Flying solo in a cargo van

[vipra]

Hi everyone,
I'm in a Sprinter with one of the large expediting companies. I'd like to go independent, meaning find my own loads, like the independent truck owner/ops do. Is anyone doing this, is this possible to do in a cargo van, or is it a stupid idea? Other questions:

---What websites do you use to find cargo van loads?

---How do I get all the permits, ICC#, single state registrations, etc? I read on another post in this forum that OOIDA membership gets you all of these things, but I don't know if OOIDA will do it with cargo vans. I can't go to Canada, so that's not an issue.

---How many miles can I expect to get? I'm getting about 1,000 mi/wk with my company, and I'd like more, but if that's all they can get me I can only expect to get even less if I try finding my own loads.

Any advice will be greatly appreciated, thanks----
Vipra

 

[trhoades]

There are many load boards out there, and you look for ltl(less than truckload) loads. The problem is, they pay bottom dollar in most cases. Really, the only way to make good money is to find companies that do alot of expediting. Then, get them to do a contract with you, but they usually want you to have more trucks. They want to be able to call you and have you at the pickup point whenever they need it.

As far as getting your own authority, maybe someone else can help you on that subject. I know nothing about it.

If you do go on your own, keep us posted as how you are doing, Good Luck.

 

[LDB]

One of the popular boards is www.getloaded.com however the vast majority of loads listed will be too heavy for your van. Of the few that are not too heavy some will be too many pieces, too much length, too tall etc. and of the very few remaining they will all be paying poorly. About once per quarter you may stumble on a load that pays very well and will work in your vehicle. Most of the time the shipper is looking to add his whatever to a semi going to the same area and they want it cheap.

You can get info on authority etc. through one of the advertisers I think although I could be wrong. There's a guy who speaks at the seminars and that's what he does, help people get their authority and all the stuff they need.

Think a lot and research a lot more than that before doing anything. Good luck to you.

Leo
truck 4958

Support the entire Constitution, not just the parts you like.

 

[Crazynuff]

Check out www.freight-terminal.com . Click the new guest book . OOIDA can help you get started . Getting your own authority will cost about $900 plus single state registration for each state you operate in . Plan on at least $8,000 a year for insurance .

 

[vipra]

I placed this post a week ago and noone has said that they are working independently, so I think I'll give up on my idea. Thanks to the 3 of you who made comments--
Vipra