Becoming a fleet business owner is a big deal. It is important to take time to plan your business before jumping right in. You are going to need to make some big decisions before you purchase your first vehicle.
Not sure where to start? Here are some tips to get your fleet business started.
Make sure that you are ready to become a business person. There is a big difference between being a truck driver and becoming a fleet owner. Though it is helpful to start as a truck driver who understands the business, the truth is that fleet owners are business owners. They have to focus on running a business, not just driving!
You should start this by writing a business plan. You should think of this as a guide for your business. In your plan, you will write down what exactly you want to do with your business and how you expect to get there. You are going to want to think about your expenses and your projected income. You should think about your competitors and how you can be better than they are. You are going to want to figure out how you are going to get customers and drivers.
Make sure that you are compliant with regulations. You are going to need to follow certain details, both federally and with your own state before you get started. You are going to need a USDOT number so your trucks can pass through state lines. You are also going to need to obtain an International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) decals for your trucks. You also need to make sure that you meet all of the licensing requirements before you put your trucks on the road.
Before you even start, you need to make sure that you can be a business person, not just a driver. The best way to do this is by taking the time to write a business plan. Not only will this help you figure out where you want your business to go (and how you are going to get it there), it will also help you with financing.
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