I Need advice getting started as independent contractor

I have been researching becoming an independent contractor and have a few questions:

If i was to get a dually, which specifics would i have to look at if i didnt want to get a cdl? (trailer length etc.)

If i was to start up a LLC and have som1 else drive a vehicle that i have under my business name, what requirments would i need if i was going thru a load board or broker to get them loads?

Is dually with gooseneck trailer best means of income/homestime if you are an independent contractor?

Some of the better companies to get on with if i had a dually with trailer, coming out of Houston, Tx?

Thx 4 any help given!

 

Just about all freight in houston is cheap. Have enough money to start with or you want get started or last long if you do get started.

 

First steps after getting the truck and trailer you need to be DOT and MC legal,next you need cargo and liability insurance.

 

My understanding is (Correct me if I am wrong) you must get a CDL to do driving for hire. You may want to check into which class is needed... A,B, or C for your work.


I second this question about cargo/liability. I am doing a similar thing...considering a small transportation business using my pickup to do some light duty towing, such as moving boats & other vehicles on a flatbed for hire.

I called Progressive to obtain an insurance quote for this... I do have a CDL. However, I was told that I cannot obtain insurance to tow a boat with a pickup, including large diesel pickups. They said I would need a minimum of a 18 wheeler, which seems overkill for a 15' boat or a honda fit?

 

You don't need a CDL . There are plenty of hotshotters and RV haulers out there that don't have them . Stay under 26,001 lbs. GCWR

 

Thanks for correcting me

What type of insurance is available for that type of work? I wanted to pull a 16' boat with my pickup for a hotshot job, and have been unable to find insurance that will cover it. My insurance agent said they could only insure it if it was a specific boat, and for commercial insurance, I was told by progressive that load insurance is unavailable for pickups.

 

What if you put on a flatbed with fifth wheel or just a fifth wheel mounted to the frame ?

 

I don't have that available at the moment, but if it would help - it's something I can get. If its on a flatbed, it's considered part of the vehicle, or what's the thought process?

 

After further research on HotShot insurance, it seems it's pretty hard to find, and rather expensive if you're running a part time business.

 

Is there anything to know when getting a 5th wheel installed? I read something bout staying under 26,000 pounds to eliminate fuel tax??? Plz explain & is it possible to make good $$ staying under 26,000 pounds??