Trucking: Where to start, trucking company, stupid mistakes

Question
Hi J.P. My husband and I are thinking of starting a trucking company but we don't have much knowledge of the industry. We are in the processes of looking at trucks but we haven't purchased any yet. We want to become brokers but should we start off leasing? We are go-getters but we don't want to make any stupid mistakes.  

Answer
Hi Shana, I suggest you take one step at a time. Talk with some carriers that use owner/operators to get an idea of how they can keep your truck busy and how much they pay, etc. Then buy a late model used tractor with less than 500,000 miles on it.  This will get experience with trucking. After about 6 - 12 months, may want to get own Federal Authority (which I can help with: web site: www.longdataser.com)

Broker: You would need to have a good working relations with several shippers that would give you loads to broker out to carriers. Brokers are required to get Federal Authority also and to post a $10,000 bond. (I can help with this also if interested.)  JLong2500@aol.com,  phone 864-908-4908  J P Long