Preparing for own authority

I own two straight trucks and have them leased to an expediter as a side business right now. I can't drive as I cannot get a CDL (have an ICD). My goal is to leave the desk and industry I've been working at for 20+ years and get my own authority with the two straight trucks and venture into the big trucks. I did drive t/t years ago but have not had any experience with them since the early 80's. I'm giving myself until April 1 (yes, April Fool's day...) to get my first trucks & trailers on the road. Asking for advice in what type of preparation I can do to familiarize myself with the tractor/trailer side of this business in the mean time. My thought was to join a load board (possibly My Members Edge, I'm an OOIDA member) just to see what is out there, what to expect. I've called on 'clients' before so can certainly try to get some of my own but want to get a feel for what is out there, what rates are like, all just watching from the sidelines. Plan is for dry van and/or possibly reefer, live in the Chicago area, but am free to hire drivers that would be convenient to the freight, as long as it's not too far from here. Any other tips would be much appreciated. Just in a learning, watching and listening mode now and for the next few months....
Thanks....

 

Thanks for the input. The main reason I want to establish my own authority is I want something 'to do', I want to take an active part in the day to day running of the company. And I too have questions as to why someone would want to work for me or such a small carrier, but, it does happen and I know the guys that drive my trucks now are very happy, even though they deal as much or more with the carrier than with me. So, that's why I want the time to check into all of this first, make sure it will be viable...maybe it won't. But, it's the being more involved I'm looking at more than the money part of it...maybe I can make myself into a carrier that other guys will want to lease on to. I thought of putting on trucks with someone like Landstar, but would still have to pay the drivers and I'd be getting the 68% instead of the entire amount, but without some potential headaches....anyway - we'll see and I really appreciate your comments.

 

Thanks...have definitely thought of that and have spoken to Landstar. They would require that I put my two straight trucks on with them as well and I'm not quite prepared to do that, happy where they are. I might do something with ownership of my company, come up with another company for the big trucks, to get over that hurdle. I know that makes the most sense, that way I will learn that part of the business better before making the leap into own authority.