Have you always wanted to start your own trucking business? Of course, this type of business is a major investment. Here’s why now is your time. There are millions of truck drivers in the United States. The vast majority of them drive for other people, clock in at the beginning of the day, and clock out just like you might at any vanilla job.
The difference is that driving trucks requires you to move 53ft+ pieces of machinery through crowded areas on a daily basis.
If that sounds stressful to you, you’re not alone. Several truck drivers find themselves getting burned out after working in the field and decide to take a break by starting a trucking business.
As a trucking business owner, you may still have to drive from time to time but you have the flexibility to hire others to do the driving for you. Below, we share a handful of tell-tale signs that you’re ready to start your own trucking business.
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Your Revenue Has Stagnated
One of the worst parts about working for somebody else is that your revenue is capped. Sure, you could ask for a raise but how often? And even if you seldom ask, there’s no guarantee that your employer will say yes to your request.
When you own a business, you can boost your revenue substantially by courting new clients, hiring more foot soldiers, or being more prudent when it comes to costs.
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Being Behind the Wheel Has Drained You
As we mentioned, being behind the wheel of a truck can make for a physically exhausting job. That may come as a surprise to some seeing as how truck drivers sit all day.
Even when sitting though, the amount of brainpower that needs to be expended when maneuvering massive pieces of machinery through cities and freeways is immense. Starting your own trucking business can serve as a pathway out of that environment.
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You Feel Like a Good Mentor
As a trucking business owner, you’ll be doing some hiring. When you hire, you won’t always end up with candidates that have decades of experience. As a matter of fact, as a small trucking operation, you’re much more likely to find inexperienced drivers.
These drivers will need mentors that will help them learn the ways of the road, what it means to be a professional, and more. Are you up for that? If you are, you might make an outstanding business leader.
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Organization Is a Strong Suit of Yours
It takes a lot of coordination to run a trucking company. Part of your day might consist of courting clients while other parts might entail playing air traffic controller as you direct your vehicles to their destinations.
As you manage all of the variables that go into operating a trucking company, organization will be key to your ability to thrive.
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Defining Your Own Schedule Sounds Great
Working for somebody else means having them dictate where you need to be and when. Working for yourself allows you to build a schedule that you like. Does the prospect of making your own schedule excite you? If it does, you might enjoy owning a business. Of course, it’s not all fun and games when it comes to managing your schedule as a business owner.
While you won’t be beholden to an employer as an entrepreneur when it comes to time management, you will be beholden to your clients who can be even less forgiving.
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You’re Well Connected in the Industry
Landing clients takes having relationships. That’s why we always advise people to spend at least five years in the trucking industry before diving into becoming a business owner.
The more loads you pull for other people, the more connections you’ll make which could turn into leads for your company. Make it a point to network as much as possible during the time you’re working for someone else.
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You Have Access to Seed Money
As with all businesses, starting a trucking company requires access to capital. You’ll have to buy your own truck, purchase your own commercial insurance and may need money to tide you over as you seek your first clients.
The good news is that even if you don’t have access to cash, you could still be in decent shape to launch your organization. You’ll just need to have good enough credit to qualify for a loan.
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Being a Business Owner Excites You
Does the prospect of your company popping up in search engine results when shippers are choosing a trucking service excite you? Have you always wanted to shape your own destiny?
If you answered yes to those questions, you likely have the passion required to start a trucking business.
And make no mistake, passion is a huge part of the success picture.
There will be lots of ups and downs you’ll face when you’re running your own company. Only by loving what you do will you be able to chart your path to success.
Hit the Road With Starting Your Trucking Business Today
Starting a trucking business might seem daunting but if you’re noticing the signs we’ve outlined, it could be time for you to get started! Just be aware that as a business owner, your income can be significantly less stable than when you’re an employee, at least to start.
It’s that risk, however, that enables you to access incredible rewards that only entrepreneurs will find during their careers.
For more advice on getting your startup dreams off the ground, check out more of the content we have up in our digital publication.
