intro to the world of trucking

I have been reading alot of stuff on this website and trucking interests me. I wanted to get some feedback on whether my idea of trucking is right. I was planning on going through training and working for a company for a couple of years, and at the same time save some money for a down payment on a truck so that i could become and owner operator. I can figure out what trucks are best latter but the main thing that concerns me is when being a owner operator do i get to choose my loads? I plan on settling down in Oregon and would like to be home every so often. Do owner operators just log on to their companies web sites and select loads that are available? Can i work my arse off one week so i can take a break the next? Also when companies cover fuel costs do they except biodiesel, particularly B99 or do i have to use diesel even though bio is cheaper. This way i wont feel guilty about burning dino. Also, say i drive a load out from home around 1200 miles but want to come back do companies cover or subsidize that fuel too or is it just when going to pick up the next load? Finally can anyone recommend companies that are credible and are busy in the north west? Any help or info would be GREATLY appreciated.

 

thanks for the info