How do I get started???

I got my class A license a few months back and am currently working for one of the local trucking companies that hauls coke out of refineries to ports along the river and power plants. We have 42 trucks (day cabs with 40' end dumps) and 3 tandems (dump trucks). They've got me in a tandem now until I get some experience, then I will be going into a tractor trailer hauling coke. Here's my situation...I have a very clean driving record, someone who will back me financially, and want to go owner/operator. I've been looking at used trucks with sleeper cabs in the $20,000 price range. If I were to go out and buy the best truck for that money, what would be my next step? Lets just say I paid cash and didn't have any payments on it. Would I need a DOT number or what? Would I need to purchase a trailer too? How would I find hauls to keep me busy? I'm looking to make at least $4,000 a month doing this, after my overhead expenses such as fuel, insurance, tires, and repairs. Thanks.

 

Thanks. Up until a few months ago I have been making a living in the green industry. I have owned a lawn and landscaping business for the last few years. I've had contracts with the city here where im at, as well as alot of commercial accounts. I've got a pesticide license, still have 20K or so worth of commercial lawn equipment and trailers, etc. I've carried workman's comp and a million dollar contractor's liability policy and what not, so im fairly business savvy. However, mechanicing on big trucks is alot different than commercial mowers. LOL! My point being...ive always been an entrepreneur and it's hard to work for someone else after you've worked for yourself for a long period of time. I also know that I can make more when I cut the middle man out of the picture. I'm going to keep my lawn equipment and still have some accounts on the side for extra income. I will probably have a responsible high school kid operate it for me while I am in the truck making money. I'm divorced and don't have any kids and I love driving the trucks, so am sure this is the path I want to take. I just don't know how to get started. I have the resources to buy a truck in the 20K price range, but that's about it. I would just have a truck sitting outside the house until I could figure out how everything works with these "leases", DOT numbers, etc. That's what I need to learn before I run out and buy a truck.

 

LOL! I hear ya. It's too seasonal though.

 

That's a a great idea. I think I will take your advice on that. Right now im driving a 2008 Peterbilt tandem (dump truck). It has a small Cummins with a 10 speed in it. Breakdowns are rare in it so far, other than a few lights and a bolt in the top of the bed where a loader at the mine got rough when loading me. I think a van trailer or flat bed would be my choice, although I have never pulled a flatbed. I prefer drop and hook, where all I do is drive the truck. No loading or any of that.

 

What is expediting?