There are many benefits associated with being a truck driver, such as flexibility, freedom to be on the road, new places to explore, and significant earning potential.
However, before you get in the driver’s seat of a brand new semi truck and begin your new career in earnest, you might be asking the question: how much does a semi truck cost? Let’s find out what you can expect when you buy a new truck – even if you choose to sell one first.
Average Semi Truck Cost
Of course, most truck drivers will know that a semi truck’s purchase price is just one of many related costs, but it’s an excellent place to begin. When you decide to purchase a new truck, you can expect to part with between $80,000 and $200,000, depending on the truck’s size, year, specs, and location.
How Much Do Semi Truck Drivers Make?
Up to $200,000 can seem like a lot of money to spend when purchasing a new semi truck. However, when you compare it with the earning potential in this line of work, it may not be as out of the question as you think.
According to indeed.com, semi truck drivers in the United States can earn an average base salary of $74,417 per year, but upwards of $84,000 if they have over 10 years of experience. Even an entry-level driver working for a company can earn nearly $70,000 per year.
Pricing Factors to Consider When Purchasing a New Semi Truck
When the time comes to start shopping for a new semi truck, you might notice that the price tags of new trucks vary dramatically from one make and model to the next. Some of these factors below can contribute to the costs associated with new trucks.
The Truck Type
Every business has different trucking needs, which is why a wide variety of truck makes and models are available for sale. The costs associated with a dump truck might be dramatically different from those of an on-highway transporter or a long haul truck with a sleeper cab.
The Truck Specs
A semi truck’s specs are not only crucial for determining its worth but also for making sure a particular truck is suitable for your application. The engine, fuel efficiency, suspension, transmission, and axels are just a few of the many features that can prove crucial for your comfort and competence on the road. You may also notice that advanced features, particularly relating to safety, drive up the value.
The Engine
Truck drivers are tasked with hauling heavy loads across the United States. When you’re navigating challenging driving conditions with such loads, you want to be sure that the truck you choose is up to the task.
The cost of a semi truck can often be a reflection of what’s under the hood. The more horsepower and technology you have at your disposal, the more you can expect to pay for a brand new semi truck.
When the time comes to sign on the dotted line, don’t be afraid to ask the truck manufacturer as many questions as possible. Find out how much torque you can expect, whether the engine has advanced combustion technology, and if it’s biomethane compatible. It might also be worth asking about the braking system, any decreased vibration features, and emissions technologies.
The Transmission
Perhaps not surprisingly, the transmission in a truck can impact its purchase price. Compare the price tags associated with manual, automatic, and hybrid transmissions. Computer-controlled transmissions can also cost more to purchase than traditional transmission options.
Maintenance
Not only do you have to consider the purchase price of a new semi truck, but the ongoing costs associated with it. Every brand is different, so the maintenance costs associated with one truck might be vastly different from another.
It’s also worth pointing out that maintenance costs can increase over time, which is why it’s often recommended that owner-drivers and fleet owners update their trucks frequently. Selling semi trucks is easy through well-established professional truck buyers like TruckVin, and you can quickly free up capital to purchase new, low-maintenance models.
Time to Sell So You Can Buy?
Who doesn’t like the thought of hitting the road in a brand new semi truck? Once you’ve considered the costs associated with purchasing new, it might be time to think about selling your used truck. Contact TrucKVin today for a fast cash offer and an easy five-step sales process.
