Profit/Loss Statement

I received my December Profit/Loss from American Trucking Business Services (ATBS) today. I gotta tell ya, it confuses the shit outta me. However, I was able to decipher it even though I was looking at it on my BlackBerry.

The bottom line is I am in the black as of December. My net income before taxes was almost 4K for the month and almost 5K since I started on 11/17/09. I also only paid $26 in fuel taxes, which is awesome if ya ask me as the goal is to pay zero. Right now, without talking to my business consultant at ATBS, my guess is that is due to my fueling mess up when I first started.

So, it was a good report, but I have some adjustments to make as I am not seeing what I should in my bank account. Mom and Angie will be doing back flips in the next few minutes.

Before I get to that though, I want you to think of the last trip you went on. Think of the money you spent on snacks, meals, etc while traveling. Now imagine doing that every single day.. Yeah, kinda spendy isn't it? The IRS only allows us $55 a day for meals and drinks.

With that in mind, I need to cut my daily expenses and incidentals. Anyone care to guess on where I can save the most amount of money? Some would say drink less Mt. Dew, but we all know if I do that, they will go out of business. Others would say to quit spending so much on food. I gotta tell ya though, I spend maybe $20 a day on food. So where is all the money going and what do I need to change?

My mother is talking to the computer right now and smiling. So, without further ado, the biggest savings I can make is to quit smoking. There, I said it mom. Ya happy now? LOL. Seriously though, I go through a pack a day easily. On average I spend $15-$20 every other day. That means I smoke $300 a month... WTF?!? Holy shit that's an eye opener when you see it in numbers.

That's just one thing too. Other things I can do is to stock up on canned foods when I am home to cut down on fast food and the cost of fast food.

Sonofabitch, I just realized I am throwing away $500 a month easily, like it's nothing..

Ok, now that I have frustrated myself I will go smoke as I won't be able to enjoy that for much longer. Yes, I really do enjoy smoking but I guess I need to figure something else out.

Fuel Summary is Eye Opening

Since I have nothing but time right now as I am 4th in line for a load I figured I would be slightly productive and toss some eye opening information out there.

As an O/O we get a 13 week fuel summary sent to us via the Qualcomm.

The 13 week summary I just received goes from 10/27/09 - 01/25/10. Keep in mind though, for me, it isn't a full 13 weeks as I got my truck on 11/17/09. That being said here is the eye opening part:

My average net fuel cost is $1.64/gal

Purchases: $8,079.71 (2949 gallons)
Rebates: $3,232.86 (13,531 loaded miles)
Net Cost: $4,846.85 ($1.64/Gallon)

Driving MPG - 6.47 (13wks) / 5.79 (last week)
Trip MPG - 6.10 (13wks) / 5.66 (last week)
DCI (idle percentage): 32% (13wks) / 18% (last week)

Trip MPG is the key to maximize the value of the fuel rebate and put more $ in my pocket. We all know that the faster you go, the more horsepower needed which means more fuel used. Right now I don't go over 64mph unless I need to pass someone. The average mpg they use in calculations is 6.5, so I'm only 4 tenths off, which isn't bad.

Plus, I only have 22,228 miles on the truck and have been told by many that I won't start seeing a real increase in mpg until at least 50k miles.

Another thing to consider is that all of this information is gathered by the SensorTracs system aka Big Brother, and may not be completely accurate. However, in my case, as of now it's pretty much spot on as I have calculated my mpg manually as well.

Anyway, just thought most of you would find it interesting what it costs to get goods on the shelves. I spend roughly $500 on fuel on a 1350 mile trip (Gary to Laredo). Another thing to keep in mind though is that many factors play into fuel usage. The way I shift, accelerate, stop, road condition, wind, and how heavy I am are just a few.

While most out here conform to the "dumb truck driver" stereotype, as you can see, I am not one of them and take it seriously. It isn't just driving. Yes, that is a big part but honestly, this is most mentally taxing and physically exhausting thing I have ever done. Keeping 80k lbs between the lines with a 30mph cross wind is a workout in and of it self.

Well, I guess I have rambled long enough. Thanks for reading and I hope it was informative.

Texting Ban Still on Federal Radar for All Drivers

More on the texting ban...

http://www.landlinemag.com/todays_news/Daily/2010/Jan10/012510/012710-03.htm

Seriously Missouri?!?

