Make More Money in RV Transport - 5 Things to Know

This, the third in the series How To Make More Money Per Mile Now, is a listing of 5 common things to know for a more successful career (or hobby as it may be) in the RV Transport industry.  There are actually 10 in the list, but to make it easier to read through, there will be a follow up article (5 MORE Things to Know...).

These are good beginner articles to give a prospective driver an idea for what to keep an eye on, as well as a good refresher for the long-time trucker that just needs a quick reminder.

The first two articles of the series How To Make More Per Mile included Fixed Costs (part 1) and Knowing Your Break Even (part 2).  As costs change over time, the specific numbers in those calculations and this article become outdated, but the concepts remain relevant.  So, make sure you don't get hung up on the numbers, looking instead to the conceptual aspect of each item.

For now, let's get to the first five in the list.

5 Things to Know To Make More Money in RV Transport

1. MPG = Knowing your Miles Per Gallon, both loaded and empty, is one of the most important factors of driving.  While MPG can vary greatly  depending on the weather conditions and size, shape and weight of your cargo, you need to know what your MPG is short term and over the long haul.
   
   You also need to know how to best set yourself up to calculate and record it so you have accurate records over the long haul.
   
   Some use a computer while others use a pad of paper.  It doesn't matter what you use as long as you are consistent and organized.  If you use a pad of paper, make that your MPG pad and only record that information.
   
   Record your Odometer, Gallons, Cost Per Gallon, Total Cost, Location, Loaded?, Miles and MPG
   (note: Miles is the number of miles since your last fill up and can be calculated by subtracting the last odometer reading from the current odometer reading).
   
   MPG is calculated as: Miles / Gallons = MPG
   
   It is best to track both your loaded and empty miles (indicated by the "Loaded?" in your pad).  This can help you in other areas, like calculating and deciding on your backhaul options (see Backhaul articles).
   
2. Optimal Route = Don't get sucked into the trap of relying on your vast years of experience in getting you from point A to point B by means of the most practical route.  While many do that and are accurate much of the time, remember that (especially if the stimulus package of early 2009 did what they said it would) highways are under construction and changing all the time.  The old route may not be the best route anymore.
   
   If you're with a good company that wants to keep you as a driver, they will be willing to provide you with a route sheet if you ask.  Even if you save 10% of the miles through this, that means you are saving 10% of your fuel costs and 10% of the wear and tear on your truck... etc.
   
   One caution about internet map sites - they may not accommodate trucks with cargo.  They may be fairly accurate, but fairly accurate won't cut it if you find yourself on a side street with a 12' 6" bridge and a 13' 6" load.
   
3. Equipment = Know your equipment.  Make sure you do your proper pre-trip inspection of your truck and trailer ensuring that everything is operating as designed.  If you've ever pulled out with a trailer and realized none of the lights work, then you know what I mean.
   
   Also, to be a successful owner operator you need to "know" your truck.  Pay attention to it and if it's telling you something is wrong or needs to be looked at, make sure you do it.  Downtime and a tow trip to a repair shop while you're on the road is much more expensive than some preventative maintenance or repairs at a shop you know and trust (or better yet, doing it all yourself if you can).
   
   A proper PTI on your truck and trailer will avoid unnecessary roadside service calls, tow bills and even damage claims.  If you realize after leaving with a unit that something isn't working properly, in many cases the carriers and manufacturers will look to you as the responsible party since you left without notifying them of the issue.  Avoid that by doing a PTI on the unit and pointing out any issue before leaving with it.
   
4. Timing of Your Trip = Plan your trip from beginning to end; fuel stops, off-duty time, meals, delivery - everything about the trip.  This will increase your efficiency as you plan through the trip (especially if it isn't a normal run for you).
   
   The most successful trips are those that are known, either through repeated runs or through proper planning.
   
   I know a driver that lives in Elkhart, runs 2 to 3 loads a week at about 3,000 miles per week.  He's making good money and gets the home time he needs.  He used to be the "longer-the-better" runner, but has now found ways to make money on medium and short runs with the added bonus of having home time.
   
   When I asked him about it, in addition to being frugal with stops and meals, he mentioned planning his trips and asking for a trip by miles and not location or direction.  He knew how many miles were optimal for where he was at in his week.  He always called the dealers before leaving and mapped out his route and stops so he could make sure that he was making best use of his time.
   
5. Speed = Know your speed and what is the best speed to run at on the open road.  Drivers who spend the time on this will tell you that they can save up to 10% of their fuel costs at times by simply setting the cruise at the proper (and usually slower than desired) speed.
   
   Since you are already tracking your MPG (see #1), this should be an easy experiment.  Simply set the cruise and record the fuel stops.  Most times I've found that 62 mph to 64 mph is a general sweet spot.  It really depends on the engine though.
   
   Your rpm's will help you with that.  If you run an automatic and don't have a gauge for rpm's then your sweet spot is approximately the point at which your overdrive kicks in (maybe a little past that), but not where it sounds like it will be whining.

If you have any other tips/tricks or things to keep an eye on, put them in the comments below or go to the Contact Us page and send us your take on things.

Keep an eye out for the 5 MORE Things to Know to Make More Money in RV Transport.