Overcoming the challenges, you face as a newbie in the trucking industry depends on what you know and the revenue your company generates. Trucking is a risky business, and trucks are expensive to acquire and maintain. Plus, anyone with a CDL, a few thousand dollars, and an IRP Plates can haul freight regardless of their knowledge of the business of trucking.
You overcome challenges by having a plan when managing your assets. These include preparing for the unexpected, equipment breakdowns, and covering operational costs while waiting for customers to pay. Having a clear vision of building your company’s net worth also helps you stay positive. Read on as Global Multi services take us through how to overcome challenges in the trucking industry.
Determine Your Rate
One of the mistakes new trucking companies make is allowing others to determine their hauling rates. Allowing your competitors to determine your rate is the first step to business failure. No mechanic will ask you what you’d like to pay to have your truck fixed. They always tell you the amount they are charging. Therefore, do not let someone else set your hauling rates. And the only way to set profitable rates is by knowing how to set the balance.
Register For IRP Plates
Trucking companies must obtain IRP Plate to operate across states line in the country. The International Registration Plan is a reciprocal agreement between the continental United States and Canadian provinces to facilitate the collection of apportioned fees from trucking companies traveling in two or more jurisdictions. They must also register in their base jurisdiction, and failure to adhere to this regulation can lead to hefty penalties.
Strive To Improve
Top trucking companies are always looking for new and innovative cost-saving ideas to remain the best in the industry. They ensure their drivers, dispatchers, managers, and salespeople continuously improve. Therefore, you need to keep researching what will help you become a more efficient hauling company. Stay on top of the trends and news from the trucking industry and other trucking companies.
Track Your Cash Flow
You need to know the cash flow when planning for the future. Do you still have money after paying your bills and one-time expenses? If your company is not profitable, you need to why and what you can do to break even. This means your revenue is equal to your fixed and variable costs. Have a profit margin that funds your company and save some money to get through the difficult times.
Manage Your Risk
It is imperative to calculate the benefits of financing your company and the risks. Can you get a loan, and how much should you borrow? Do you need brand new trucks and equipment to operate effectively? Is putting your property or equipment up as collateral a wise decision? Explore all your financing options to find the right fit for your business. Purchasing new equipment often requires down payments, and the interest can affect your cash flow. Therefore, take a strategic approach to manage your assets and cash flow.