Have CDL, Have truck, now what?

Hey All!

My name is Sean and I'll introduce myself with a bit of a bio'...

Lets see... Stats:

I'm male, 48, and live in Oregon.

I am a former machinery dealer and has driven "hotshot" all over the country using goosenecks and such up to around 45' using 1 tons and medium duty trucks.

I financed a class 8 truck and a couple dry vans to move and store my remaining possessions after a house/shop fire (total loss). A Class A CDL soon followed this purchase so I could drive my own truck.

Since moving my remaining belongings and getting them into storage (in the dry vans), I have not found a new place to live or set up shop, so I've basically been living roadside (rest areas, truck stops, etc) for over a year. I do this in my 40' RV btw.

Because the insurance money from the fire had to go to the lender and I had other debts, there was very little money left to live on and that has about run out after a year of being homeless.

So now... basically I'm wanting to drive the truck to make some money and I don't know how to start?

I have a few issues that keep me from just calling a trucking company that hires "newbies".

First of all, I smoke. I'm not sure how that fits with most companies, but this isn't a good time to try to quit so I'd need to drive a truck I can smoke in (like mine).

Secondly my truck can't drive in California I hear.... doesn't have the required equipment.
It is a good truck otherwise and my payments are low.

The truck is a Frieghtliner Argosy sleeper with the 600hp ISX by the way.

And lastly, I don't think I'm ready for full time long haul OTR. I don't need to make a lot of money, but I would like to be able to pick and choose the runs I make (or drive locally). I am still trying to "land" in the Portland area, and possibly start a business so I'm kind of looking at driving as a part time (i.e. half the time) job to get me through instead of a long term career (but who knows right?).

I have specially experience from my former career as a machinery dealer. In short, I'm good with loading and rigging if required. Lots of chains, binders, and forklift time under the belt.

I know how to drive, and I have a near perfect record, but I'm otherwise pretty clueless about the rest.

For instance.... am i a "owner operator"?

Who insures the truck and load if I hire out 'power only"?

Who do I call, or where do I find loads to haul?

etc, etc. I'm just trying to give you an idea where I'm at.

So there ya go. I guess that's an introduction along with some info'. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

All the Best
Sean

P.S. Figures the first word I post here is a typo'. The title should read "Have CDL".