How to Start a Small Trucking Business

Starting a small trucking business is the dream of many drivers who are behind the wheel of a big rig. This dream is obtainable for most, and even though it will require a lot of hard work, it is not as difficult as most people assume it is. If you have ever thought it would be great if you could start a small trucking business of your own, keep reading to find out exactly how to do it.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Business License
• Trucking Equipment
• Truck Permits and Licenses
• Insurance
• Commercial Drivers License

How to Start a Small Trucking Company

1. The first step for anyone wanting to start a small trucking business is to simply register the business. If you live in a small town, this will likely be done at the local Court House. You can get appropriate information from the County Clerk’s office as to how to go about getting your business registered. If you reside in a larger metropolitan area, your city will most likely have special divisions set up to facilitate the process. In this case, a quick call to the local Chamber of Commerce will point you in the right direction. Getting the business registered is usually as simple as filling out a form and paying the filing fee, although the process may very slightly from State to State.

2. Decide what kind of freight your trucking business will handle. Some freight may require specialized refrigerated trailers, while other freight may require the use of flatbed trailers. Most types of freight can be shipped using a standard truck trailer, but if your freight does require a special trailer, it is important to identify this before you acquire any equipment.

3. Think about whether you would like to hire your own drivers, or subcontract the routes out. If you subcontract the work to other Owner/Operators, then you will spare yourself the upfront expense of buying trucks and trailers. However, if you go this route, remember that the driver you use will be a reflection of your company, so make sure they have a reliable truck that will not break down and cause your trucking business to look bad.

4. Taking into account the decisions that you made during Steps 2 and 3, you may need to purchase or lease trucking equipment for your business. Most small trucking businesses only require one or two trucks and trailers, rather than a large fleet. The advantage to having a small fleet is that it is easier for you to afford to have an extra trailer that is equipped for special jobs.

5. Make certain that your trucks, or in the case of sub-contracting, the driver’s trucks, are all properly licensed, insured and carry appropriate permits. The licenses and permits you will be required to have for your trucks are USDOT Numbers, MC Numbers, IFTA Decals, IRP Tags, 2290s and Fuel Tax Reporting. You will also need to make sure that all drivers have a valid Commercial Drivers License (CDL).

6. Build relationships within the supply chain. Keeping your trucks loaded and on the road is the key to the success of your small trucking business. Although obtaining the contracts to deliver goods may sound like the most difficult part of the business, it doesn’t have to be. There are companies all over the country that specialize in hiring small trucking companies to deliver freight. Scroll down to the Resources section for links that will get you started in the right direction for building relationships with these freight brokers.

Tips & Warnings

• When taking on jobs, remember to look beyond the price that you will be paid for the load, and also consider the costs involved, such as driver salary, fuel and truck maintenance.

Who Can Help:

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Resources

• Freight Finder
• Transportation Brokers

[willowman1]

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[Driven4Profits]

on 10/1/2008 Go to www.truckersu.com
One thing which draws folks into trucking is the desire for independence —and there is no greater independence for a trucker than rolling down a highway with wide open spaces and blue sky in your windshield. This same drive makes truckers want more than just the independence of the open road. They’re looking for financial independence, a means from which to support their family and themselves to improve their lives.

The Trucking Business Community at TruckersU.com is here to help you achieve those goals. Come join other truckers in a community effort to become the best in the industry.

[BlueOx]

on 7/6/2008 Hiring a driver is usually not a problem. If you run an advertisement in the newspaper, you will get a lot of applicants. Just make sure that the one you hire has a proper CDL and a clean driving record. As for leasing a truck, you can probably get better leads at the truck stop. Start going to truck stops for lunch. Other drivers will be happy to have a conversation. Some may be local and know of trucks that are available. There may also be bulletin boards at the truck stop that will list trucks for sale or lease in your local area.

[Judea]

on 7/6/2008 With so many questions, comments and concern I am not sure where to begin. There are a few things that I am sure of is that I do want to start a hauling trucking business,by leasing a truck and hiring a driver. I want very much to start slow with one truck at a time from a home base office on a part-time bases. Is there any help for a newcomer?