Want to join one of the most in-demand industries in America? The trucking industry is one of the largest in the US, since 70% of freight goods are transported by trucks. It’s an exciting prospect, but before starting a company that belongs to the trucking industry, several steps are needed.
If you’re eager to get started and keep then to your trucking business profitable, we’ve got the tips and products you’ll need to obtain. Read this article to discover how to start a trucking company and learn which items your business will depend on.
4 Steps for Starting Your Own Trucking Business
Before you get started, you’ll need to make preparations. So, find your four-step plan for starting a successful trucking business just below.
Write Your Trucking Business Plan
Writing your trucking company business plan should be your first step, and it should include information about the required capital, a three to five year projection about the growth of the company, staff hiring requirements, information about the technology required, and the services you’ll offer clients.
Obtain a Commercial Driver’s License
Next, you’re going to need a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) if you will be driving the trucks for your business. This is a requirement that involves choosing between each license class, so consider which type of license your company is going to need.
For instance, Class A CDLs permit you to work in heavy-freight hauling jobs, while Class C CDLS are ideal for passenger vans.
Register Your Business and Obtain Permits & Insurance
When it comes to getting started, make sure you’ve registered the business with state and local governments. This registry process involves choosing between business structures like limited liability companies and S-corporation businesses. You need to submit the forms and then focus on getting the right license.
Getting licenses and permits require a few documents, such as the employment identification number, the international fuel tax agreement stickers, a US department of transportation number, and a standard carrier alpha code. Getting your trucking insurance means choosing between a few coverage types such as general liability, primary trucking liability, physical damage, or cargo insurance.
Remember that an International Registration Plan also will be required if you travel in two or more member jurisdictions.
Buy or Lease Trucks & Choose Your Equipment
Finally, choose whether you will buy or lease the trucks for your self owned trucking company with your business bank account and select the equipment your company is going to need. Some of the equipment you may need is listed in the sections below.
What Do Truck Drivers Need the Most?
There is a range of equipment truck drivers really need - find out which seven items you need to purchase for your company below.
#1 High-Visibility Safety Vest
Since it’s dangerous to walk on a road without being visible at night, you’ll need the right equipment to be seen. Buy a high-visibility vest, like the MCR Safety Class 2 Vest , and you’ll be prepared for a sticky situation. Just imagine being stranded on the highway, for instance.
The MCR Safety Vest’s highly reflective stripe will ensure you’re easy to see — it means that the lights of cars passing by at night will reflect off the jacket. Other solutions and brands are also available, like the GloWear 8020HL Safety Vest, which comes in an easy-to-wear, one-size-fits-all form.
#2 Protective Eyewear
Picture driving on a hot, sunny day, when suddenly the sun’s rays reflect off a car’s surface into your eyes. You can’t see clearly, temporarily, but you can see just enough to pull over to the side of the road. Situations like this can be prevented with the KleenGuard V30 Nemesis Smoke Lens Glasses .
These not only keep your eyes safe from UVA, UVB, and UVC rays, but they fit comfortably on the nose and channel sweat away from the corners of your eyes. Buy similar options such as the KleenGuard Nemesis VL Safety Glasses and you can also keep yourself out of these dangerous situations, since they offer 99.9% UV protection.
#3 First Aid Kits
Small wounds can happen when loading trucks or delivering items to their destination. Purchase the First Aid Only Small Wound Dressing Kit , and you’ll be prepared for cuts, scrapes, grazes, and other small wounds.
You might, for instance, graze your hand on a heavy box when loading the truck. When you purchase the First Aid Only Kit, you’ll have access to the stretch gauze and gauze pads to help you protect yourself against infection. You can cover the wound to let it heal after being injured.
#4 Smartphone Charger
Nowadays, GPS systems take the form of apps on smartphones, which you’ll need to keep charged if you rely on them to navigate your journey. We recommend the Tripp Lite By Eaton Car Inverter cable for those USB-compatible smartphones.
Purchase this device and you’ll benefit from AC power capable of running your smartphone. It is intuitive to use — just plug the DC jack into the cigarette lighter socket of the truck, and a USB cable into the USB port. Once it’s all connected, you can rely on continuous power to navigate the streets without worrying about interrupted power or getting lost along the way.
#5 Mesh Backrest
Driving a truck for many hours can cause discomfort, especially in the lumbar area. Buy the Safco Mesh Backrest and you can feel comfortable when driving and get the lumbar support needed throughout the journey.
With this backrest, you’ll also benefit from the cool airflow through the mesh material. So if you’re driving in a sunny location and the temperature is high, you’ll benefit from staying cool with this solution.
#6 Toolbox and Tools
Tools can make a difference to the repair jobs you might face along your journey, and you’ll need somewhere to store them. Purchase the Stanley Series 2000 Toolbox and you’ll have no problem keeping those tools secure. It also has a tray that can help you organize each type of tool, so you won’t misplace a wrench, a hammer, or any other tool you have.
Alternatively, choose the Stanley Sortmaster Junior Organizer and you’ll benefit from more compartments and removable dividers. So, whether you have small parts or larger ones, there’s an organizer available in this toolbox to keep everything in its place.
Buy the Right Tools for Your Trucking Company from BuyDirect
Your successful trucking company needs the right equipment so that you’re prepared for all situations. Wondering where you’ll find the ones in this article as a trucking business owner?
Each piece of equipment is available at BuyDirect. Whether you’re lacking reflective vests or a first aid kit, you’ll find the highest-quality trucking company tools here. Order them with BuyDirect today and get the shipping costs waived when you register as a Mission customer.
FAQs
Need more information about starting a trucking company? Find it below!
What Is the Best Trucking Business to Start?
Plenty of truck business ideas are out there, and each is unique, operating in a different way. Examples include:
- Car transportation - transporting new or repaired cars from a manufacturer to a dealership.
- Moving businesses - assisting homeowners with moving their belongings.
- Freight transportation - transporting freight types such as Less Than or Full Truckload freight.
- Delivery services - shipping large items such as furniture to customers.
- Farming truck services - transporting livestock or animal feed.
- Waste removal - moving specific types of waste or general waste.
- Truck rental - renting trucks to others instead of driving them yourself as an owner operator.
- Construction hauling - hauling waste from major construction projects.
What Equipment is Needed for a Truck Driver?
Investing in high-grade toolsets is essential for truck drivers, so keep in mind the following items, which need to be in your possession:
- Screwdrivers
- Winch straps
- Combination wrenches
- Electrical tape
- Vice grips
- Sledgehammers
- Safety equipment
- Cargo security tools
Jobs are easier with these types of equipment - they’ll help you stay prepared for various situations so you can complete minor repairs, secure cargo, stay safe when on the road, and secure loads quickly and efficiently.
Which Machine is Used to Haul?
If you are completing heavy haul jobs, equipment such as cranes and loaders, forklifts and excavators can make the process easier. They can break down the waste from construction projects and make it much easier for you to load waste into the truck.