Tell me if I'm crazy, or if this will work.

My background, 59 years old, trucking since 1983, still don't hate it! CDL A, 5 axle tractor trailer, and doubles.
Started with Mayflower van lines as a lease-purchase, O/O, about the time when hotshot was "invented".
Did it for a year, quit when new dispatcher wouldn't listen and sent me to NYC 7 times in a row.
Always had the thought in my head to get into hotshot, just never took the plunge.
Yes, I've spent a LOT of time reading this forum, and will continue.
Currently driving for FedEx Ground sub contractor making about 60k/year, home every night.
Original contractor sold business, not happy with new contractor, most drivers aren't happy. We've lost runs, terminated all part time guys, and many guys are running low miles/pay. I'm very concerned my regular run is on shaky ground, and he's already swapped me out for a week, to a lower paying run, to "spread the miles around".
I can move to liquid food grade tanker, get a pretty nice truck and make about the same money.
Or, take the plunge.
My opinion is that 3500-5500 trucks just aren't stout enough to run 100k a year, for very many years. Yes I know many are doing it, but replacing tires, trans, and axles, often. Plus almost impossible to sleep in one!
I believe a 6500/7500 series truck with sleeper, and 5th wheel, is a better option. Heavier duty tires, axles, driveline, frame, and brakes. There are many used, under 150k miles, available for less cost than a used 5500, and they only weigh about 1k# more. With a used stepdeck trailer, I should be under $30k start up cost for equipment. Not too worried about repairs, I've always done my own work, and know which end of the wrench to hold. I'll stay away from the V-8 diesels! Cummins, Cat, IH DT466, or Mercedes motor for me.
Not too concerned with staying under 26k either.
Now for work, I know load boards aren't a good way to make money. I'm sure there is a fair amount of freight out of this area, I just need to try to get some of it, and I'm debating signing on with Jones Motor Freight, Hot Shot Express, (open to advice here) at least for backhauls, and maybe leasing a trailer until I can buy one. I live in NW PA, right off I-90, and would like to stay within 600 miles or so, is that possible?
Long term idea is that I can slow down at 65 or so, and be semi-retired, I'm not the type that can sit around doing nothing for very long.
So, what do you guys who are already out there doing it, think?

 

Thank you all.
I was thinking about leasing on only for back hauls, but good info about using load boards, and building relationships, instead.
As for motors, I know the Cummins is an excellent, long life motor, with proper PM, but I also know Dodge has, or at least had, trans issues, even the manuals had problems, is the Aisin better? (I had a '96 2500 Cummins)
I believe the AAM rear axle is better than the Dana it replaced.
You kind of made my point about tires, you'll get around 60k, from yours, with bigger tires I should be able to exceed 100k. Our semi's routinely do.
I am very aware of keeping up with PM's, and treating equipment well.
A big issue is sleeping arrangement. I'm not as young as I was, and I need to stretch out. Naps are OK, but long term sleeping in a pick up just won't work. There probably is a better chance of selling a p/u, over a 6500, when I retire, so that is a consideration. I just found a '07 with 74kmiles and a 6spd, for $20k, but it's a single cab.
Please keep thoughts and info coming. I am really wondering if I can stay within 5-600 miles of home.

 

Thank you. I am actually in Columbus every night, well GrovePort and Grove City anyway.
Interesting idea on your sleeping arrangement, that might work for me.
I'm pretty sure I-90 is a good corridor, hopefully I can get something routinely between western NY and the midwest.
I guess I could talk to some local brokers and see what they say about outbound freight, and how much weight and pay we're dealing with. That way I'll have a better idea on whether a 3500 with a gooseneck will work, or if I need to go to a 6500 and a stepdeck.

 

Thank you.
There is actually quite a bit of manufacturing in this area.
I know a company that makes large industrial valves, a friend of mine crates them. I'm not sure how they are actually shipped, I'll stop and see him about it.
I was thinking a larger truck, assuming I would be near gross weight a lot. That may not be the case.
If a 3500 will work, I can go with that, but I still think if I need to be bigger, a 6500^ would be a better choice.
I would like to talk to someone in this area that is already doing it, and see if I can take their overflow, and maybe work with them to get started.
Is there a listing of hotshotters somewhere?
Is there a rating system for brokers?