When you get the notion of setting up your own shipping business, there are areas that you may need to plan ahead to be able to watch your business prosper. Of course, your reasons for wanting to run your own shipping business could be one of many.
For instance, it could be that you have been a long-haul driver for a shipping business all of your life and would now like to settle down in one place, and running your own shipping business would make that possible. Or alternatively, it could be that you have been sat in a logistics role with no hope of promotion and would, therefore, like a shot at running a shipping business yourself.
#1 Various-sized vehicles
Although when you start out, it is unlikely that you will want to invest your money in various vehicles, you could very well find that just a couple would do until your customer base grows. Starting off with a couple of vans and maybe a flatbed truck could be all you need; in the future, you could look at much larger vehicles to carry larger loads.
Of course, you will want to research the costs of buying and running as well as the upkeep and gas consumption of these trucks and vans. For instance, the cost and environmental differences in using trucks that run on regular diesel versus natural gas trucks for long haul shipments or, for that matter, short-haul shipping.
#2 A selection of drivers
As well as this you will have to consider whether it is more worth your while to hire the services of self-employed drivers rather than employ your own or maybe combine the two. Self-employed drivers could very well have their own delivery vehicle. They will be in charge of sorting out their own taxes, will not receive holiday or sickness pay, nor be entitled to any perks such as dental or health plans unless you state in your contract with them that they are.
However, if this seems good, you will also have to consider that those self-employed drivers with vehicles could have agreements with other firms and may not be as dedicated to your business requirements as an employed driver.
#3 Relevant software
To look after your drivers and any loads that they are carrying, you should have up-to-date software that offers direct hands-free contact with your driver at all times and a GPS that will enable you to track the vehicle en route. Of course, all of your cabs should be equipped with dash cam technology.
All these are very important for your driver’s safety. In the event of an accident or an incident, you will have a record of what happened. This will mean that you will be able to start any legal action as soon as possible and look after your driver’s welfare quickly.
Final thoughts
So, as you can see, there is a fair amount to think about. Planning stages in advance for your fleet’s expansion and how you will go about it, either in the short term or long term, will help make your journey a gradual climb rather than a stressful awakening.
