Weight rules and capacity question.
I'm asking legitimately, not trying to be a smart alec. Owner operators universally agree that the FMCSA creates rules to benefit the fleets and we think that's wrong. What's the difference between that, and OOIDA advocating for rules that only benefit owner ops with 5 axles?
I've heard the "road wreckers" argument. In my opinion thats not true because of the required bridge laws. That weight is pretty spread out, either way, the overweight permits and extra fuel purchased means more highway money (if the money gets there).
Then there's the decreased rate argument. The people on this forum that advocate for 80k only have stated that the fuel economy is worse, maintenance is higher, and equipment cost is more when running more axles. I agree. With that being said, what makes you think we are taking the freight at a cheaper "per ton or per cwt" rate than you are? If we are the bottom feeders, we wouldn't pay for more axles imo.
Maybe I'm looking at it wrong? I'm an OOIDA member and I don't expect them to do my personal bidding to benefit me. In the spirit of the free market, I don't see the problem with me buying a big trailer to fit my specific niche market. The bigger trailer gets me home more and I don't see the problem with that.
I'm just thinking out loud, not trying to start a riot. Be safe!
I've heard the "road wreckers" argument. In my opinion thats not true because of the required bridge laws. That weight is pretty spread out, either way, the overweight permits and extra fuel purchased means more highway money (if the money gets there).
Then there's the decreased rate argument. The people on this forum that advocate for 80k only have stated that the fuel economy is worse, maintenance is higher, and equipment cost is more when running more axles. I agree. With that being said, what makes you think we are taking the freight at a cheaper "per ton or per cwt" rate than you are? If we are the bottom feeders, we wouldn't pay for more axles imo.
Maybe I'm looking at it wrong? I'm an OOIDA member and I don't expect them to do my personal bidding to benefit me. In the spirit of the free market, I don't see the problem with me buying a big trailer to fit my specific niche market. The bigger trailer gets me home more and I don't see the problem with that.
I'm just thinking out loud, not trying to start a riot. Be safe!