Well Joshua, that would qualify you as a business owner. You used the proper term, business because, one truck or a hundred, you must treat your involvement as a business before you even buy a truck. Whether you need to share it with a banker or other support, you should consider developing a simple business plan so that you can forecast your business trends and financial requirements. If you don't already have a CDL, you must be thinking cargo van. That's a business but one with a very small profit margin. I'm a firm believer in having a CDL, even if you operate a cargo van. A class C CDL with a Hazmat endorsement demonstrates that the holder has learned the very basic knowledge of a commercial motor vehicle operator and is able to identify Hazmat and the simple rules associated with those commodities. Most, and I mean most, of the drivers I have met do not know how to perform a pre-trip vehicle inspection and very few actually perform a complete inspection, as required by the FMCSA regulations every time before operating a truck. The inspection includes: Brakes, Lights, steering mechanism, reflectors, wheels,tires, rims lugs/nuts, horn, wipers, mirrors and all of the required emergency equipment. You need to be knowledgeable about these things to pass any class of CDL. As a carrier or shipper, I would want to know that you are well versed on these things.
As an Independent Contractor, a motor carrier cannot train you how to perform your job, they do that for employees. The carrier will, or should; however, show you how to complete their paperwork and explain all of their policies for which you are expected to comply.
Back to the biz plan. You'll need to understand your insurance requirements as an owner and your federal, State and local tax obligations. Once again, Plan on going to the expedite expo; it will be well worth your time and expense to attend.
