One of the most important industries that contributes to the overall economy is shipping, transportation, and trucking. This industry is crucial because it is how businesses get their products to the market and into the hands of consumers.
Want to get a piece of the pie by starting your own trucking operation? While purchasing a truck may seem like the first step, you will have to learn some of the fundamentals first. Here are some tips to start small from your home and grow from there.
- The first thing you will have to do is to come up with a plan for your trucking business. The main component of your plan must be the goals you wish to achieve. To accomplish these goals, you will have to organize a list of steps to reach your end goals. Start by identifying what type of customer you want to serve and what expectations you want from those customers, and them from you.
- Next, get formal by registering your business. Many people prefer a limited liability company. LLC’s allow you the flexibility to operate similarly to a sole-proprietorship while having the protection of a limited liability company.
- Before you get too far, don’t forget to have a commercial driver’s license. Start brushing up on your testing now.
- Got your CDL in hand? Better get that truck now. Be considerate of your budget and the size of cargo that you want to transport.
- Ready to haul? Before you hit the road, make sure that you have insurance. Ensure that you have coverage for you, your vehicle, your customers’ loads, liability, etc.
- Now, go get some customers. Start making phone calls or work with a freight broker company and start making money.
Now that the industry is experiencing a shortage of truck drivers, now is the perfect time to start your trucking business.