You might be thinking about starting a trucking business and wondering where to begin. Trucking can seem like an overwhelming venture, but it doesn’t have to be. Here’s everything you need to know before getting started. (How to Start a Trucking Business).
What Is a Trucking Business?
Simply put, trucking firms transport goods and materials truck-based across America and beyond. Some drivers haul items for themselves, but the majority of trucking companies operate as brokerage businesses. Brokers take the goods a shipper desires and then sell them to the consumer.
At the core of it all, each trucking company is a transportation service. They arrange the transport of goods between points. The term “transportation” implies that trucking firms aren’t the primary goal. They’re simply a way of getting stuff from here to there. Transportation services can be found in all industries.
Whether you’re moving office supplies or perishable goods, trucking companies can help you move the items to and from your location.
Find Out Why People Want to Be Truckers
Let’s get back to the question above. Why do people want to start trucking companies? To supply an answer, you must understand the nature of trucking’s market. Trucking is a very large business. It’s also a very large and diverse business. Each of these factors means that there are many reasons why people want to be truckers. Trucking is a very large business. It’s also a very large and diverse business.
Each of these factors means that there are many reasons why people want to be truckers. Why do some people choose to drive trucks and others choose another career? Let’s take a look at some of the most popular reasons people choose to become truck drivers.
Determine if You Can Make Money as a Trucker
How much money do truck drivers earn? It’s a good question. There are many factors that affect how much you earn as a truck driver, such as your experience and how much you weigh your supplies. But, in general, the industry is expanding, so the more you weigh your supplies, the more you will earn.
Most drivers start as part-time workers. As you gain experience, you can take on more responsibilities and earn more money. But make no mistake, it’s hard work. (How to Start a Trucking Business).
Get Licensed and Rated
Now that you know why people want to be truckers and you’re ready to get started, it’s time to get licensed and rated. A trucking company must first obtain a “commercial driver’s license” (CDL). With your CDL, you can legally drive a truck with a maximum of 70,000 pounds of weight.
A trucking company must also get a “trucking company rating” (TCR). A TCR is essentially a safety rating that measures factors such as driver experience and maintenance records. If you’re ready to get started, contact local trucking companies in your area and ask to see what openings they have. You can also take advantage of online trucking jobs to find new opportunities.
Track Your Hours and Earnings
Once you’re licensed and rated, it’s time to track your hours and earnings. With a CDL, you can drive any truck you own. But you must “drive in your own name.” This means that you must record all of your hours driving and all of your earnings.
Some states require that you record your hours and earnings, but most don’t. If you’re in a state that requires it, you’re in an ideal situation because it means that you can track your hours and earnings in one place. Once you have your hours and earnings recorded, it’s time to start making money. You can choose to work as a direct hire independent contractor, or you can work for a company as an employee.
Networking
Once you’re licensed and rated, it’s time to start networking. Networking can take many forms, but the most effective method is to join trucking associations. Trucking associations are volunteer-run organizations with one goal: to help their members succeed. (How to Start a Trucking Business).
At the local, regional, and national levels, trucking associations offer many benefits, including: Free education sessions on trucking industry topics Opportunities to network with other drivers and professionals Access to resources, including career and financial counseling If you don’t currently belong to a trucking association, consider joining one. It can be a great way to network and make new connections.
Final Words: Is Starting a Trucking Business for You?
By now, you know the basics of how trucking works and why people want to be truckers. If you’ve done all of the above, you’re ready to get started. If you’re still on the fence, consider these questions as you weigh your options. Is trucking something you’ve always wanted to do?
Would working 55 hours a week be something you could handle? Could you get by on your truck driving salary? Would you like to have a long-term career as a trucker? Is trucking the right business for you? Once you’ve answered these questions, you’ll have a better idea of whether trucking is right for you.
