Making the decision to move from a driver to an owner-operator or fleet owner can seem like a tall task. With so many options available it can seem downright overwhelming. Fear not! The ES team is here to help.
This is the first in a series designed to walk you through each phase of the process of starting your trucking business. Here, we will provide a high-level overview of each component. In the coming weeks, we will take a closer look at each phase and how to best set yourself up for success.
5 Stages Of Building Your Trucking Business
Deciding to venture out on your own is a huge accomplishment, but once the decision is made the real work begins. Like everything else in trucking, having a well-defined roadmap will make the process easier. With each milestone, you will be able to monitor progress and keep it between the white lines.
Planning
The decision has been made – what next? You’ve likely had the planning part in motion, but getting your goals down on paper is essential. Not only will it allow you to lay out all of your thoughts and options, but when it is no longer just floating in space, it is much more likely that you will continue the journey.
This phase will look different for every potential owner. Some work through all of the details for years before making the jump, while others may only need a few months to get everything in order. Do what makes you comfortable. Jumping in before you are ready can be challenging especially if you don’t have the right support system in place.
Preparation
Once you have your roadmap in place and the planning is done, the next step is to get your ducks in a row. Organization is a critical component that many first-time owner-operators and fleet owners overlook. Up to this point, the motor carrier you have been running for has taken care of many of the backend pieces of the business. Moving forward, that will be your responsibility as the fleet owner or owner-operator. As you advance your career and grow your business, your responsibilities will also grow.
You may already grasp some components well, but others, may be new. Being an organized organizedowner operator orfleet owner is all about being a student of the game. The more you understand the backend, the better you will be prepared through all freight cycles.
Partnership
If you have gotten to this point and are feeling overwhelmed, take a deep breath. The simple fact is that while you are behind the wheel, you don’t have to make the journey alone. This isn’t to say that all programs are equal, but that there are amazing vendors, motor carriers, and support systems that are available if you know where to look.
Understandably this takes diligence. Avoid the temptation to jump into the first program that you come across. Look for companies that offer true partnerships. They should be willing to pull back the curtain to provide transparency and services that drive long-term success.
Propel
Even the best-laid plans can hit a pothole every now and then. Unlike when you are driving someone else’s truck, as a business owner you are in full control of your Success In Trucking and make the decisions that directly impact your business.
This is where having a support system in place becomes critical. One of the pillars of the ES program is that you should Never Stand Alone. Whether you need operational support, or simply a sounding board, we are here to help you lift up your business.
Progress
The final stop on the roadmap that we are creating is one that is optional. As your experience grows and you become more comfortable in managing your business, you may decide that to serve your customers better, growth is needed. Expanding your fleet can be exciting, but it comes with its own challenges.
New components like finding new contractors will add layers to each phase and each of the previous steps will essentially repeat. With the right partners and pieces in place, the process will be much easier than when you are first beginning.
Starting Your Journey With ES
At Expediter Services, we like to think of ownership as a journey, rather than a destination. Along the way, there will be mile markers to help monitor progress and we offer advantages to make sure that you stay on track. If you are considering starting your own trucking business, connect with our team today. At ES, we believe that from day one you should Never Stand Alone.
