JF: First thing, you've got to obtain all the items necessary to present to the chosen carrier that you're a ready to go Independent Contractor. That would include a vehicle with necessary safety devices such as fire exting, reflective triangles, spare lamps, and perhaps placard holders. Next, I suspect all the reputable carriers would want a CDL with Hazmat endorsement (some exclude hazmat). Everyone will require a drug screen at your axpese (there may be exceptions) 'cause it's the law. You'll be subject to random drug/alcohol screenings, at your expense, throughout your commercial driving career. Typically, you can expect to pay for anything you can take with you to another company, i.e. CDL, Canada card (FAST), proof of citizenship (Passport is the best). Carriers should provide for all necessary permits.
Cell phones, pagers, computers, postage: all on you. Satelite equipment, generally Qualcomm, is leased to you. Usually installation and a weekly fee deducted from your settlement. FDXCC, for example, is $25 weekly; others I've been told charge as much as $37.50 weekly.
You will be required, most likely, to pay for required signage installation on your truck. You'll also need bobtail insurance and be prepared to pay a large deductable for any damage to your vehicle, other property, or the freight. You'd likely have to prove culpability of another party to avoid any of these deductables out of your wallet.
Don't forget personal accident insurance. You may need it if you hire a co-driver. Some companies rewuire it even if you don't hire one.
Read through the archives here and you'll find lots of ins-and-outs. Come back here with more questions and surely, be at the Expo in detroit in August