For some people, spending their working days stuck behind a desk is their idea of a nightmare. If this sounds like you, then a job that allows you to get out and on the road could be an ideal choice. Being on the road brings so much freedom, and there is no chance of getting bored when you always have a new destination to reach. If you like the idea of working in the transportation industry, you may be considering launching your own business so you have greater control over your work life. Here is what you need to do before starting a transportation business:
Apply for Your License
Before you can get on the road and start working as a truck driver, you will need to obtain the necessary training and licenses to make this possible. You will need to work towards getting your Commercial Driver’s License. Getting your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) requires you to follow several steps and meet the necessary requirements. Firstly, you need a copy of the Commercial Driver’s Licensing Manual. Each state has different manual variations, so you will need to obtain one specific to your location. You will need to decide on the kind of commercial vehicle you plan to drive, as this will impact the type of license you require. You will then need to apply for your Commercial Learner’s Permit, which will enable you to practice with a qualified instructor ready for your test. As part of the process of obtaining your Commercial Driver’s License, you will need to undertake a physical exam, the driving test, the Vehicle’s Inspection Test, and the Basic Controls Test.
Consider Your Business Model
Figuring out how you want to run your business is a significant consideration and something that requires plenty of thought. If you like the idea of being fully independent and do not mind searching for leads and securing contracts yourself, you may want to consider launching your own logistics business to have complete control over your business operation. However, if you prefer to enjoy the benefits of running your own business with less hassle, then becoming a power only owner operator could be the best choice for you. As the owner operator, you will use your own truck for the job with your branding. Working on a power only basis means you do not need to worry about the loading and unloading of cargo; you can simply do what you do best and drive without the hassle of dealing with the load.
Organize Your Insurance
To run your own logistics company, you will need to have the appropriate insurance in place. To ensure you have the proper level of insurance cover, you will need to do some research and consider the loads you will be transporting. Some of the companies you work for may require you to have specific levels of insurance cover before they work with you, so it pays to do your research to avoid any trouble down the line.