Sticking to a monthly budget is a worthwhile goal for anyone. For truckers, there are some unique considerations to keep in mind. Living on the road introduces some challenges, especially when it comes to meal planning. However, with a bit of effort, it’s definitely possible to create and stick to a budget and save money as a truck driver.
Here are some budgeting tips for truckers:
1. Track Your Income and Expenses
The first step in saving money is to know how much you are taking in each month and how much you are spending. From there, you can create budgets for different categories. You do this by estimating your average income and expenses, or you can track for a few months to get a more specific idea of your monthly spending. Categorize what you are spending money on, and use these numbers to create budget limits for these categories. Once you have this data available, it’s easier to see where you may be overspending.
2. Focus on Food
Food is one of the biggest expenses for anyone, and for truckers in particular, expenses can add up quickly. It’s easy to grab meals at restaurants or truck stops on the road, and truckers may have a harder time planning meals and preparing them ahead of time compared to individuals who are home every day to cook. However, this doesn’t mean it’s impossible.
Consider meal prepping during your home time and making meals you can easily heat up on your truck. To start, you can focus on one or two meals you would like to eat in your truck. Having a plan in place makes it easier to stick to your goals, and you may be surprised at how much you can save. Even if you still have some meals out, you can save thousands of dollars each year by preparing food in your truck as much as possible.
Trip planning is also beneficial for saving on meals, as it allows you to plan out more cost-effective places to stop for food and groceries when you’re on the road.
3. Take Advantage of Discounts and Perks
Many companies offer discounts for commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders. Ask around to see which of these you might be interested in. Although the savings may seem small, they can add up quickly and if you’re already purchasing these goods and services anyway, there’s no reason not to take advantage of any discounts.
As a driver with DSW, you can also take advantage of driver-friendly fuel purchasing. This allows you to control your fuel locations within the network and earn points for amenities like showers. Over time, this can help you save money.
4. Drive Safely to Avoid Tickets
Speeding tickets and fines for other traffic violations are unexpected expenses and can also put your CDL and your job at risk. While it may be tempting to speed up to try to get more miles in, you’re actually saving money in the long run and keeping yourself safe by following traffic laws and avoiding tickets.
Drive With a Company That Rewards Your Hard Work
Of course, one of the major items that affects your budget is your income. By becoming a DSW driver, you can take advantage of our competitive pay and benefits. We appreciate the hard work our drivers do for us, and our pay rates reflect this appreciation. Both new and experienced drivers can earn excellent pay.
To learn more about driving with DSW, contact us today.
