Newbie looking for advice

Hello,

I run wrestling tournaments every 3-4 weeks. I typically haul about 10,000 lbs in a 25' Penske truck between 200-900 miles round trip. I'm growing and it's looking like I'll need a 2nd truck. I'm considering the option of purchasing my own trailer and hiring a truck owner to transport my trailer for me.

I'm very new to all of this, so please forgive me for asking really stupid questions:

1. I looked online and saw tons of trailers for sale, is there a specific type I should be looking for or avoiding? Obviously, it needs to be enclosed. A lift gate would be ideal. I'd like to keep my mats in the trailer for storage when I'm not using them. Once I've purchased more equipment for the tournaments, I estimate my weight to be around 12-13,000 lbs.

2. Is there anything specific I should be asking for when hiring a truck owner?

3. Do I have to purchase insurance for him and my cargo, or is that covered by the truck driver?

4. What should I expect to pay? Flat rate, mileage, per diem? Tournaments are two day events, drive in on Friday, leave on Saturday.

I'm sure I'll have more questions.

Thanks in advance for your time.

 

That bad?

I'm currently paying about $450 for the truck rental for my longer trips plus gas.

The problem with the trailer route is that I need a really long trailer and 3 axles which makes it no longer a bumper pull and requires me to purchase a new vehicle capable of towing this trailer.