skyraider,
You need to get leased on with a company like Panther. They will get you loaded.....not saying you'll get many loads , but you'll get something. It would be almost impossible to go at this alone. You need a company that is already established to lease with so they can provide the QualComm system and send work your way. If you want to try it by yourself check out the loadboards...... but most of the companies on there will NOT send anything out to an individual, They need to know that what they are shipping IS insured at it's full value. Websites like U Ship have people wanting to move their belongings to another city and things like that BUT you still need to be able to provide insurance for the customer. Also if you plan to cross state lines as a " For Hire" carrier you will need DOT #'s and need to pay fuel taxes ( I know this is true for s/t and t/t but not 100% about vans). Call around to the different companies listed on this website and ask them if they are leasing vans right now. I know Panther was a few weeks ago. I did a little Hot Shot work and I can tell you that any customer with half a brain WILL require their freight to be insured. Also, as was mentioned before, the age of your van is important too. The shipper and consignee need to know that their very important freight is in a van that can make it to it's destination. I too, am new to expediting ,but, I signed on with a straight truck owner who was already leased with Panther. Many people say now is not the time to get in this business, and they may be right. However you have the cheapest exepditing vehicle out there....the cargo van, while it may not get you the high paying loads, it costs the least to operate. All I can say about getting started is.....DON'T DREAM OF HITTING IT BIG IN A MONTH AND OWNING A FLEET OF 20 VANS BY THE END OF YOUR FIRST YEAR. That COULD happen but it more than likely will not. If you do get leased on you need to go at this understanding that for a while you will not make much $$, especially with the economy in the tank. Money is out here to be made but you really have to use your head and work for it. I made $450 this week in a s/t. I sat for 4 days, and we have a 98.5% acceptance rate. Next week I may make $1000 or maybe $100 there is no way of knowing. I am NOT trying to scare you off, I am thinking of buying a c/v myself to start building a fleet of my own, I just don't want to see anyone loose their shirt out here. I say ..if you can afford it .....go for it! Let me know if there is anything I can help you with.
Best of luck,
ACE