Let's break this newb stuff down

[TexasCountryMusicLover817]

Ok, so I have been scouring this awesome forum and doing a lot of research to figure out, what it is that someone who is interested in "breaking" into the "business". There are a lot of great contributors (@SkateBoard @Injun @Tim @Blood) to topics, and the feedback seems to be very informative, BUT I would like to see a really dumb ed down checklist... if you will...of things in a sequential order that one needs to do to get off and "running"....Think bare minimus here...

Here is what I have:

1. Get a CDL...I may want to drive...
2. Truck
3. Trailer
4. Authority...been looking to have pay ITS $899 to do this...
5. Insurance

Insight, wisdom, and funny wit are greatly appreciated

“The night of the fight, you may feel a slight sting. That’s pride ****ing with you. **** pride! Pride only hurts, it never helps.”

 

[Injun]

A CDL
A year of experience in the industry
A significant savings account

That's where I would start.

 

[Tazz]

Yeah but where do you keep the watch?

Welcome. Those folks will be along shortly. But you forgot a couple essential things....

Fingerless Gloves
50,000 watt CccccccBbbbbbbbb((((beep))))
A map
And some cake

 

[Duck]

You can get an authority for a lot less than that.

 

[Blood]

How to retire from trucking with a small fortune...
start with a large fortune.



I wouldn't jump to your own authority until you get settled in and comfortable with driving, delivering, coping with scheduling, etc.

Insurance will probably prevent you from driving your own rig if you don't have a CDL yet. Insurance pretty much rules the industry these days.

When the time comes, I'll do your authority for $400 if you must pay somebody.

You can do it yourself in about 10 minutes for $300.
There are 'new entrant' hoops to jump through when obtaining authority nowadays.

Your best shot is to buddy up to somebody who is about to give it up and buy their authority IMO. Rolling with old numbers will save you a lot of woes.

But again, starting with your own authority is a mistake unless you have customers with undying loyalty lined up...
AND a fat bankroll.

Tuition cost in the school of hard knocks is high.

OOIDA is your best resource.
816-229-5791
OOIDA.com

Be interesting to watch your progress.

 

[TruckingBiker]

Call Swift Transportation. If you want to break into the industry.

 

[8978]

If you don't have a CDL now you need to check to see if you can get insurance. Chances are nobody will insure you except maybe Progressive so start there. You need $1,000,000 liability and $100,000 cargo. Cargo is the hardest to get. Getting insurance may stop you dead in your tracks right off the bat.

And, if you do get insurance it may be really expensive or they may want you to pay it all up front. That could run you anywhere from $7,000 to more then $11,000

So, get on the phone and start there.

 

[mndriver]

Print this manual out and follow it.

It will tell you how to do things.

http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/safety/carrier-safety/motor-carriers-guide-improving-highway-safety

 

[vaportrail]

and after reading that wonderful book above now tear it up buy the "updated effing " and repeat

 

[mndriver]

Its a guide. Nothing more than what JJ Keller or any other rep sells.

When the auditor came and did my new carrier audit and saw the completeness as a result of that manual, he realized I knew my stuff. Made the day go by that much quicker and easier.