Starting own business for dummies

Hello drivers, I am looking into making trucking my own business. I have some years experience in linehaul with a major LTL. I want to know if it is possible, as your own boss, to work the schedule that you want and not run nights when you don't want to. I love what I do but I want a sense of freedom and control over my work. My goal is to have my own truck and trailer and work the hours and days I want. How attainable is this as a solo owner operator? I want to know literally what my first steps have to be to buy a truck, trailer and start working what I want, not what a company needs. What loads pay the most? Any information and advice to a guy that knows little about having your own business. Thank you in advance.

 

Thank you to EVERYONE that gave their advice. Since my goal is to be out and back everday, would a day cab twin screw be a better option than sleeper? I don't mind a layover every now and then, running nights every now and then (I actually like the calm of the night better), but I just don't want to be LOCKED for YEARS into a schedule I'm not happy with. The money is above average at the top LTL's but it will be a 10-15 year affair (at least at my terminal at my company) to land a 500+ mile run.

Most of my experience is pulling sets so would Fedex Ground give me the freedom dustinbrock is saying Landstar would? What other companies are similar to Landstar? How much are they making on average and do they have a pay rate progression? I don't mind as long as top rate is something I'm happy with. One of the good things about the top LTL carriers is, you know you have potential to make 100k+ a year, in about 10-15 years. The problem is, it's on company terms. Including where you go, what truck you drive, what time and days you work. I guess I look further than being a company driver. Any info is appreciated.

 

So how do the ones that know find out? It's like companies that want years experience for an entry level position, let me ask questions, learn, and I'll do it. I'd thank you for your words, but they are worthless