For the folks who actually run their own authority… how did you get your first real freight

I’m getting my authority going and I’m trying to hear from people who actually did this for real. Not YouTube stuff… real experience.

Did you start with load boards and work your way up or did you go straight to calling shippers. And when you DID land your first direct customer… what did you say… what worked… what didn’t.

Trying to avoid wasting months doing it the hard way. Any honest advice would help.