Need input on an unconventional start into the business.aaRa

Get a truck, my own authority, make lots of money and have tons of free time. Just kidding - I know you all spend a lot of time bringing newbies like me back to reality.

As a single dad, I can see on the horizon where my family commitments will be winding down - and the next chapter is open to be written. I have read a lot of posts, and done a lot of lurking. My plan is to sell my house which is paid for, and buy a great truck - with a studio sleeper. This would be my full time plan - at least for a few years. FYI - I lived out of an RV for 4 years because I liked the location. A sleeper is smaller, but I am a minimalist. I am looking forward to the solitude and don't have any reservations about this.

Anyway - the unconventional part of this is... I want to start with my own autority and my own new truck. There are many reasons not to do this: I need experience, I need to see if I like it, I obviously know nothing about it etc etc. But... I have never worked for anyone my whole life, and I don't think I want to start now. I realize that I may screw up, not get loads or the miles I want - but, the miles I get will be more profitable. My truck will be paid for, so as long as I can get enough miles to keep myself on the road, I can build from that point. Maybe I even hire a seasoned driver to come with me to show me the ropes? I am not arrogent and have a huge respect for the experience I don't have. Since I have enough cash for the truck and a float to get going, will this work and would you recommend I get some help? I want to learn, I don't need to make much for the first year or two - I just don't want to be stuck in a dumpy truck with a trainer I didn't hire. I'd rather hire someone I think is good and soak it up in my own truck. Possible?

The other thing is that with this new truck - I want a big truck - like a 900 with studio and a 294 wheelbase so I can put a motorbike on the back. Yes, I know there isn't much time and if I want to do well I won't have time to go sight seeing. Thing is, when I'm on my 34 reset in who-knows-where, I want to be able to go do something. This is a deal breaker as I will be full time. Since I will be running a long rig, are there certain types of loads I should be focusing on? The really tight delivery yards will be more difficult I imagine. Are there types of driving that would be more suited to a longer rig? And speaking of types of hauling, should I have my own trailer (and what type) or should I just provide the power?

I don't post lightly - I have been trying to do my homework, and I have pretty much settled in on this as my final career. I just need to figure out how to make it work.

 

I meant to compliment contributors and moderators on this board. People are very helpful and there is a lot of great info on this site.

Thanks in advance for taking the time to respond to my post.

 

Thanks coastie. I neglected to say that the bike, and mount would add roughly 600lbs. Any input on type of hauling I should be considering would be welcome. So far, I've learned that flatbeds are more physical work - which is fine with me. Are there types of hauling where the access with a longer wheelbase, and weight would be less of an issue?

 

Cy Ran. I may end up working with a trainer, i just want to know if it is even feasible to do it the way I asked. I don't mind being confined to a truck, I just want it to be my truck instead of the old dirty company truck I imagine a newbie would be issued. As far as where I live - Phoenix, but I don't have a significant other, so where I'm based or how often I get back doesn't matter to me.

I was reluctant to say that this plan may be a couple years out. I don't want folks to think this is just "pie in the sky" - my way of doing things is careful planning to keep the inevitable surprises to a minimum. I'm wondering also about starting my own authority a year early so that it would be seasoned. Too soon to tell on this yet as I'm just starting to read up on that part.

 

driver to broker - you and others mention the insurance companies - so, I suppose I will try to adjust my thinking towards driving for 6 months for someone else. It's only six months and the points raised are valid.