Starting a truck delivery business can be a great way to make money while on the road. However, there are several steps to execute when getting your business off the ground.
Here are the steps you can take to get started on building your very own truck delivery business.
10 Steps to Launching a New Truck Delivery Business
1. Choose Your Type of Truck Delivery Business
The first step in launching a truck delivery business is to identify the type of truck delivery business you want to launch. You might choose from the following types among others:
Food truck delivery business: This type of truck delivers prepared food from restaurants to customers.
Freight truck delivery business: This type of truck transports goods and materials from one location to another.
Package truck delivery business: This type of truck delivers packages and other items to customers.
2. Name Your Truck Delivery Business
Give your truck delivery business an identity so people will think of it as a well-known and respected brand. You can take the name of your truck delivery business from your industry, focus on a geographical location, or use your own name among other options.
The main goal for naming your truck delivery business is to make it sound appealing and trustworthy so people will use your service.
3. Determine Your Truck Delivery Business Model
There are several possible types of business models for a truck delivery business including:
- Asset-based trucking companies: These businesses own the trucks that are used to transport goods.
- Brokerage trucking companies: These businesses don’t own trucks but instead connect shipping companies with trucking companies that have available trucks.
- Cooperative trucking company: This type of business is owned by the drivers who work for the company.
- Drayage trucking companies: These businesses focus on short haul trucking which is used to move containers from a port to a rail yard or from a rail yard to a port.
- For-hire trucking companies: These businesses provide transportation services to customers who need goods delivered.
- Private fleets: These businesses transport goods for a single company.
- Specialized trucking companies: These businesses transport oversize or perishable items that require special care.
No matter which model you choose, make sure that it aligns with your business goals and the services you offer.
4. Choose a Legal Form for Your Business
By incorporating your truck delivery business, you will limit your liability. You can incorporate as a Limited Liability Company (LLC), a C Corporation (C-Corp), or an S Corporation (S-Corp). Or you can operate as a sole proprietorship.
The business structure you choose for your truck delivery business will determine the amount of taxes you pay and which state or federal tax forms you need to file.
Read our article comparing the most common truck delivery business structures.
5. Write a Truck Delivery Business Plan
All truck delivery business owners should develop a business plan.
A business plan is a document that outlines the goals, strategies, and operations of a business. It can be used to secure funding from investors or lenders, as well as to guide the day-to-day operations of the business. The business plan should include information on the company’s products or services, market analysis, financial projections, and management team among other things.
Read our article about how to write a truck delivery business plan.
6. Apply for the Necessary Permits and Licenses
There may be required licenses and permits you need to obtain before launching your truck delivery business.
For example, if you’re going to operate a food truck, you will need to obtain a permit from the health department. If you plan to transport hazardous materials, you will need to get a special license from the Department of Transportation.
You must also register your truck delivery business as a legal entity with the state where you plan to do business. You can simply file an online form through your Secretary of State website.
Registering with the federal government is also essential so you can properly pay taxes for your business. You will also need an Employer Identification Number (EIN), which you can apply for at the IRS website, if you plan to hire employees.
7. Determine Your Budget & Apply for Funding as Needed
In developing your truck delivery business plan, you will figure out how much funding you need to start and grow your business.
If you have your own funds to invest in your truck delivery business, you may consider taking advantage of that. In addition to your personal funds, other forms of potential funding for your truck delivery business include traditional bank loans, SBA loans, credit cards, angel investors and family and friends.
Read our article about the costs associated with starting a truck delivery business to help you determine if funding is needed.
Read our article about how to fund your truck delivery business.
8. Get the Technology & Software Needed to Run Your Business Efficiently
When you start your truck delivery business, it’s essential to have the right technology in place to maximize efficiency. You definitely need a computer with Internet access, and accounting software for tracking expenses and revenues.
You may also want to invest in a GPS system for your truck so you can track deliveries, as well as software that allows customers to track their orders in real-time.
