Own Authority. Freedom and risks involved.

I want to be on my own! I have finally paid off my truck and have been leased to a small carrier for 2 years doing crazy LTLs with a dry van. I am on a percentage. Currently taking home 80-90k per year(after all business costs) in return for 130k (odometer miles)/ 200 days OTR. I want to get a brand new utility reefer with a Carrier Unit (X4-7300) about 68K.

I hope for.
1. Increasing pay/mile (now my rate went down to 135cpm since beginning of the year)
2. Increase home time (current take home of 80-90K is all right for me)
3. Logically, drive less then 100 K a year.
4. Find a few brokers to deal with, without a need to work off load boards.
5. Continue this for 20 years and then retire.

Things I am afraid of: (at least that's what kept me from making the move)
1. Many brokers won't talk to me as I have not established my MC# yet.
2. I would rely at the beginning mainly on load boards and won't find freight justifying 16k a year insurance (including cargo) - that's my quote and 1200/a month reefer payment (5 years loan).
3. Possibility of a catastrophic claim when receiver rejects a product based on a fake pretense, or shipper does not admit loading the product in a bad shape in the first place. I don't necessarily want to be a produce expert, other than checking the temp when loaded and as I go.
4. Brokers that don't pay or pay late. I am all right to go 2 - 3 months without pay.
I hauled produce from California (e.g. Salinas, Ca) to Midwest (including old Chicago Market) for 8 years and I know what's involved. Now let me ask you this, Are these anxieties something that you as independents have to deal with? Or I am talking nonsense, thinking too much ahead?

 

That's right, I need to start somewhere. Where I am at right now the deadheading is enormous. I hate to see how many empty miles i need to run. I may be a stubborn s.o.b. and will go against all odds. California produce will pick up in a month or so, that's why I thought the timing to set myself up now would be good. A few Folks I know did this years back and it's a pretty thing to see them going when they want and where the want, but they were expanding from one truck to many ( I don't want it - I am a loner type). And times were never good and freight was always tight. etc. I am sure all this independence is overrated when you have merciless payments, but if its a year or two I could tough it out. It was horrible in 2008 and then those who went independent then were doing OK later up to now. I want to be ready in line for good times to come. Reefer payments is what I have to worry about if I things go wrong. But I need good, warrantied reefer. That's the key element. After Cal season I was thinking staying in the Midwest region, and do some Canada lanes. Anyways, it is fun to fantasize like that. I am sure when I make the move the road will be rough.