Finding Cost of Ownership for Used Semi Trucks Ohio

When purchasing a semi-truck, there are a lot more things to consider than just the retail price and monthly payments.

Each truck will have a different cost of ownership that’s ultimately impossible to determine with 100% accuracy, but keeping a few key points in mind will give you a clear sense of what the real cost is and what the profitability of being an owner-operator is.

Vehicle Cost

This is obvious but still worth mentioning. Used semi-trucks typically run between $50,000 – $100,000, which puts average monthly payments in the $1,000 – $2,500 range, depending on how aggressive you’d like to be with paying down your debt.

Expected Maintenance Costs

Even the most well-made trucks will still incur a substantial annual cost of maintenance. Some estimates put the average yearly cost at around $15,000, with a large chunk of that being dedicated to annual tire replacements.

Replacing all 18 wheels can run in the ballpark of $4,000 just by itself, and it’s far from the only issue a semi-truck will experience.

Oil changes, airline hoses, and brake repairs among many others should be done on a yearly basis to avoid larger, more expensive issues down the line.

The average you can expect to pay is ultimately dependent on how many miles you’re putting on the vehicle, but $15,000 is a good number to work with if you’re expecting to drive full time.

Documentation and Taxes

Assuming you will be operating under your own business and not working for a larger company, there are a number of documents and permits you’ll need to legally operate across America.

• Heavy Vehicle Use Tax: $100-$550 per year
• MC and DoT number: $300 one time
• Tolls: $.40 per mile (approx.)
• Income tax: 25%

Fuel Cost

Fuel cost calculations will be different for long-haul and short-haul drivers. Short-haul will only need to take into account their local area prices, but long-haul drivers need to use the national average and multiply that by their expected yearly mileage to get a better sense of what they’ll be paying.

Insurance

Insurance can vary wildly based on the make and model of your vehicle and your driving history. Conservatively, truckers can expect to pay $9,000 per year in insurance and $15,000 or more, if their driving history is less than stellar.

Lodging

If you aren’t purchasing a sleeper cab because the majority of your trips are in your local area, you’ll still need to plan for the rare occasions where overnight lodging is a necessity.

Since there are strict rules for how long a driver can work, driving or not, circumstances may demand that you stop at a motel for the night. In those situations, you can still expect to pay $90 – $100 per night for basic lodging accommodations.

Contact Robertson Truck Group

Are you looking for used semi-trucks in Ohio? Robertson Truck Group has been serving Central Ohio for the last 25 years by providing excellent deals and excellent service to owner-operators and fleet owners alike.

Robertson’s has a wide selection of affordable semi-trucks for sale in Ohio, so whether you need something to get you from point A to point B or you’re looking for a truck that you can outfit with all the bells and whistles, we have something that fits your needs to a tee. Contact us today.