Trucking: start-up idea, hydraulic liftgate, ltl shipments

Question
Jim; I have an idea to deliver freight locally within 100 of dowtown Atlanta. Using a 26 ft. box truck and a 1-ton flatbed I can contract with food, machine parts, and clothes retailers, putting together several LTL shipments and set a 350 to 400 dollar per day goal. Problem? I have no prior experience. How do I get my first contract, and not sound like a rooie? Please help. I am really serious
about this. I am 50 yrs old with four children to feed.

Answer
Charles, just to follow up.  Look at this link:
http://www.velocityexpress.com/company/docs/contractors.html
This is just one example of the type of work you might find as a contractor.  Good luck.

Charles, Atlanta should be a great market for your business.  Starting from scratch with no experience can be tough.  I assume you will be doing the driving initially so you will need your CDL if you don't already have it. You will also need a US DOT Number.  See:
http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration-licensing/registration-USDOT.htm
Check the state of Georgia and City of Atlanta for any other licensing requirements they may have.
Getting your first customer is the hardest. Start by asking everyone you know who they might know that will need your service.  Join or attend local business functions like Chanmer of Commerce or other places you are likely to meet business people who can help you.  It's hard to crack to door to big business so get a few small accounts first and ask for referrals.  Also whenever you deliver for your customers ask their customers if they have any other freight needs you might meet and leave your card so they can find you when they do have a need.  Does your 26' box have a hydraulic liftgate?  If so and you are up to the physical work, you can offer specialized deliveries to residences or small business that do not have a dock.  You can become a subcontractor (Owner Operator) for the large LTL carriers and handle the deliveries that they don't want.  You don't need operating authority to do this since you would be delivering on their authority.  Best of luck.