RE: Looking for companies that don't require a Haz
A Haz/mat endorsement on your CDL is not that difficult to obtain.You do need to study the manual and know the answers on your test. It is a selling point to an owner that you may want to drive for. Running a van the only Haz/mat loads you might get would be paint,batteries
etc.
Having said that, the revenue that you would split with a van owner is not going to be that great. Assume a 60/40 split with you buying fuel and tolls, not much left over for you. If you run the van as a team you might do better.
I would look into going with a straight truck set up. Plenty of owners can get you started, but you must have a CDL class B,probably an air brake endorsment and the Haz/Mat endorsement.