Question on getting started? Own authority or lease on with Co?

It might depend on the carrier, not sure there is always a choice. I have always used the carrier because plates are free to me. Also insurance is usually way cheaper through your carrier than the free market.

 

Better is up to you. Cheaper? Well you may come out a bit cheaper buying your own tags. If you ever choose to change companies or file for your own authority, you will have a plate, regestration all on file with the state, & renewing is not that difficult.

Your company may not even allow you to get outside liability/cargo insurance to run on their dot number. But maybe you could source cheaper physical damage and or bobtail/unladen insurance outside of your company