how much does a new authority cost?

By you asking "So I need to get my own authority right?" that right there is telling that you need more time to study every nook & cranny of this industry. How soon are you looking to become an owner op? Do you/will you have the start up funds to even get off the ground? Stay afloat once you do start rolling? Have you studied the forums on this site? Do you read what people are saying about the current conditions? Are you aware of the current economy? Some people might succeed by jumping right in if they have that desire to be a successful business person. Unless you have something already arranged with someone, and they've promised you the moon, then by all means go for it, but just by you asking that one question, I'd say you need more time before taking the plunge. Applying for your authority is the cheapest expense you will encounter starting up. Now add in the truck, insurance, trailer?, fuel, maintenance account, 2290, UCR, registration, the list goes on.

 

One soul...

 

If you are sitting on a pile of money you can do it in steps.

1 get a CDL because one truck cannot really support you and a driver.
2 get some experience driving somebody else's stuff and save up a down payment and 6 to 12 months payments.
3 buy a truck and lease it on with a carrier start to look for a customer [ain't EZ] and save up for operating expenses
4 start to obtain authority.

Good luck.

 

If you want to be an independent owner operator then yes you need your own authority. However, you can be an owner operator and lease on to a carrier and then you would not need your own authority.

 

Too many variables to really tell. Insurance is based on age, experience, driving record, credit, where the truck is domiciled, you're operating range, etc. Have you had any quotes yet on insurance?

Like @bad-luck mentioned you can still lease on with someone and be an owner operator under their authority. Just don't lease a truck from them.

 

Market is in the toilet right now.