New to this. I want to be an owner/operator planning on buying a cargo van to start with

You've been very informative so far and I thank you for this. Now what keywords can I google to find a company in the orlando area. I just want to get my name out there and I want to let them know that I am new to this and I am planning on getting into this industry with lots of enthusiasm

 

Depends on what they're shipping...

How comfortable is OP with contraband goods? lol

 

Cargo van driver, hotshot company, messanger service, expiditor

 

I wouldn't advise buying anything until you are sure about the field. Check out schools in your area. I wouldn't do commercial driving without some training. Its not like driving a car down the road even in a van. As soon as a DOT number gets assigned you are subject to their rules and your issues become a federal matter once you cross that state line. I'm a newbie but I know that much.
If cash is thin check out WIOA. I wish I had known about it before spending my own money.

 

Thank you TruckerVinny. This is the first time I am hearing about WIOA. Best of luck to you. How are you liking your driving job so far?

 

Also consider stores that deliver, auto parts stores deliver to auto shops all day, hardware stores, and paint stores deliver to jobsites. Some retail stores have home delivery
I deliver paint for a retailor

 

Dip your schlong into foodservice, that'll send you back to retail with your head on fire.

Local produce, dairy or general suppliers, should be lots of them in the big O.

 

I've seen jobs posted just like that; drive a car/pickup/van and don't need a cdl. Some may require a DOT medical card and some may not.
McKesson Corp. in Orlando might have something like that.
There's also companies like Panther Expedite (www.pantherpremium.com) that hire cargo van drivers with no experience. You can buy a van or drive for a contractor. There's probably a couple dozen of this type companies.

 

OP, you might be better off driving for Uber.

 

I know a close friend of mine that tried this and bought a very cheap dodge van for 3k with a little over 200k miles. Everything with the truck "looked" good but it kept breaking. The truck just didn't hold up well with all those miles. His business idea was to distribute produce around the LA metro area. He marketed himself around areas he was familiar with and created contracts with restaurants and liquor stores and other shops to get them produce or food items. He would get those items at bulk price and then distribute them at a prime rate. But eventually, traffic and truck repairs and a lack of consistent business made him decide he would take the truck and work by delivering for a currier company. That payed hourly and it was cheap. Then he found another niche job to use his truck. That payed better, about 200-300 a day but fuel at that time was in the high 3's and 4's (he started when fuel was lower) and realized that more than 2/3 would go in fuel and repairs...he tried tho. Sold the truck for 800. And went on with other ideas. He never sank all his money in business ideas that didn't work. That's a good thing.