Cost Checklist
Know Your Real Costs
People don't usually underestimate their costs on purpose—they simply don't know everything they should be accounting for. Go down this list and ask one question about each item.
"Did I account for this, and do I know what it actually costs me?"
- Fuel & DEF
- Oil changes & filters
- Truck & trailer tires
- Brakes
- Suspension & steering
- Batteries & electrical
- Fluids, wipers & routine maintenance
- Truck & trailer repairs
- Securement equipmentStraps, chains, binders, tarps — they wear out and get replaced.
- DOT inspections
- Truck & trailer replacement reservesEvery mile uses up part of your equipment. Reserve for it now.
These are real operating costs. They must be accounted for in your HSS Hard Floor and earned across the miles you run — not paid from profit when the bill arrives.
Costs Change. Your Numbers Must Too.
Previous cost for six tires$2,200
Current cost for the same six tires$2,700
Actual increase+$500 (~23%)
If your reserve is still based on the old price, you're underfunded. If costs fall, update them downward too.
Know your costs. Keep them current. Adjust your reserves as costs change.