Thinking about getting in the game?!?!

Hello everyone. I am thinking about starting a career in the freight transportation business. A little about me, I am a retiring (soon) Firefighter/Paramedic out of Southern California and don't want to necessarily "retire". I have always been interested in driving a semi and owning my own business. I have a Califonia Class B license and hazmat, tanker, air brake endorsements. I am planning on going to a Class A driving school this late Summer/Fall. My family (from Wisconsin) are retired Schneider alums. My uncle and aunt (in law) are O/O. I have received some good information from them about establishing a solid business model.

I will be able to buy a truck and hopefully a trailer (used) with cash. What I am looking for is any insight from the members here that can guide me in anyway. I have been reading threads for about 6 months now trying to gain as much knowledge about the industry.

My plan is to move to Lake Havasu City, AZ. And will be based there.

Questions I have:

Can I start out as a O/O?
(Really don't want to work for anybody else) maybe to learn the ropes but my Uncle said he will take me out for 6 months to a year.

How is Freight from Southwest Arizona? Return hauls?

Any insight on a USED truck? Budget around 50k for purchase.

Like I said this is a idea, nothing set in stone. Any insight will be greatly appreciated.

 

Thanks for the reply Chinatown. I appreciate it. I am eager to learn.

 

Not sure about specialty yet. Refer is pretty good out of So Cal right now. It appears flat bed is more profitable but being as I will be a "green" driver van is probably my starting point.

 

Been reading Double Yellows posts. You, DY and many others are very informative l. Thank you for your input.

 

I will be 45 at retirement from Fire Department. My uncle is 63.