Opening your own business is very responsible. It’s relation to trucking imposes additional complications. Unlike many other areas of business, to cargo transportation a person has to come with certain experience. In addition, you need to choose a suitable region where you can realize your goals.
If you come to the United States from another country, you have a large selection of regions. You can study all the conditions for doing business in the most favourable states. For an American citizen, it is preferable to work in his home state.
Why Oklahoma
This state has excellent road infrastructure. There are no traffic jams. This is a gas-producing region. Cheap gas makes opening a business in the state very profitable. In addition, the region has a convenient geographical location.
The state produces oil. The authorities are trying not to raise taxes on fuel in order to attract more entrepreneurs to the region. Good roads and cheap diesel fuel make the state one of the most attractive for starting a cargo business.
Some states offer tax breaks to freight carriers. In the United States, there is an independent organization called the Tax Foundation, which compiles an annual rating of all states for this indicator. Oklahoma is not in the top ten. But this does not prevent it from remaining one of the most promising regions for starting a cargo business.
What to do to open a business
The trucking industry in the United States has peculiarities. To engage in this business, a person needs to go through various instances and obtain permits. You also need to consider many things before you start a shipping business. Here are some steps to help you.
- Write a business plan
Your plan should help you open your own business and achieve your first successes. It includes everything that concerns your company:
- your resume;
- characteristics of the company;
- description of technologies, personnel, resources used to achieve success;
- detailed market analysis;
- description of services and ways to attract customers;
- monitoring of future revenues.
Write about financing if you use borrowed money.
- Obtain commercial driving certificates
To transport goods, the driver needs to obtain a commercial license (CDL). Every truck driver should have it. To obtain such a license, drivers must go through some procedures and pay a registration fee.
- Select an agent
For the full operation of the business, you need agents in each state. They will represent your interests when any problems arise.
- Determine the type of cargo transportation.
The carrier will have to deal with the tax authority (IRS). To interact with it, you need to choose one of 4 types of business:
- Individual entrepreneur;
- LLC;
- Partnership;
- Corporation.
- Create a Bank Account
Apply to open a bank account and a credit card for your business.
- Comply with the legal requirements
Without the necessary documents, your cargo transportation activity is invalid. You need to comply with all legislative norms at the federal and regional levels. Here is a list of the main documents:
- DOT and MC numbers;
- Cargo insurance policy;
- Fuel tax sticker;
- Employment identification number.
In addition to these, you may need documents provided for in the state of Oklahoma.
- Solve financial issues
It is good if you have enough of your own funds. Otherwise, you will need to find investors or take loans at low interest rates.
- Buy or rent trucks
No need to buy machines that have used up the resource. Trucks should be no older than 5 years with a mileage of up to 600,000 miles.
- Subscribe to the download board
This service will provide you with invaluable assistance when you need to contact a shipper or broker. Here you can find loads, choose convenient routes and do many other useful things.
- Manage your finances
To start a business, you will need money for staff, drivers, equipment. For further financial management, find an experienced accountant.
- Hire drivers
This should be done at the end, when all other issues are resolved.
This work will require you to mobilize attention and energy. To succeed in this niche, you need to follow all the nuances of the business.
Contact us about obtaining the prestigious profession of a cargo dispatcher. Our staff is always in touch.
06/29/2022