Trucking: leasing to contracts, base decisions, luck jim

Question
QUESTION: Jim
I have owned my truck for a little better than 2 years now. Ever since it was purchased it has been leased out, running on others authority and tags. I am sick of all the games that lease companys do. Pretty much your no better than a glorified company driver, and they will dictate what you will make. My goal is to be independant. The problem that I keep running into is that with out my authority no one takes me seriously, or says when you get it come see us and we might have work. Unfortunally I dont like to base decisions on a maybe. Furthermore in order to become organized that means some financial help. With out a contract in hand banks are not interested. A letter of intent just doesnt cut it anymore. My questions to you is how do you get contracts, or even put your name in, without your authority. In other words getting a company to take you seriously. It seems as though a person has to be estsablished to get a contract, and at the same time has to have a contract to be established. Any advise or information that you could provide in this matter will be greatly appriciated. Thank you

ANSWER: TJ, there is no shortcut.  You either run under another carriers authority or get your own.  If you try to run independent without authority you are breaking the law which is why shippers won't entertain that suggestion.  With your own authority you are truly independent and can make all of your own decisions.  The good news is that almost anyone can get their authority and it isn't that hard.  It's part of the cost of doing business if that is what you choose.
Here is a link to a guide tyat will help you decide.
http://www.ooida.com/Benefits&Services/Services/Business&Info_Services/ownauthor
Hope this helps.
Good luck.  Jim

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Jim
I think you misunderstood the question. I have been a ooida member for years. I know the procedures and am not looking to haul illegal, and have the ball rolling for the authority. To clarify a business needs to have proposed work first, before investments are made. My question was how to get people to be willing to give you the work once they have your documents on hand. Meaning that they are aware of the situation and that you will be able to serve them in x amount of days once you are up and running

Answer
You are right TJ.  I misunderstood what you were asking.  Once you have your operating authority, insurance, etc. then it's just a business problem.  But you will need all of the skills to run a business including sales and marketing, finance, accounting, taxes, legal, etc.  You may need to keep running for another company long enough to get a little cushion and keep making those sales calls to find that first customer.  Do a good job for them and ask for a referral.  It's not quick but it's the only way to build a lasting business.  Sorry I don't have any easy answers for you but wish you the best as you get this venture up and running.
Jim.