When you first start your trucking company the hopes are that it will succeed and make a mark for itself in the industry. So what happens if things aren’t quite growing and expanding at the pace you had hoped for? The first thing to tell yourself is to relax, this doesn’t mean your company isn’t a success, it just means it needs a little extra help to grow.
This is exactly why we’ve put together these tips that can be applied to helping your trucking company grow and expand. You don’t have to use all of them, perhaps just one or two will make enough of a difference. Each company is unique and there will be some trial and error involved.
Take a Look at Operations
What is meant by this is your day-to-day operations. Is the company well managed and organized? When customers try to contact you do they get a response right away? Are you able to clearly answer their questions? Are you making your deliveries on time and in a way that makes sense?
Sometimes you are too close to the business to look at it with an objective eye. Instead you may want to hire an outside consultant or auditor who can take a look at your day-to-day operations and determine where you can make improvements. In the end, it may be that you are trying to do too much all on your own. It could be that you need to hire an extra person to help with day-to-day operations and act as your right-hand person.
Take a Look at Your Fleet
In order for your company to grow you need to offer the right kind and right amount of trucks. As well take a look at the condition of your existing trucks. Has your Peterbilt flatbed seen better days and is constantly needing work? If so it may be time to start replacing some of your fleet.
Take a Look at the Financial End
In order for your business to grow you will need to inject cash in it, so what is your cash flow situation? Do you have enough to cover your operating expenses on a monthly basis? Do you have enough positive cash flow to then turn around and invest more in the business? Unless you have a degree in business this is a step that is best discussed with a financial advisor or accountant. They can help to steer you in the right direction and give you the best advice. You can also use transportation factoring services to help improve cash flow.
Have You Done Enough to Market Yourself
While it would be great to think that your business just sells and markets itself the fact of the matter is that you will need to put in work with this aspect. You need to build a brand and then get that brand out to the public. If you don’t already have a marketing plan in place, this is the time to create one. Look at different ways you can advertise and reach new clients.
There is No Time Like the Present
It can be a pretty daunting task to grow your business, but there is no time like the present to do it. By putting in the extra work and attention, things will start to change and suddenly growth will begin.
Kidal Delonix is a contributor to Mr. Hoffman's blog. The views and opinions are entirely his/her own and may not reflect Mr Hoffman's views.
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