What is it that makes people think that making trucks go 10 mph slower than other vehicles is safe? Hell, must trucks are governed at 70 mph and below anyway. Here's an idea; how about we enforce the current speed limits. I can be in a 55 mph zone doing 55 as cars just fly past me. When are these lawmakers going to quit blaming trucks for everything and start taking some responsibility? The other thing in this article is only allowing truckers to drive 9 hrs in the state. WOW... My guess is that this bill will get shot down a third time.

http://www.landlinemag.com/todays_news/Daily/2010/Jan10/012510/012710-04.htm

SPECIAL REPORT: DOT procedure to ban texting concerns OOIDA

As an OOIDA member, this makes my head want to explode. I have an idea.. Let's just ban everything in ALL vehicles. No radios, mirrors, drinks, snacks, etc.. Don't get me wrong, I agree it's dangerous, but education would be a better way to go. Wonder how they are going to enforce it? Guess if you get pulled over, they are going to not only ask for your log book and permit book, but cell phone as well. Plus, the fine is ridiculous... Wonder if the law makers would support that for the general populous? I am guessing no...

Tuesday, Jan. 26 , 2010

– U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood's announced Tuesday that text messaging behind the wheel is prohibited for commercial drivers effective immediately.

It's not the intent of the law, but it's the process and the possibility of unintended consequences that have the Owner- Operator Independent Drivers Association raising concerns about the texting ban.

While the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations do not explicitly prohibit "texting," LaHood says the regs do prohibit the use of equipment or accessories that decrease safety during the operation of a commercial vehicle. Specifically, LaHood says Section 390.17 of the FMCSRs applies to electronic devices that send and receive text messages.

OOIDA leadership believes the DOT should have used a formal rule making process to institute the ban. "We support where they are going, but not how they got there," said OOIDA's Executive Vice President Todd Spencer. "Making their action effective immediately bypasses normal regulatory rule making processes.  Those processes allow actions to be vetted for unintended consequences, as well as potential implementation and enforcement problems."

The texting ban comes with a stiff penalty. "… Any truck or bus driver who violates the federal regulations mentioned in this guidance is subject to a civil and/or criminal penalty up to $2,750," LaHood stated during a roll out event at the National Press Club.

OOIDA is concerned about the DOT's legal justification. "We very much share in their goal, but their legal justification for taking immediate action raises many concerns," Spencer said. Truckers are among the safest of all drivers based on miles traveled, and their livelihoods depend on safe operation.

OOIDA's position on distracted driving includes calling upon government entities to educate the motoring public on safe driving practices. The Association encourages law enforcement agencies to fully enforce existing laws pertaining to inattentive or negligent driving.

The U.S. DOT is in the process of issuing regulatory guidance in the Federal Register. It states, in part: "Although the current safety regulations do not include an explicit prohibition against texting while driving by truck and bus drivers, the general restriction against the use of additional equipment and accessories that decrease the safety of operation of commercial motor vehicles applies to the use of electronic devices for texting," the document states. The applicable portion of the notice will be posted on www.ooida.com .

– By David Tanner, staff writer david_tanner@landlinemag.com

Trucker’s widow sues Pilot over truck stop death

The widow of a trucker who was killed in a truck stop parking lot in 2008 has filed a civil lawsuit against Pilot Travel Centers.

According to court documents, trucker George Taylor died on Aug. 23, 2008, after apparently being struck by a vehicle in a parking lot at the Pilot truck stop in Sioux Falls, SD. Taylor had parked near the truck diesel pumps late at night that day.

George Taylor's widow, Helen Taylor, of Webb City, MO, is suing for wrongful death, claiming that Pilot should have better lit the parking lot and should have included security cameras. The suit mentioned a previous incident in which truck driver Gregory Zuba was struck and killed by a truck at the same truck stop in November 2005, arguing that Zuba's death should have provided a wake-up call to the truck stop.

In a response filed in Federal Court in South Dakota, Pilot admits that Taylor appears to have died at its Sioux Falls truck stop but denies that its lighting near the truck diesel pumps was inadequate, and denies that it failed to provide "adequate security cameras." "The death of George Taylor and alleged damages of plaintiff were legally, directly and proximately caused solely by the actions of the unknown person or persons who struck George Taylor," Pilot's response says.

The suit asks for compensatory and punitive damages, as well as burial, funeral and other damages incurred by the Taylor family.