Many truck delivery businesses also use smartphone apps to streamline operations. For example, some businesses use an app that allows customers to take a picture of what they want delivered and then send it directly to the truck delivery company.
9. Market Your Truck Delivery Business to Potential Clients
Before you start selling your services, you have to let the world know you exist. The first step is to create a website so people can learn more about your services and how they benefit them.
After you launch your website, start promoting it through social media channels like Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter. Also consider networking with other people in the truck delivery industry through social media and blogs so they can help share your business.
You also need to start gathering the materials needed to execute on your promotions strategy, which is your strategy for attracting new customers. Truck delivery businesses should consider the following promotional strategies for which you should start getting prepared:
- Develop a strong branding strategy
- Create compelling marketing materials
- Get involved with the community
- Develop relationships with other businesses
Read our article about how to market your truck delivery business for more tips.
10. Get New Clients & Grow Your Business
When you promote your services, you’ll start to get interest from potential clients.
Make sure you’re ready to serve these clients. Also, be sure to establish systems to ensure consistency and reduce costs. And be sure to find and train the right people to help you grow your truck delivery business.
Read our article about how to effectively grow your truck delivery business to learn more.
Starting a Truck Delivery Business FAQs
Why Start a Truck Delivery Business?
There are many reasons to start a truck delivery business. Truck delivery businesses provide an important service to both businesses and consumers. They can help businesses save time and money by delivering goods directly to their customers. And they can help consumers save money on shipping costs by delivering goods directly to their doorsteps.
What is Needed to Start a Successful Truck Delivery Business?
To start a successful truck delivery business, you need a few key things: a truck, insurance, a business license, and the right technology. You also need to market your business to potential clients and find ways to grow your business.
What are Some Tips for Starting a Truck Delivery Business?
Here are a few tips for starting a truck delivery business:
- Choose the right truck.
- Get the right insurance.
- Apply for a business license.
- Invest in the right technology.
- Market your business to potential clients.
- Find ways to effectively grow your business.
- Stay organized and efficient.
- Offer competitive pricing.
- Provide quality customer service.
- Get new clients and grow your business.
Where Can I Find a Simple Checklist for Starting a Truck Delivery Business?
A simple checklist to use when starting a truck delivery business is as follows:
- Choose Your Type of Truck Delivery Company: This should be based on what you are best at and how much experience you have. Remember to keep your interests, skills, and experience in mind at all times.
- Name Your Truck Delivery Business: This should be done with care, as your brand is important for attracting the right customers. A simple, memorable name will go a long way.
- Choose a Legal Form for Your Business: Whether you choose to become a sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, corporation or another option will depend on your business. Ensure that you are aware of all the implications of each type.
- Determine Your Truck Delivery Business Model: Determine how your business will make money. Will you sell products, services, or a combination of both?
- Write a Truck Delivery Business Plan: Your business plan will also help you determine what your start-up costs will be and will provide a roadmap with which you can launch and grow.
- Apply for the Necessary Permits and Licenses: In most locations you will be required to apply for a business license and/or permits before you can begin operations.
- Determine Your Budget & Apply for Funding as Needed: You will need to know how much money you have to spend on all of your business-related expenses before opening any doors. If needed, apply for a small business loan or other funding options.
- Get the Technology & Software Needed to Run Your Business Efficiently: You need to have the right tools in place to succeed. Implement software that will help you manage your time, contacts, and business operations in general.
- Market Your Truck Delivery Business to Potential Clients: A solid marketing plan will be crucial to your success. It should focus on attracting the right customers so that you can provide them with the services they truly need.
- Get Clients & Grow Your Business: Once you have a solid marketing plan, it's time to actively pursue and secure those who could benefit the most from your services.
Summary
Starting a truck delivery business can be a great way to become a successful entrepreneur. In order to start, you’ll need to create a website and promote it through social media and other channels. You’ll also have to establish systems for tracking orders and payments. And you’ll need to find ways to effectively grow your business.