Owner operator outlaws

One of the reason's I vote Libertarian is because I the don't believe in all the regulations we have.

I spoke to Bob Barr, the Libertarian presidnetial nomiee, during the 08 primaries. I told him about how the federal government forces us to log every day of our lives, just because we drive a truck. That we have put log where we stop, how long we stop, and why we stop. That we are told like a bunch of children that we have to sleep for a certain amount of time (whether we are tired of not) and how the log book could actually allow us to drive when we are tired and sleep when we are rested.

I went into the patriot cat provision that forces, even returning soldiers from Iraq, to get a federal background check to haul even food grade haz-mat. And I went into a few other things.

He told me that most libertarian's believe that if you don't hurt anyone, kill anyone, damage anyone's property or lie and cheat someone out of something, then you've broken no laws....Or at least, that's how it should be. & That if I can haul freight from point A to point B without hurting anyone or their property. then the authorities should have no reason to fine me or take me to jail.

One other thing he mentioned, that impressed me. He said "Truck driver's aren't terrorist. They should be treated as such"

 

As soon as you figure out you don't need 5700 miles in 6 days to make a living life gets simpler. Miles will never equal money. The only way to make real money is less miles and more money. Untill you get to that point keep running all the miles you can.

 

That sounds all well and good..(For some)...But it's just not true in other people's cases.

I work hard when I work. I want to make as much money as I can from the time I walk out the door, to the time I walk back in.

If I was making $2 per mile. I'd work just as hard if I was making $2 a mile. More miles, means more money. If I could find a place to lease on that paid me $2 per mile, I'd take it. But right now, without my own authority, $1pm plus FSC seems to be a pretty good deal.

If you know somewhere I could lease onto that pays better, please, let me know. I'm all for making more money.. But that's not going to make me work any less.

 

The best advice I can give is if your going to lease go with a %. Why haul at $ 1.00 per mile when you can easily beat that with a % lease? (This is mostly open equ.) Some can't or won't do this type of work but, if you can you should try it. I was helped in my early years of driving by some folks who knew how to make money. Never did they tell me take every load you can find/run every mile you can. I was told wait for the load that pays $$.

 

I'm leased onto a company that pays by the mile. I don't trust those that pay percentage. There is a company out in Amirillo that offered something that sounded good. But they didn't pay dead head miles, and it would have been too far to dead head back to amirillo from Colorado, my home in East Texas, or the short runs to Oklahoma. Not to mention, they didn't pay for refer deisel... And ever load was refer....

 

I have never pulled a load other than a % load.(as O/O) I understand your concerns on % loads but, I would'nt want to do it any other way than %. I know nothing about refer pay or DH miles with them so I'm in the dark. Try finding out what the gross pay is vs $ 1.00 per mile (including DH) Then check into the % lease and figure out if the pay is better. With a little checking you should beat that $ 1.00.

 

I used to haul for % I was an O/O, I hauled dry bulk, flat bed (oil feild) I made a killing doing it got burned out ,man the 4 digit pay weeks were nice tho. I kick myself daily for not sticking it out.

 

So you don't think someone should be held accountable for brake condition and adjustment?

 

Some smart bunch braggin about going outlaw and pulling after hours then posting a picture of your truck if it is for DOT to read about. I know what goes on and how some of your types feel about theirselves. You strut into a plaza and look down on others that don't O/O. You expect refills first and usually get them with your slicked hair and fancy clothes while company guys get looked down on. Then you sit with another one and brag and go on an on about the shades/stacks/lights/chrome and other stuff that don't make you a dime. Let a OO drive what he wants but don't be so condersendin (whoa- that is hard to spell and might not be right ) to others!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yea- I don't make 60-80 grand but then I dont have to do it all either. I work for a company and they look after me. I don't hate my company or those above me who has earned that. Like I said, I'm 46 no spring chicken but I have some ideas. I know someone with the state and I might just see if I can get on with a area that is growing....DOT. I know lots of the tricks that I don't agree with and If I can pass the exam, I might just be the one in somebodys mirrow with the lights on one day. Like I said, I belief in safety and that means equipment, permits, hours, good logs etse. Some don't like the rules and want to run over those that do but I might just get my say with my citation book if I make that switch to the law side if I can get it. I would be fare but by the book and look harder if some bearded hero started yelling and cuttin a shine when I pulled him over. Id call for backup too and turn my head if the sheriff or trooper had to straighten him out. I hate rule breakin and combat attitudes!!!

I hear my state (don't ask) is hiring and that President Obama likes stimulus money spent on jobs and safety first. I know many don't like this but in times like these, jobs is good and the state pays good benefits and retirements that will not change. O/O's will get the medicaid now which is nice but state health is better and is not changing. Maybe this don't work out but it is worth a try.
PS- Jakes has a purpose and it aint to be loud and scary to 4 wheelers. Save your service brakes but make it quiet. It is like a child to be loud for louds sake

Have a nice night, Southern pride- I'm sittin here about to pop a cold one and the weekend belongs to me with no worry