I sure hope I know what I'm doing....

LisaLouHoo · Apr 27, 2011

chefdennis said:
Sign on with a carrier that will locate your loads. You will learn the business and make mistakes that while my cost you a few bucks now and then, but not as bad as they would if you are on your own....once you are comfortable with how things work, then research running independent for more then one carrier and then possibly getting your own authroity....

No way, i'd run out and buy an new truck that has payments and try to run under my own authroity until i had a decent handle on the business...

Absolutely. Learn how to negotiate deadheading, detention (like being stuck at JFK for over 4 hours because your waiting load doesn't have a surety bond and your carrier refuses to cover it, so YOU have to out of your own pocket...then the carrier will reimburse you in a couple of months), dry run pays for examples, as these are common headaches.

Getting paid for actual loaded miles is one thing. It's all the other peripheral situations that can drain you not just financially, but physically and mentally as well.

Sorry if this thread sounds so negative, it isn't meant to; it's just realistic and the ones replying have all BTDT. They want you to know the real side of the game so you aren't blindsided or misled.

"Bruises fade and bones will mend-but a psyche can be ruined FOREVER" : LisaLouHoo, c. 2008

jjoerger · Apr 27, 2011

If you have a bit of the gambler spirit in you go for it.
We started 3 years ago with no experience fresh out of a CDL school. We didn't really even know what expediting was.
We drove for 2 different fleet owners and then bought our truck in Oct, 2009.
EO is a great place to research and continue your education. Another 7 or 8 years and I might even consider myself knowledgeable.