Leasing and DEF Systems

So this is gonna be a two parter because I can't seem to find a straight answer on either question.

1. I'm looking at becoming an O/O within the next year, but I'm unsure if I should get my feet wet by leasing my truck on to a company and running under their authority, or going balls to the wall and going completely independent right out of the gate (I know around 50% of the drivers that do that fail so I'm trying to be cautious, I did the math and am aware of my total projected yearly expenses and yes, they do make me sweat), I keep trying to reach out to companies to actually ask questions, but I get directed to check out their websites that never seem to answer anything. Any advice?

2. The two trucks I've looked at are pre-def trucks (both 06s), is a def system required to run? I don't want to restrict myself too much, or get fined to high heaven for not having the system

 

Ok but I'm asking if the truck wasn't manufactured with either of the systems do I need to have one installed on the truck before the wheels hit the interstate?

 

That's what I thought but I wasn't 100% sure, thank you

 

I want to buy a new/newer truck, but figured that keeping my initial start ups lower would be a buffer if I mess up, then I wouldn't be stuck with 70k worth of debt if things for one reason or another didn't work out. I recognize that one way or the other the highway Gods will get my money, I just want to make sure my kids can eat first