Commercial Truck Operating Costs

The purchase price is only the start. Over the life of a truck, the cost of running it often matters more than the cost of buying it.

The main cost areas

• Fuel, which depends on load, route, driving style and the truck itself
• Tyres, which wear faster on rough roads and with overloading
• Servicing, repairs and spare components
• Insurance and licensing
• Driver wages and allowances
• Downtime when the truck is not earning
• Financing costs, if you are paying in instalments

Think in cost per kilometre or per trip

Add up your costs over a month and divide by the distance or number of trips. That figure is easier to compare against what you charge, and it shows quickly whether a route or a customer is worth serving.

What you can control

Matching the truck to the load avoids over-spending on a larger truck than you need, or damaging a smaller one by overloading. Good maintenance and trained drivers reduce both repair bills and downtime.

Before you buy, ask what servicing the truck needs and where it can be done. Read truck financing considerations and questions to ask before purchasing a truck as well.

Want help choosing? Call or WhatsApp Njoki on 0794624466, or request a quotation and describe the work your truck needs to do.