Trucking: Rate and Reliability, dry vans, establishing a business

Question
I am establishing a business that requires the transportation of freight within four separate regions of the US. The trailers are customized 53 foot dry vans which I intend to own or lease. The loads would normally be 25k-30k lbs. Typically the trailers would be delivered on a Friday and returned on a Monday, with the schedule determined weeks or months in advance.

The number of roundtrips (30 per region per yr) and their length (250 miles ave, 500 max) does not seem to justify the expense of the four tractors and drivers which would be needed. The only reason I would consider purchasing would be if I could not reliably get the trailers moved on the specified day.

Here are my questions:
Is it reasonable to expect this type of service, and would a freight company guarantee it?
What rate per mile should I expect?
Where would I find a company to do this?

I would prefer to use the same company (or regional companies) repeatedly.

Thanks, Peter.

Answer
Peter there is deefinitely someone out there interested in serving your business.  The pricing will depend on a number of factors such as the exact locations in the 4 regions and where the acttual destinations are.  If they are short haul lanes say under 400 miles they will likely price by the trip rather than the mile.  A lot depends also on what other business they can use their tractor and driver for over the weekend.  I assume he will not be required to stay with the trailer.  Are the destinations rotating? Like the guys selling furniture off the truck in the local parking lots?  Or is trade show type freight?  What type of special trailers are required?  You will find the most reliability with a dedicated fleet proposal, but probably better pricing if the equipment and drive can be utilized more fully.  Let me know more details and I will see if I can be more specific.
Jim.