Are you an entrepreneur with dreams of entering the transport and shipping industry? If so, it’s important to understand a few of the golden rules that have guided managers and owners for decades. Not every rule will necessarily apply to your organization, but most will. That’s especially true if you intend to open your doors in the 2021/22 season.

Opportunities in transport, even for small startups, are particularly inviting. Yes, competition is stiff and the first six months can be hectic, to say the least. But with public demand for at-home and direct-to-retail store delivery of goods ordered online, there’s plenty of potential profit to go around. Consider the following as guidelines rather than set in stone commandments. Feel free to adapt one, some, or all of them for your new business.

Buy Fuel in Bulk

With worldwide petroleum prices rising steadily, it’s wise to purchase in bulk before costs get out of hand. Then, even if things return to normal, you’ll have a ready supply of fuel for your fleets without having to worry about unpredictable spot prices. If you think your business is too small to maintain its own bulk fuel storage site, consider joining a coop with several other owners who share rental and management expenses for a single bulk-fuel depository for storing huge quantities of petroleum.

Pro tip: If you have many vehicles, you can also consider renting the body of your fleet for commercial advertising. There are many specialists who can do vehicle decals for you. All you would have to do is search online with keywords like “vehicle wraps in Portland OR“, or one within your vicinity and find a service provider who can do this for you. Now, isn’t that a way to earn some extra money!

Prioritize Fleet Management

The complex task of managing a vehicle fleet cannot be an afterthought. It’s essential for owners to take the time to decide about the programs, systems, and software, like how Australian vehicle tracking, as well as other tracking systems, can add to the management of these fleets. They’ll also be used to keep tabs on trucks, drivers, compliance issues, maintenance issues, and more. For example, regardless of your company’s size, it’s always beneficial to use tachograph management as an all-in-one compliance solution for every truck, car, and van under your control. Prioritizing fleet management means giving this essential task the attention it deserves.

Weigh the Pros and Cons of Vehicle Buying vs Leasing

The age-old question of whether to buy or lease trucks for a fleet is one you’ll have to grapple with. In essence, it’s an accounting decision that calls for a decent amount of number crunching. The effort is fully justified because making the right decision can save you a significant amount of money every month.

Get Professional Insurance Advice

Cars, trucks, and vans used in commercial enterprises are expensive assets. As well, the physical safety of drivers is also a key concern. That’s why it’s vital to consult directly with insurance experts who specialize in transportation questions, particularly those related to fleet operations. They can help you come up with precise figures for coverage on the entire fleet as well as other kinds of policies that pertain to your drivers, merchandise, and accident liability.

Hire Exceptional Drivers

Today’s professional truck drivers have more training than ever before. Fleet services that are hiring drivers tend to invest in recruiting software developed by companies like Tenstreet and alike. With advanced automation services, they can rely on drivers who have enough experience and professionalism. A few decades ago, companies often hired the least experienced drivers just to save money on wages. Modern organizations realize the wisdom of bringing the very best operators into the company. In the long run, what you spend on acquiring skilled operators will come back to you in lower insurance premiums, better safety records, and more efficient deliveries.