I'm about to bail on this game...I am running non stop trying to get my driver rating up and cash flow up so I can get a better truck (rather than this POS 1979 Ford 9000)
I have mechanical failures almost every trip, I can not take long hauls as it costs more to run them than I would make and also with a top speed of 47 MPH its almost impossible to go over 600 miles. Along with fuel costs, its just getting irritating. I don't think the game should be easy, but any real trucker that would have mechanical failures that much would drive his rig off the side of a cliff!!!!!!!! :angry:

Join a Company

Take the shortest routes possible. Short routes = Quick cash, plus faster DR gain (higher DR means bigger loans).

1.85 is the lowest fuel price in NA, every time you see that refill even if you only need like 10 gallons.

Repair after each trip, this means you'll be starting the new trip with the best possible condition.

I notice you've done a lot of General Merchandise runs, ALWAYS do a "special" cargo over just the general merchandise. Even if the city you are going to doesn't demand the "special" cargo, it will always pay more then the General Merchandise.

I notice now you are in Southport. The shortest distance you can go in game is 300 miles, well Richmond is 302 miles from Southport. That should be close to 8 legs @ 40 mph. So I would recommend running that route for like a week just to see if you gain money faster that way instead of doing regular routes. And if that works for gaining money fast keep running it.

That "shorter route is better" talk is utter rubbish unless you're taking a top 5 cargo.

Go to Atlanta because then you can drive back to Southport for a $400 bonus - that's almost $1 per mile ($0.50 per mile if you average it over the whole trip). Then just shuttle between the two cities until the next cargo change (or join a company with a good contract or two that pays more than the shuttle).

As somebody else said, look into joining a company. Companies often have contracts, which can pay higher rates. Right now I'm runing a load for 2.40 a mile, or almost 6,000 dollars.

Some companies have very small collections (like 1%), so you keep most of your money. In return you can get a bonus at their terminals, and get discounts on new trucks, and new parts.

Other companies have larger collections, but they offer discounts on fuel, repairs etc. Do some research and find out what is best for you.

Feel Free to PM me if you have any questions. I've only been in this game for about 10 days, so I'm new myself.

Also, feel free to take out 3 loans for 3 days in a row to get some more money to buy a new truck, when you are getting close to enough money.

You think you have it bad... Lol

Wait until you become a leader in a company, and the game gets boring because people play like little babies, but abide by the rules..