Trucking: My own Operating Authority!!!, luck jim, flexability

Question
Jim-

I purchased a tractor earlier in the year and leased on with a gentleman pulling his stepdeck. Four months in I was owed a ton of money and had to regroup. I decided to get my own authority, insurance and go it alone, in order to keep more of the freight bill. Can you tell me what is the single best way for me to go? Will I have to deal with brokers or can I go to the shipper directly? Can I make good money staying regional?
I am in the northwest. Lumber? Flats? Vans? Cars?
I want to do it right and need as much guidance  as I can get. Thanks

Answer
I'm not real familiar with the market in the Northwest, (I'm in Florida). But there are several issues to consider.  Getting your own authority doesn't solve the cash flow issue per se.  You can have just as much trouble collecting from the shippers.  Having said that though you can make money either way, as an owner operator or on your own.  If you want to stay close to home you will have fewer opportunities than running nationwide.  You either need to find an honest carrier to lease on to who settles weekly or try to find shippers with regular moves that can keep you loaded.  As an Owner Operator you will generally but not always pull the carriers trailer so you would only be limited by your qualifications (Haz-mat, doubles, tankers, etc.)  If you approach a shipper as a direct carrier you will be expected to have your own trailer so you will be somewhat limited by the equipment you have or can get.  There are several on-line load boards you can use to find loads, some free, others not.  You might also look into the expediting market.  It takes a lot a flexability but pays prety well.
Here are a couple of resources:
http://www.ooida.com/
http://www.expeditersonline.com/
Good luck.  Jim