Just throwing this out there.

This. There's a few folks that really have nothing better to than argue something to death that really doesn't matter. That is, versus accepting that what works in their business may not be a perfect fit for everyone else or vice-versa.

That said, qualifying an o/o to post won't fix that. An example would be the "can you make $1000/wk" thread Boardhauler alluded to. I'd venture most parties active in that one would pass muster as qualified to post.

Leaving only an "ask" forum open to all members would definitely corral the redundant "how-to" questions posted by people who either are incapable or too self important to bother with a search. The people problems will still have to be managed the old fashioned way.

 

I've been engaged in a few of those previously mentioned "100 page arguments". I'll admit it, I kind of enjoy it and I do actually learn quite a bit from those arguments. But if it's turning good contributors off to the O/O section I guess it's not worth it for my personal amusement. I'll refrain from doing so in the future, and apologize if I am one of the ones spoiling it for the rest of you.

I will say it concerns me when bad advice is given such as "your goal should be 0.85/mile operating expenses". I feel it gives prospective owner-ops false hopes, so I probably will continue to post "you're wrong" type replies but I will do so as tactfully as possible and keep it short and sweet.

 

I am not sure that most would want to go to the trouble to provide a copy of their authority, insurance certificate or lease just to be able to post or get into a certain forum. The banter does get old. I agree that there is some bad information being posted by those who don't know what they are talking about. Often it is from regurgitating information that they have read elsewhere or from speculation. It would be easier for some to have a thread just for those of us with authority or who own trucks. But, there are those who would like to become an owner operator or get their authority that could benefit from the experience of those who have been there and done that. On the other hand, there are issues that those who run their authority or own trucks that might not want to post for general consumption. We certainly have issues and challenges that company drivers or those just entering the industry don't experience.

 

I would try a lease operator sub form first....just my .002

 

What gets me is all the drivers that call there self O/O when infact all they own is there truck that's leased to a carrier, that in my book is not a O/O!

I am a tru owner operator I do my own plates, ifta, billing, safety, financial advisor you name it. I am the last of a dying breed because many drivers just find it easier for someone to do all the work.

 

Guaranteed!

Why bother with all the extra work that can be fugged up when someone else with tons of experience can do it in 1/4 the time?

 

Leased to Farm2Fleet and I wouldn't show my Lease as I don't post all that often. I read 98% and use the information I find helpful for our Business model.

But lately all I see is a Wee Wee competition on the O/O forum (you're doing it all wrong if your spreadsheet is 5 pages and not 10) So I guess what I am trying to say is I wouldn't be providing proof that we are Leased to F2F so I could post in the O/O section.

 

Someone is going to be a lonely little O/O How many O/O with Authority post in the O/O forum? Maybe 10.

 

An Owner/Operator is anyone who owns & operates his own truck, leased or independent. I think a better distinction would be whether you grease your truck & change the oil yourself. Doing your own maintenance is, to me, a better indicator of your status, and a better predictor of your success as well.

A lease/purchase operator is not the same IMHO.

I've worked under my own authority, hauled directly for shippers & my opinion is that you guys don't get paid enough for all the hassles and that I lack the interpersonal skills to be successful at it. I do respect the work guys like you do, but I'm not jealous.

I think I get a better return on my 4 rental units that I ever did on my own authority.

And if a Mod happens to read this, I would like to note that the main reason I keep hanging around here is because of the work you guys do. This site is better managed than any similar site that I am aware of.

 

I have an amazing amount of restraint so I will gracefully bow out of this topic before I start, finish, or continue an arguement

p.s. and it's their not there when refering to those who are not on your level