What to do

I would wait on him, he may know something he isn't willing to share yet or maybe just biding time waiting for the moment. I would at least talk to him first and just say hey pop talk to me I'm ready whats the hold up. Sounds like he wants to give you a good start, might be easy to hurt his feelings make him feel what he has done is not good enough then again he may be waiting to see how bad you really wanna do it too. The dad in me that is partnered with his 19 year old son in about the same situation can see it both ways. Yes the insurance on Shag is killer, but he works his can off on the road and off only keeps a meager 250.00 a week salary. The pride that comes from our deal words can't express. You know your dad best go with your gut, but whatever you do talk to him first is my advice.

 

It depends on how you will taste grilled, with a little steak sauce and potatoes.

Yes you will have a higher premium due to your age. How much that is will depend on who quotes you and whether or not your Dad is also on the policy. Some may even have a cut off at >25 yrs old, although I think 23 is more routine.

I'm in a little better shape than wore out is. My son just turned 30, getting the final price break before rates go back up when I get in my late 50's. Just remember you're getting an all in rate from your hauls when you get that insurance quote that takes your breath away LOL. Without a lot of detail, expect your quotes to fall in the $15k/truck/year ballpark, possibly more due to your age.

+1 on everything else wore out posted to save you a repeat.

Edited to add: You can get authority under the same company you are using for what I expect is a lease you are under at the moment. Unless you are leased separately of course. Regardless, you could form a corporation and get that set up long before you start getting authority and doing business with it. I just wouldn't do it too far in advance. Months not years that is.

 

What does he say when you asked him "dad why are you putting it off?"

 

I am not sure how insurance works in the USA but north of the 49th its kinda like this.

When I started my own authority, they looked at my history and years of driving. I had about 5 years and no violations. All is good there. They then assign a rating 0-1-2-3-4-5 (5 is best) to your company profile. I was told everyone starts at a 3. Each year, at renewal time, they will look at any claims you made in that first year, any tickets you got, your inspection reports from the DOT, they will even look at your personal driving record. They will also look at your IFTA reports to see how many miles you are doing and where (before you get started you will have to estimate your IFTA miles and states). They take all of this and if you have been good you will move up 1 point or down however many they feel. This rating is the heaviest indicator of how much you will pay for insurance. Even if you had a driver with 50 years no tickets or accidents, he would be rated the same as say 10 years no tickets/accidents. A new driver right out of the gate, however, will be crucified upside down on the rate, if they will insure at all. Have at least 3 years clean then go. The first year will likely be expensive. After that, you should have more a better idea of where you will be running what times of year, have some regular customers going and be off to the races. Shop around for insurance. Before I got started I had rates of 13,000 up to 24,000 for the first year. This is with a KW valued at 85k and reefer at 42k.

Before you start - do you know exactly where you are going to get your loads from once you get the authority active? I recommend calling brokers and seeing if they will load you once you get going. Also - cant stress this enough - have PLENTY of cash in the bank before you start. Like at least 25k, per truck. No joke.

 

If it was just a friend of yours I would say go for it. If you were older say your late 30s you might have urgency. If you care about and respect your dad move very carefully. He is looking out for you. You are just 23. I didn't know what I was doing at that age and 2 years may seem like good experience to you but it's really still closer to rookie than veterans status. Be patient and wait on your father. Very few people will care for your well being like he does in this life.

 

Don't shoot yourself in the foot before you even take a step driver. They can see/hear fear a mile away. Be confident in everything you say to prospects and don't let 99 out of 100 "no thanks" get you down. That last one is the most difficult but over time with diligence anything is possible. Don't know what to say about the other issue with your father, that one is tricky, but you've got good advice to ponder now at least.