Common Carrier Authority
I can say a few words on this, I seem to be a perfect example of what is being discussed. I'm new to expediting, I drove a dedicated run in a company truck for a few years, and was sick of the routine. That's why I don't want to do that kind of driving.
Although most comments on this board concerning the major expeditors and the way those who lease to them are treated are positive, I have heard from too many old-timers that chances are you'll get treated badly, at least for "a while." The reason I have chosen not to lease is primarily that I don't prefer to be out 2-3 weeks at a time as is usually required.
I may be lucky but I seem to have an abundance of small-medium forwarders and brokers in my area who want me to run, I've even been offered to run under their authority w/out any contract until mine comes through. My runs will be 1-3 days out and back, hopefully w/backhaul, but usually not - I might get "expedited" around once in a while but probably not often.
Common Authority will allow me to compete directly with those who are usually paying me, if things are slow. I see this as a "sky is the limit," "it's all up to me" kind of situation -- maybe I'm wrong though. Who's to say I can't hustle a load or two a week from businesses and even private parties (no household goods, I'm not going that route) who are not familiar with the heavy-freight industry.
All in all, carrying authority doesn't seem to have that many drawbacks. It's cheap, there's some paperwork but with only one truck, how much can there be? An initial safety audit hurdle, then pretty much open road. What am I missing? (Really, I'm asking.)
(I'll be driving a 26,000 under cdl straight truck w/sleeper)