I want to join you all and get my own authority! But heres my checklist

Did 2 1/2 years' research before jumping to owner op (with lots of help from this forum). So far it is working out, but it hasn't been without missteps...

 

Don't use OOIDA if your a member. There's a few brokers that won't accept them. Northland is rated A+ by A. M. Best Company. Check out any company before signing on and make sure they are A or A+ rated.

Also, when getting a quote ask how much they require up front and how your payments will be spread out. Also ask if they charge a fee when requesting your insurance to be sent to a broker. I know Progressive charges a fee for Additional Insured and Certificate Holder requests. Ask what their hours of operation are when needing insurance documents sent. I'm pretty sure Progressive is 24/7 but some are M-F 9-5 and also ask what time zone.

Don't listen to people who say how much they pay. It's completely different for every person based on the following. Driving record
Age
Single, Married or Divorced
Home owner
Education
Place of business
Cargo hauled
If your pulling a refer strawberry coverage is extra
States you plan to run
Cities you plan to run

 

So WHY do you want your own operating authority? Noticing what other companies are doing "wrong" isn't necessarily a good reason to jump in and do things "right". You haven't mentioned anything with regards to customers.........you know the guys who signs the checks AKA....YOUR BOSS(S). Do you have a business plan drawn up? What are you going to do "right" that other companies aren't already doing? Have you taken any personal assessment/personality tests and/or profile exams? You may say "what do they have to do with trucking"? Answer: EVERYTHING!! Because what you're saying is you want to become a business. And business is tough!! It's cut throat!! It's full of highs AND lows!! Are you ready and prepared for it? Do you have what it takes to be in business for yourself? Taking an assessment test WILL help sift out if you have what it takes.

Right now it's become trendy to "Get Your Authority". The spot market spiked earlier this year. News flash.......it spikes every year!! Ask yourself this......"When was the last time you went to purchase ANY essential item and it wasn't on the self"? Even non essential items are easily found. Aside from a specific sale on specific items which may sell out quickly (then quickly restocked) what have you not had access to in the marketplace? My Point: THERE ISN'T A TRUCK SHORTAGE, THERE ISN'T A DRIVER SHORTAGE!!! I've been in this business 20 years. There was an apocalyptic driver/truck shortage 20 years ago. The same shortage will be around 20 years from now. Get into business for the right reasons!!