Avoiding The Pitfall Of Budgeting For Your Trucking Business

The next topic that I would like to discuss with all of the owner operators out there is budgeting. With the economy being as tight as it has been the last couple years, many people have become a lot more aware of their expenses. Trucking is one business where you can analyze and plan all day, and it might not do you any good. At the end of the day, you need to make sure you are planning to be ready for the worst case scenario, not expecting and wishing for the best case scenario. Some things, like the rates you are paid and the miles you drive are somewhat predictable. But the one variable that isnearly impossible to predict is the amount of money it is going to take to maintain your truck.

Even if you have a brand new truck or have a used truck with a million miles on it, the chance always is that you will not know when one might need maintenance. Some trucks may break early on, some may break later, but it eventually will break in some way. When it does break, the visit to the shop to get your truck back in service is rarely less than $1,000. Keeping this in mind, your budget needs to factor in these types of occurrences. Once you're prepared, these repairs just cause a temporary setback versus completely halting your business.

On all of the trucks that we sell at Lone Mountain Truck Leasing, included is a one year/100,000 mile engine warranty on all trucks that are from the year 2005 and newer. Most of the significant components that are going to cause a "catastrophic failure" are covered by these warranties. These types of failures do not happen very often, but can cost anywhere between $5,000 to $25,000. However, there can be less significant issues that can potentially put your business in deep water if you haven't taken the time to be ready for these issues.

Putting aside a minimum of five cents for each mile specifically dedicated to maintenance and repair work is a reasonable rule to follow. The number can also vary depending on the age of the truck, how many miles you are adding to the truck during a year, and how many miles were on the truck before you owned it. To keep the calculation simple, five cents for each mile driven is a great place to start your calculation. If nothing is being set aside from the start, and the only items you are budgeting are oil changes, there is a good chance you are not going to make it very long as an owner operator.

This current economy shows that the trucking business (similar to any other business) requires to you to constantly monitor your expenses to try to keep a financial buffer when times to begin to get tougher. When the repairs come around (and they always will) you will be well prepared for them. Recovering quickly from these types of problems to get back on the road is the key point to remain successful in this business.

Are you looking for today's best truck leasing business? Lone Mountain Truck Leasing services all types of commercial truck leasing and financing.

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This post was written by Joe Hoovestol on July 20, 2010

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The Nerang-Murwilliumbah Road: Places To See And Things To Do

Hidden in between the recognized areas of Springbrook, Beechmont and Binna Burra Plateau as well as the world heritage listed Lamington National Park, lays the localities of Numinbah Valley and Natural Bridge. These parts are generally discovered while taking a scenic circuit, which starts off at Nerang and leads south on Route 97- The Nerang-Murwilliumbah Road.

Journeying through tall eucalyptus forests, bordering the shores of the Hinze Dam, guide you into the Numinbah Valley. Here nestled in lunch pastures between the mountains of Springbrook and Beechmont, beverages and a colorful gemstone exhibit can be encountered at the Valley View Caf. Driving a little further south, Numinbah Valley features horse riding adventures for all functionality where riders are able to stroll along crystal creeks or to mountain lava caves. Yet again heading south through the bank of the volcanic caldera, lunch at the natural Arch Caf Restaurant features another wonder: the biggest and yummiest hamburgers you're ever probably going to eat!!

One more kilometer south, from the Natural Arch Caf, and you enter into the forgotten world of the Natural Bridge National Park. It is a simple walk through the park which will leave you awestruck by the stunning rainforest giants, wildlife and a perfect waterfall plunging through the geological phenomenon called the "Natural Bridge".

After dark the glow-worms in the cave dazzle like the stars of the Milky Way. When you exit the Natural Bridge National Park and head 3 Kilometres south you'll come to the Queensland/New South Wales border where you will view the extinct volcano of Mount Warning, it is encircling volcanic caldera, green valleys and crowding cliffs. Then you gradually descend down the flourishing and peaceful farmlands to the village of Chillingham, town of Murwillumbah and get back onto the Pacific Highway for your return trip.

Springbrook, surrounded by forest and National Park is famed for its Purlington Falls, English gardens, spectacular pristine rainforest, abundant wild life, various incredible lookouts and magic waterfalls. Springbrook Plateau is a remnant of the northern side of a one time large volcano that was centered on Mt Warning. On the highest possible parts of Springbrook, stands of ancient Antarctic Beech trees survive. These trees may be over 2000 years old and reveal that the temperature here was at one time much cooler.

From Mudgeeraba appreciate a scenic 25 kilometre drive along Springbrook Road to Springbrook. At 900 metres over sea level Springbrook can be very cool, even in summer. The area is a haven for beautiful and extraordinary birds and rare Australian wildlife. There are quite a few forest tracks and natures wonders to enjoy, although you are going to need to take some strong and comfortable shoes as there are more than 160 kilometres of graded walking track to cover if you want to see everything!

When you are looking for Australia car rental go to www.budget.com.au. Whether you are traveling to Sydney and require a Car rental Sydney, or some place else in Australia, Budget is the best option for you.

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This post was written by Jason Hall on July 8, 2010

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Getting Your Luggage Ready For Your Trip

Many look at packing as if it is a chore, something they do not want to complete but needs to be done anyway. I know that I sometimes wish I can hire someone to do all the packing that is needed for an upcoming trip or vacation. Depending on where you are traveling to there are things that you must be sure to take, and other things that you will want to take along. Sorting through it all is the tough part.

There are some basic essentials that you will always want to make sure and pack. Items such as toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo (and other hair care items that you require) and deodorant are things that you will require on any trip you take. However, you will want to make sure that you do not over crowd your luggage with items or it may become to heavy and you will have to pay the airlines an additional fee. The best thing to do is start to get your items together ahead of time, instead of waiting for the day before you are ready to leave. You do not need to start a month before you trip, but if you want until the night before chances are you will forget to bring something along that you will require on your trip.

Forgetting something like your toothbrush or a razor is not such a big deal, but forgetting your socks or you blood pressure medication can be a hassle. The easiest way to remember all the things you need to take is to make a list. List can sometimes be overrated and people sometimes get carried away with lists for this and lists for that, but when it comes to remembering what to take on your trip, a list can be very helpful.

The best time to start your list is once you have made your plans and chosen your destination. To start your list write down everything you want to take along. After a few days you should go back to your list and review it to see if you forgot to add anything or maybe want to take something off. A winter jacket may have made it into your list, however upon a second thought it might not be necessary when you are traveling ot Florida. You are the only one that can deice what you do and do not pack, you just want to pay close attention to the weight of the bags so that you do not have to use your vacation money just to get the luggage on your plane.

By making a list you have just turned this tiresome chore into something that is fast and easy. Just think, once you have all your items packed you can head towards your vacation destination and have the fun and relaxation that you deserve.

Cheap Flights from www.expedia.com make traveling during the holiday season to see family much easier. You can just look online and check out their great discounts and even international flights.

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This post was written by Thomas Clarke on March 20, 2010

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