How Truckers Can Save More Money While On Their Jobs

Particularly considering the current demand for truckers, when done right, the job of being a trucker can be a relatively lucrative one. A lot depends on what kind of trailer you haul and what kind of trucking you do. And the future of trucking looks bright. But, nothing is guaranteed so it’s best to save money wherever possible. Greatly affecting the money that truckers make are their everyday expenses: i.e., maintenance, gas, food, etc.

Saving money while on the road means more money in your pocket at the end of each run. With that in mind, here is a very brief list of tips that should help most truckers save on cash. (And remember that, if you are in need of a new trailer, buying used can help save a ton of cash.)

Make Your Self a Budget (and stick to it)

If you fail to make any kind of plan, your plan, ultimately, is to fail. Let’s avoid that. Utilize these categories when putting together a budget:

• Student Loans (principal/interest payments, etc.)
• Health (doctor visits, medications, insurance, etc.)
• Transportation (gas, parking, public transportation, etc.)
• Household (maintenance, cable, cell phone, utilities, etc.)
• Shelter (taxes, rent, mortgage, etc.)
• Clothing (jewelry, shoes, jeans, etc.)
• Food (dining out, groceries, etc.)
• Personal (hobbies, entertainment, charity, gifts, etc.)
• Miscellaneous (childcare, magazines, etc.)

To set up your budget you will need to evaluate and then estimate your annual spending on each of these categories. Figure out how much cash you are looking to save for the following year. Now figure out how much, on a weekly basis, you can spend but still make it possible to attain your goal. That’s going to be your spending budget.

Are You Wasting Fuel? If So, Stop It!

Just like your body needs appropriate fuel (or nourishment) in order to run efficiently, your truck needs the right kind of fuel (possibly diesel). Money must be spent on both. As you have probably noticed, fuel prices are all over the board at any given moment in time. And we have no control over that. But to spend less money on fuel, trying to control and lessen your waste.

• Don’t let your truck sit and idle for long periods of time (use automatic idle shutdown systems or auxiliary power units).
• Do everything you can to avoid traffic jams or stopped traffic (some GPS units and apps show traffic delays).
• Use cruise control whenever possible.
• Be sure that tires are adequately inflated.

Take a Close Look at What Kind of Food You Are Eating

Food expenses will deal a huge blow to your budget if you let them. Yet, it’s one of the easiest places to cut back. Of course, your food options are limited being a truck driver who spends most of their time on the road. So…

• Though fast food is easy, it should be avoided whenever possible.
• Stop at grocery stores instead of fast food restaurants.
• Packing your lunch, dinner, and snacks is a good option. It costs less and can be healthier if you pay attention to what you pack.
• Invest in a top-of-the-line cooler and some durable ice packs.
• Some trucks have room for a small, in-cab fridge, electric grill, crockpot, etc.

Though the last two require an initial investment, they pay for themselves over time.

Mickey Genuine Parts has used vehicles that can help truckers, both seasoned and new, save money. We have vans, trucks, and trailers of assorted styles and types. We also carry every component, accessory, part, and more that you would need to successfully be a trucker or transport driver. But we don’t stop there. We have a number of Mickey certified service centers throughout the nation to help you on your way. Contact us at Mickey to see how we can be of assistance.