cheaper, or your hear "diesel fuel is going up 10 cents tomorrow," you can make a bigger purchase at the lower fuel price. A salvage yard may be your best place to find larger tanks or you can simply add a third tank if you have the space.

 

• CUSTOMER SERVICE-When you are loading/unloading at some of your better paying, higher freight-rate customers, make a conscious effort to provide superior service and appearance. I know it's a cut-throat world we all truck in, but that pleasant conversation or kind comment you shared with that customer may be what causes them to choose your company next time, rather than Trucking Co. XYZ. Arrive on time, look like a professional, be courteous, diffuse a potential argument, and last but not least, smile! And hey, if none of this ever gets you anything in return I promise you, you will feel better about yourself and your efforts at the end of each day!

You might be reading this and thinking to yourself, "why is Bossman not talking about chrome or customizing or goin' to truck shows"? Here's why fellas! For the American Owner Operator, these are critical times we're livin' in and if you don't take steps to save yourself', you may get trampled in the dust.

We all dream of finding that high-payin', dedicated freight and some of you may have it, while others don't. Either way, all of us need to save money where we can! Let's continue to run hard, but commit to run smart too.

Be careful, have a little fun, and truck on!

Bryan "The Boss" Martin
4 State Trucks, Inc., Joplin, MO...Home of ChromeShopMafia