How to Cut Down Truck Driver Expenses on the Road

Every truck driver knows how expensive over the road (OTR) life can be, but does it have to be? As a CDL driver, especially in long haul trucking, there are required expenses such as gas, food, parking and showers. But is it possible to cut down on incidentals and keep more of your paycheck instead of watching it dwindle away each time you start your truck?

Track Your Expenses

If you don’t pay attention to your money while you’re on the road, your truck driver expenses will get out of hand. To get a true picture of what you spend on the road, write down every penny you spend and on what for one entire trip.

This can seem like a real pain to do, but when you get a clear picture of how your money is spent while long hauling, you have a financial starting point.

When you have a financial picture of your expenses then you start to budget for your driving trips.

Resources:

• Expense tracker template

Here’s a tutorial on how to create an expense spreadsheet:

What to Track

Here’s some items to track:

Create a Budget

Creating a budget for when you’re on the road can seem difficult but it’s necessary if you want to cut down on work expenses. To start, plan what you will allow yourself to spend on each item and be reasonable about what you want and need on the road. For example, it doesn’t make sense to cut out all junk food if you occasionally enjoy snacking on it. Include everything from food to showers to entertainment such as music or streaming subscriptions.

Then, write down what you think are reasonable amounts to spend for your length of trip. Or, you can also do it on a per day basis so that you’ve got the same budget daily whether you’re on a three-day trip or a 10 day one.

It’s important to remember that a budget isn’t set in stone. If you feel that after creating your budget and testing it out, you need to spend more in one category, then by all means adjust your budget to reflect the more accurate amount. The key here is for you to tell your money where you’re going to spend it instead of letting it slip out of your pocket only to question what happened to it later on.

Once you have your budget in place, it’s time to start figuring out where you can cut down on expenses. This will take some time, practice, and patience, but when you’re set on saving money, you can do it.

Use a Loyalty Program

Find a Loyalty Program

The first step to saving money on the road through a loyalty program is to find one that works best for you. Plenty of truck stop companies like Pilot Flying J, Loves, and TA Petro offer a variety of reward programs to their frequent customers. It is essential to explore the different loyalty programs offered and choose the one that benefits you the most. For example, some programs reward you with points for every purchase made, while others let you accumulate discounts over a set period.

Check for Special Offers and Discounts

Apart from earning rewards points, loyalty programs also offer several discounts and special offers. For instance, some truck stop companies offer discounts on showers, food items, and truck supplies. Regularly reviewing these discounts and special offers can save you quite a bit of money. Some loyalty programs also offer exclusive discounts and deals for members, so it is crucial to sign up and remain active in these programs.

Redeem Your Rewards Points

After accumulating a certain number of rewards points, don’t hesitate to redeem them. When it comes to loyalty programs, the more points you have, the more money you can save. This implies that you have to take advantage of reward redemption options and view them as money-saving options. Points can be redeemed for merchandise, meals, fuel, and even trucking accessories.

Stay Active in Loyalty Programs

To maximize the benefits of loyalty programs, it is essential to stay active and updated. Don’t let your points accumulate for months and then forget about them. Regularly check your account information for any offers, deals, or discounts available. This information helps you plan accordingly and make the most out of every loyalty program you join. You don’t want to miss out on any opportunities to save money.

Combine Loyalty Programs with Other Strategies

Finally, note that loyalty programs are not a standalone solution to saving money. Therefore, it’s essential to combine them with other strategies such as using coupons, fuel cards, or purchasing trucking equipment in bulk to maximize your savings. Combining different strategies enables you to maximize your savings and significantly cut down on expenses while on the road.

Plan Your Routes

Use GPS Navigation Systems

One of the most effective tools for planning your routes as a truck driver is a GPS navigation system. These systems cater to commercial drivers and help you avoid low lanes, bridges, and tunnels that can cause damage to your truck. With this tool, you can also identify the most direct and smoothest roads to take, which reduces the amount of time you spend on the road. Less time on the road results in fewer fuel expenses, which ultimately saves you money.

Take Advantage of Trucking Apps

In addition to GPS navigation systems, many trucking apps provide real-time traffic updates that help drivers plan more efficient routes. By using these apps, you can anticipate traffic congestion or roadblocks much earlier, avoiding delayed departures and late deliveries. Some trucking apps also provide information on fuel prices, allowing you to identify the cheapest gas stations along your route. These apps save you both time and money, making them an indispensable tool for every truck driver.

Avoid Toll Roads

Toll roads could be your worst enemy when it comes to saving money on the road. Even though they may be the shortest routes to your destination, toll roads can significantly increase your expenses. Avoiding toll roads helps your budget in the long run, and with GPS navigation systems and trucking apps, it’s easy to plan your routes to steer clear of them. You can also use state-specific maps that show toll roads and other cost alternatives, helping you make smarter decisions on the road.

Plan for Layovers

As a truck driver, sometimes you can’t avoid layovers. However, with proper planning, you can make the most of your layovers. Look for rest areas or truck stops that offer free parking, showers, or other amenities. These places can reduce your expenses, such as hotel costs, food expenses, and so on. By taking advantage of these services, you can save money while ensuring you get the rest you need before continuing your journey.

