The problem with having an expensive insurance policy for a new carrier is that it crushes the company. Lets day I invest thousands to get the highest level of Sylectus, then a iron clad insurance policy, decals on my trucks, and tracking devices. That is all find and dandy, but that doesn't guarantee anyone will give me a load for one of my trucks! You almost have to start out like Murray did, with one truck, on a scheduled auto policy for that one truck, run many loads yourself with your wife helping dispatch you, then slowly build up your reputation while adding a new O/O here and there once business picks up.
It would take too much money to go into a completely professional level right out of the gate unless you had that kind of money to invest. Most mom and pop operations don't have that kind of money. I could have all the bells and whistles for under 50k, but would I have enough loads to keep my trucks busy if I didn't personally go out for a year in my own cargo van/straight truck and build up a solid carrier reputation from the ground up? The way Murray did it is the right way.
But what about someone who cannot drive because of some sort of physical limitation? How would they be able to start a carrier operation with minimal funds, be properly insured without making their drivers cover their own liability and cargo insurance, and still get enough business to make a go at it? That is where the problem is. You almost have to go a year without making a dime to be in business for a year just to even get loads from most of the brokers out there. That is not good logic. But that is how it is now of course. I hope Eclipse does get a new brand and continue to operate as a player in the game once again.