– By Charlie Morasch, staff writer
charlie_morasch@landlinemag.com

Another prime example of us being a sue happy society. While I feel for this woman's loss, she is only doing this for the money. Why would you sue the Pilot and not the driver of the other truck? Furthermore, every single Pilot, TA, Love's, Petro, and Flying J are lit up like a shit house in a fog storm. I will say that some of the parking areas are not always lit that well, but that isn't the point here.

I will also say that there isn't one truck stop that I have seen yet where there are parking spots next to th pumps. So, he obviously was not parked where he was supposed to be. Again, happens everyday out here as sometimes that is the only place to park.

The real issue here is the individual that hit this man. Having no other information than what I have here, I can almost guarantee that the driver was, a) not paying attention and b) driving way to fast.

There are jackasses all the time out here that fly through these truck stops and if someone were to walk out between trucks there is now way they would not be able to stop.

In closing I hope Pilot wins this case, but the way this country is running lately I am sure Pilot will end up paying because someone was incompetent on their property. Typical of today's society: Never take responsibility for your actions and always blame someone else.

Rules for Kickin Ass

Dear Civilians, We know that the current state of affairs in our great nation has many civilians up in arms and excited to join the military.

For those of you who can't join you can still lend a hand. Here are a few of the areas where we would like your assistance:

1. The next time you see any adults talking (or wearing a hat) during the playing of the National Anthem - kick their ass.

2.. When you witness, firsthand, someone burning the American Flag in protest - kick their ass.

3. Regardless of the rank they held while they served, pay the highest amount of respect to all veterans. If you see anyone doing otherwise, quietly pull them aside and explain how these veterans fought for the very freedom they bask in every second. Enlighten them on the many sacrifices these veterans made to make this Nation great. Then hold them down while a disabled veteran kicks their ass.

4. If you were never in the military, DO NOT pretend that you were.. Wearing battle dress uniforms (BDUs) or Jungle Fatigues, telling others that you used to be 'Special Forces'. Collecting GI Joe memorabilia might have been okay when you were seven years old, now, it will only make you look stupid and get your ass kicked.

5. Next time you come across an *Air Force* member, do not ask them, 'Do you fly a jet?' Not everyone in the Air Force is a pilot. Such ignorance deserves an ass-kicking (children are exempt).

6. If you witness someone calling the *US Coast Guard* 'non-military' inform them of their mistake - and kick their ass..

7. Next time Old Glory (the  US flag) prances by during a parade, get on your damn feet and pay homage to her by placing your hand over your heart. Quietly thank the military member or veteran lucky enough to be carrying her - of course, failure to do either of those could earn you a severe ass-kicking.

8. 'Your mama wears combat boots' never made sense to me - stop saying it! If she did, she would most likely be a vet and therefore would kick your ass!

9. Bin Laden and the Taliban are not Communists, so stop saying 'Let's go kill those! Commies !' And stop asking us where he is! Crystal balls are not standard issue in the military. That reminds me - if you see  anyone calling those damn psychic phone numbers let me know so I can go kick their ass!

10. 'Flyboy' (*Air Force*), 'Jarhead' (*Marines*), 'Grunt' (*Army*), 'Squid' (*Navy*), 'Puddle Jumpers' (*Coast Guard*), etc., are terms of endearment we use describing each other. Unless you are a service member or vet you have not earned the right to use them. Using them could get your ass kicked.

11. Last, but not least, whether or not you become a member of the military support our troops and their families. Every Thanksgiving and religious holiday that you enjoy with family and friends please remember that there are literally thousands of soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen far from home wishing they could be with their families. Thank God for our military and the sacrifices they make every day. Without them our Country would get it's ass kicked.

'It's the Veteran, not the reporter, who has given us the freedom of the press.'

'It's the Veteran, not the poet, who has given us the freedom of speech.'

'It's the Veteran, not the community organizer, who gives us the freedom to demonstrate.'

'It's the Military who salutes the flag, who serves  beneath the flag, and whose coffin is draped by the flag, who allows the protester to burn the flag.'

AND ONE MORE:

12. If you ever see anyone either standing for or singing the national anthem in Spanish - KICK THEIR ASS!

ONE LAST THING:
If you got this email and didn't pass it on -  guess what - you deserve to get your ass kicked!

I sent this to you, because I didn't want to get my ass kicked.   AND because I really liked the message it sends!

WE LIVE IN THE LAND OF THE FREE, ONLY BECAUSE OF THE BRAVE!

IN GOD WE TRUST