The trucking industry can be lucrative if you have an entrepreneurial spirit and a love for all things trucking. Truckers provide a service that every industry uses, even if only in a small capacity. Indeed, no business can function without the motor carriers that deliver their products and materials. However, you must invest in the right tools to have a chance at competing in this rough-and-tumble industry.
Launching a trucking business requires a sizable initial investment, but the rewards of building a successful haulage company are well worth it. So, we’ve taken the liberty of detailing a list of essential tools and services for your company. Now, let’s get this show on the road!
Commercial Truck Insurance
As you know, a lot can go wrong on the road. Some drivers fear commercial trucks, often perpetuating erratic driving, and, well, you get the point. Indeed, the more you’re on the road, the more likely you are to be in a crash, and truckers spend a lot of time on the road.
It’s essential to get commercial truck insurance for your entire fleet to remain legal and have coverage in the event of an accident. Do your due diligence to find truck insurance quotes that offer the best coverage and low premiums. Your company might even qualify for certain discounts depending on the insurance company.
Commercial Truck Scales
Commercial trucks spend a lot of time at the scales. Sometimes, truckers have to wait in line for over an hour to use the scale at a weighing company. Not to mention, you also have to pay to weigh.
Part of being a business owner is realizing an opportunity to save (or even capitalize). You could install your own commercial scales, saving time and money in the long run. Not to mention, your company could make some extra money by providing weighing services to other transportation companies. Also, you can save money on your installation by going with an installer that also has the certification to provide the necessary scale calibration service.
Telematic Devices
Telematic systems give fleet managers the ability to monitor their entire fleet as if they were riding with every driver at the same time. Telematic devices use data analytics to provide insight into everything from driver performance to vehicle health, promoting driver safety and enabling preventive maintenance.
Contact Center Software
Contact center software is a powerful resource for small businesses. It’s cloud-based technology, enabling administrators to work at home or from the office. Furthermore, interactive voice response (IVR) increases productivity for companies that receive large volumes of incoming calls by using a virtual agent to manage call queues, often without human interference.
As you can see, it takes much more than merely a few straight trucks and tractor-trailers to launch a successful trucking company. Truck insurance isn’t equipment, but you can’t put any of your commercial vehicles on the road without it. You’ll also need commercial truck scales and calibration certification to ensure your scales’ accuracy. Telematic devices make the job easier for truck drivers and fleet managers alike. Contact center software can make customer service one of your trucking company’s most prominent features. Finally, your truckers will need tablets for scheduling and processing deliveries while en route.
It’s a good idea to consult a procurement specialist to help you figure out what other tools your trucking business will need. They can also help you find the best prices on your equipment and even help you with financial planning for your operations equipment and supplies. But, at least now you know the essential equipment and services you’ll need to launch your trucking company.