Have you started and ran your own a-class delivery business?

I was thinking about starting my own delivery or dump truck business.
However I've never started a business before.
I'm not entirely sure what's involved in licensing and permits.
But I have my CDL class A with hazmat and I'd like to buy my own truck and start doing this on my own.
I'm not really sure how to get contracts.
Can any one reading this give advice on how to find work? Is it as simple as calling a place or should I be going through certain channels? Also what kind of licensing, permits, and requirements do I need an order to register a dump truck and become a legitimate business? Do I still need to keep log sheets in my personal vehicle? Do I still need to have route sheets that designate my load and my destination? Does anybody have a good website that will help me research this because the DMV has been less than useful and the business licensing here has told me to get an attorney.
So I tried an attorney who told me I have to bring to them a situation and not just ask how to start a business.