Make money with minivan
Trucking is big business. In fact, the U.
Trucking is predicted to grow 21 percent from to It's not hard to get started making money shipping cargo with a straight truck or cargo van if you know the ins and outs of the business model and follow a solid plan.
You can start in the transportation business by renting, leasing, or buying a straight truck or cargo van. Straight trucks, also called box trucks, have cargo areas that range in size from 13 to 23 feet in length, and sit on an attached frame -- unlike a tractor-trailer, which has two parts. Cargo vans carry goods and products, instead of people, and work well for smaller loads and nearby, time-sensitive deliveries.
You can find both trucks and vans at truck rental companies like U-Haul, Ryder or Enterprise. You can also buy or lease them -- new or preowned -- from commercial truck dealers. By using rental trucks, you can set up the shipping contract in advance, go rent the truck on the day of the scheduled pickup and delivery, and transport the goods from one location to another.
Some rental places will also set up extended rentals for weeks or months at a time. A good way to get started is by helping people move across town, the state or even the country. You can also seek to find local small manufacturers who need to ship their goods within a fairly close proximity. Or small businesses that need to make same day and next day deliveries in your area.
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Movers can charge by the hour for their time and loading help, but most trucking businesses charge by mileage and weight. Leasing a vehicle long-term costs more and, in most cases, you commit to leasing over an extended period of time -- up to 60 months.
But this option can still be better than buying a truck or renting one short-term.
Primarily, your cash outlay upfront is less than buying. Typically, you can lease almost percent of the vehicle, while buying it may require a down payment of 25 percent or more. You do not want to tie up too much of your cash as you launch your business. Also, if you transport goods on a consistent basis, a long-term lease probably will save you money over a short-term rental.
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Also, leasing offers tax advantages over buying a truck or van. The crucial element of any successful small business is to target your market and advertise aggressively at a manageable cost.
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Online trucking sites -- like uShip. Also, go to smaller manufacturers in your area that don't have their own truck fleets. You can find these customers by attending trade shows. Some of these businesses might be new and might need help transporting their products. If you get in on the ground floor, you can grow right alongside a few small manufacturers looking to grow locally, regionally and nationally.
Beyond trade shows, you need a comprehensive and targeted marketing program to make potential customers aware of your services. You can accomplish this by online marketing, through local print advertising in targeted publications, or with a direct-mail program. The key is to know who needs your services and focus your ads to this group of prospects. In the beginning, you might need to discount your rates to get your foot in the door, but once you prove yourself and build a solid client base you can gradually increase your charges.
Chris Brantley began writing professionally for a financial analysis firm in From to , he worked as a financial advisor, specializing in retirement planning and earned his Series 7, Series 66 and insurance licenses.
Brantley started his full-time writing career in and has written for a variety of financial websites, including insurance, real estate, loan and investment sites.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Georgia. Skip to main content. Get Started You can start in the transportation business by renting, leasing, or buying a straight truck or cargo van. Rent Short-Term By using rental trucks, you can set up the shipping contract in advance, go rent the truck on the day of the scheduled pickup and delivery, and transport the goods from one location to another.
Leasing Long-Term Leasing a vehicle long-term costs more and, in most cases, you commit to leasing over an extended period of time -- up to 60 months. Market Aggressively The crucial element of any successful small business is to target your market and advertise aggressively at a manageable cost. Spread the Word Beyond trade shows, you need a comprehensive and targeted marketing program to make potential customers aware of your services.
References 3 Business Insider: The Staggering Statistics Behind America's Trucking Industry uShip.
Brokers and Carriers Intek Leasing: Box Trucks -- Delivery Trucks Leasing and Financing. About the Author Chris Brantley began writing professionally for a financial analysis firm in Suggest an Article Correction. More Articles How to Start a Small Delivery Business How to Get a Trucking Business Contract Bid How to Start a Trucking Company From Home How to Start a Hot Shot Trucking Business.
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