If you always loved the hauling business, there's never been a better time to get into it. So, if you're looking to start a long-haul business, you first need to lay the groundwork. In this guide, we'll go over some of the most important aspects of running a long-haul business.
Purchase the Vehicles
As a business owner, you need to have the right equipment to get the job done. If you're running a long-haul trucking company, you need the right type of vehicle. If you're going to deliver frozen food, you need the right type of truck. You need ones that are equipped to keep your delivery cold until they arrive at your customers' doors.
Perform Routine Maintenance
Once your business starts to grow, you may even get to the point that you need more than one work truck. That means making sure your trucks and equipment are in mint condition. Proper maintenance involves scheduling routine servicing or repair. Depending on the size of your fleet, this may need to be done in regularly scheduled increments to ensure your deliveries are on time. However, it's never a good idea to forgo maintenance. It can lead to expensive repairs down the road and negatively affect your business. If you're not sure how to get started, you can always review a guide on maintenance management and how to choose the right solution for your business.
Hire Additional Staff
In addition to expanding your fleet, you'll need to hire additional staff. Qualified drivers and office staff increase staff motivation and streamline daily processes. When individuals are not overloaded with tasks, they perform much better. If you're on a budget, you can also look to hire freelance virtual assistants while focusing more attention on hiring drivers.
Encourage Continued Education
Regardless of which role your employees hold, ongoing education is a must. You can offer drivers ongoing on-the-job training that focuses on driver safety, how to handle a roadside emergency and what to do if they're involved in an accident. When it comes to in-house staff, you can encourage them to participate in skill building courses such as customer service, accounting or even how to use spreadsheets.
Stay Insured
Probably more important than anything else is staying insured. You need to make sure you and all employees, especially drivers, are covered with the right type of insurance. You should research the best type of coverage that protects you and your business investments.
Register Your Business
In addition to having the right type of insurance, you also need to register your business and obtain applicable permits. You should decide whether you want to register as an LLC or a corporation. It's important to note that an LLC is separate from your personal identity. In case of a lawsuit, your personal property is protected. If you're going into business with someone else, you'll want to draw up a contract that's legally binding and protects everyone involved. Anyone who gets behind the wheel needs a valid CDL license. You may also need to have a USDOT number, BOC-3 filing number and an International Registration Plan. Since the requirements vary state to state, it's important to verify with the appropriate parties.
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