So, what did you decide about the trucking industry? Did you attempt a go at
it or find it wasn't worth the effort? I spoke to my local SBA and was
encouraged that it could be a good move, I am taking a shot at it currently
and so far its been pretty rough considering the trucking industry is like
the real estate industry although I have had more success in Real Estate.
Problems I have encountered are the lack of loads, trained and loyal drivers,
lease companies that operate with integrity, and the maintenance expenses
that will sink you quickly if you unable to mediate the repair plans. The
expense of funding the whole shhhbang without the headache of bully O/O lease
and factoring companies, is risky considering the slowness of this business.
I am looking to network with serious business owners to come up with remedies
to beat the sysetm instead of being at the mercy of it. Look forward to
speaking with anyone willing to chime in.

I'd find someone in that industry specifically. Are you long haul, LTL,
inter-state, intra-state? There may be fewer hurdles than you might think. I
owned a metal recycling company and our loads crossed three states every day.
DOT paperwork is a hassle but there is some amazing software out there that
can manage logs, loads, clients monthly and quarterly filings etc and not all
that expensive. Still, talk to someone who is doing it now and just ask for
advice - you'd be surprised. Good Luck

Something you could also consider is checking out SCORE, one of SBA's resource partners. SCORE is a nonprofit association comprised of thousands of volunteer business counselors throughout the country. They are trained to serve as advisors and mentors to aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners (at no cost to you). You can find your local office or set up an online meeting to chat with someone about your questions.   Visit SBA Direct  to find your local SBA resource partners by entering your zip code.