Trucking: Local Straight Truck Contracting, trucking business, straight truck

Question
I want to start a trucking business either hauling in a straight truck van, or tractor trailer. Only tri-county for now. It seems pretty simple, buy a reliable truck, and contract with a freight forwarder, or courier express type of company, and get paid. But its hard to figure out how to compete, how to charge, and who needs a local guy. In South Florida, I see thousands of these independent contractors on the highway driving locally, but I can't seem to get anyone to share with me the types of companies that are looking for independent contractors. I can't find any market research on local driving businesses, can you help me out?

Answer
Hey Billy.
First off, I need to know if you have experience, if so, you have to pick out what type of equipment you want. You can eliminate a lot of headache by doing a lease-purchase and run for a company, that way, if it isn't your cup of tea, you can walk away, no strings attached. when you can get back to me, i can point you in a direction that you will have everything answered. Mike