Optimize Your Load and Take Care of Your Truck

Ultimately, the best way to save money as a truck driver is to optimize your load and take care of your truck. Overloading your truck increases your fuel expenses and can even result in mechanical problems. However, optimizing your load helps you distribute weight evenly and reduce your gas mileage, as well as passing inspection at the truck weigh station. Additionally, taking care of your truck ensures it’s always in excellent condition, so you avoid significant problems that can jeopardize your budget.

Maintain Your Truck

Apart from preventing breakdowns, regular maintenance can also help you save money on fuel, tires, and other expenses.

Keep Your Engine in Top Shape

Your truck’s engine is the heart of your vehicle. To minimize fuel expenses, it is essential to keep the engine in top shape. Regular oil changes and checks to ensure the right levels help ensure proper engine function. In addition, regular checks of the engine oil pressure, coolant level, as well as fuel filter, air filter, and alternator belts will keep the engine running smoothly, avoiding unexpected breakdowns on the road.

Look After Your Tires

Tires play a tremendous role in fuel economy and vehicle handling. Poorly maintained, underinflated tires contribute to higher fuel consumption, reduced vehicle performance, and uneven tire wear. Make sure to check and adjust the tire pressure regularly. Also, rotate the tires at regular intervals and replace them when the treads are worn out. This kind of regular maintenance can prevent costly repairs and minimize fuel consumption.

Don’t Skimp on Fluids

Truck fluids play an essential role in maintaining your vehicle in proper condition and minimizing fuel consumption. Regularly changing engine oil, transmission fluid, and coolant will help keep everything flowing smoothly. Regular checks of the power steering fluid, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid levels will also ensure that your vehicle runs smoothly and safely. It’s important to remember that fluids not only help improve vehicle efficiency but also prolong the vehicle life.

Check Your Brakes

Regular brake inspections are essential to the safety of your vehicle and keeping repair costs low. Worn brakes cause unnecessary wear on other components and can lead to more significant and more expensive repairs. By checking your brakes regularly, you can help prevent accidents, reduce downtime, and extend the lifespan of your vehicle.

Keep Your Truck Clean

Maintaining a clean truck involves than just washing the exterior. Dirt and debris buildup on or underneath your truck can cause corrosion, eat away at the paint and other finishes, and weaken metal components. It can also damage your truck’s engine and other parts over time. Make sure to regularly clean the truck and keep it free of debris and mud. Another benefit of cleaning your truck is the increase in airflow to the vehicle and better fuel economy.

Save on Food

Pack Your Own Food

One of the easiest ways to save money on food as a truck driver is to prepare your own meals and snacks. Instead of relying on fast food restaurants or truck stop diners, you can pack your own sandwiches, fruit, nuts, and other healthy options. Not only will this save you money, but it will also ensure that you are eating nutritious food that will help you stay focused and energized while driving.

If you don’t have access to a fridge or a mini-fridge in your truck, invest in a good quality cooler that will keep your food fresh and cool. Consider purchasing reusable containers and utensils to avoid the expense and waste of disposable options.

Shop Smart

When you do need to purchase food on the road, make sure to shop smart. Look for grocery stores and supermarkets that offer competitive prices and discounts for truck drivers. If you have a loyalty card or membership with a chain like Costco, Sam’s Club, or BJ’s, you may be able to take advantage of bulk discounts and special offers. Also, don’t forget to check for coupons and online deals before you hit the road.

While shopping, try to focus on buying healthy, fresh foods like fruits, vegetables, yogurt, and nuts. These options may be more expensive than processed or junk foods in the short term, but they will provide more long-term health benefits and can help keep you feeling full and satisfied without reaching for unhealthy snacks.

Cook Your Meals in Advance

To save even more on food expenses, consider cooking your meals in advance before hitting the road. Spend a few hours on your days off preparing batches of food that can be frozen and stored in your fridge or cooler. Some ideas for meals that are easy to prepare and transport include chili, stews, soups, pasta dishes, and casseroles.

By cooking your own meals in advance, you can save money on eating out and ensure that you are eating nutritious, home-cooked food on the road. Plus, you’ll save time and stress by not having to worry about finding a good restaurant or truck stop that meets your dietary needs.

Choose Budget-Friendly Restaurants

Finally, if you do need to eat out while on the road, make sure to choose budget-friendly options. Look for restaurants that offer affordable menus and discounts for truck drivers, such as Denny’s, IHOP, or Cracker Barrel. Avoid high-end restaurants or specialty eateries that may be more expensive and don’t offer value for money.

Also, be aware of portion sizes and don’t be tempted to order more food than you need. Consider sharing a meal with a fellow driver or taking leftovers back to your truck for later.

Find Free WiFi Signals While on the Road

If you’re taking a break and want to check out the news or what’s going on in the world, chances are you can either use your smart phone or a laptop. If you can use a free wifi signal, you’ll save money by keeping your data bill down. Data can add up when you’re on the road, so using a free signal when possible can help to save you money.

It’s important to remember that using wifi isn’t private though. Other people can potentially see what you’re looking at and gain access to any passwords you might use. So be careful with what you’re looking at. If you need to see your bank account information or anything of a personal nature that you don’t want strangers to see, use your own private signal. This increases your data use, but it’s better to use some of your data than the alternative and have your accounts and passwords compromised.