Trucking: Getting started in the industry, schneider national, railroad engineer

Question
basically I would ultimatly like to  start my own trucking company. However I have no expierence in the industry. I have grown up around trucking all my life but I went in the military and I was a Railroad engineer. So my question is what would be the best way for me to learn about it and also to help me decide which direction to go. I am in Az I have the funds basically to get started and the time. but i do not want to jump in with both feet and go about everything the wrong way. I have thought about hotshot or dump trucks and water trucks. ALso the best way to get my CDL? on my own ? or join a company??
Thanks for the help
Lin


Answer
Try Schneider national to train,. they will train for free, you have to stay for a year or pay the full price. I would work for a company at least 2 years and if you like the company, sign on as an owner operator. read industry magazines and keep up on the bushiness. you will find your niche by then. Good Luck!!