How to Start a Non-CDL Delivery Service in Oregon
The increased volume of traffic has made commuting an unpleasant chore for many. So starting a delivery service can prove to be a good business idea, provided you target the right population. Offices need delivery of documents, homes need delivery of groceries and food, businesses need deliveries to and from their customers, and the opportunities are endless. You can even provide pick up and drop off of laundry, mail, pets and prescriptions. All that you need to have is a vehicle, a non Commercial Driver's License (non CDL) and commercial vehicle insurance to begin operating your business.
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Instructions
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Select your niche. Delivery services can cater to a wide range of customers. Decide if you want to take up delivery of documents, parcels, groceries, food, baked goods or prescription medicines. Start with the area where you're located and find out what delivery services operate there. Speak to the staff at a few supermarkets, grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants and offices to determine if there is a need for a specific type of delivery service. Prepare a small questionnaire and circulate it in the local residential areas to get an idea of the services needed. Use this feedback to determine the type of service you wish to launch. Find out how many of these businesses are willing to use your delivery service.
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Do the paperwork. You'll need to have an Oregon Class C Non-Commercial Driver License. Fill out an application form providing documentary evidence of your age, legal name, Social Security Number, and residential address. Take the driving test and obtain the license. Find an insurance broker and obtain commercial auto insurance to cover your vehicle. Apply to your county office and obtain a business permit to run your delivery service.
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Determine target area. Purchase a detailed area map and decide the geographical region you wish to cover. Use the feedback you received from people you spoke to while determining the need for a delivery service. Keep these potential clients and target customers in mind while making this choice. Decide the routes you can use to save on cost and time.
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Get equipped. Install a GPS system in your car. Set up a home office with a phone, computer, printer and stationery required for taking orders and providing receipts to customers.
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Determine rates. Consider factors like the mileage of your vehicle, fuel costs, distances traveled, and value of goods. Rates will also vary depending on where you're located; upmarket-area deliveries can be charged higher than rural segments. Decide how much profit you want to make. Ask around and find out what other similar services are charging.
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Advertise your service. Prepare fliers and handouts with your contact details and distribute to local supermarkets, grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants and offices. Know all of the appropriate store managers and owners. Arrange for the fliers to be distributed to people living in the areas you've decided to cover. Offer attractive discounts for the first few customers, to get people interested in your service.
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Tips & Warnings
Use online courier calculators to check current prices for specific market routes. Use this information as a guideline to decide your pricing structure.
Be courteous and friendly. Keep up with delivery deadlines. Develop rapport with your clients and customers so they continue using your service. Offer discounts to people who use your service on a regular basis.
References
- Photo Credit blank white delivery cargo truck 2 image by alma_sacra from Fotolia.com
