Starting a Freightliner Business? Optimize Your Success Using These Tips & Tricks

Experts warn that due to current trends, there could be a shortage of about 175,000 truck drivers by the year 2024, which makes this a perfect time to start a freelance freightliner business of your own. Here are a few things you can do to optimize your success and your profit margins from the get-go:

Buy Your Rig Used

An excellent way to save yourself some money on startup costs without sacrificing efficiency or quality is to buy your freightliner truck used. You can find used trucks on the market that are in like-new condition yet they come with a smaller price tag than their brand-new counterparts. It's a good idea to have a trusted mechanic inspect potential used trucks you consider buying before making any commitments, as this will ensure that you invest in a rig that won't break down or require extensive maintenance during your first few years of doing business.

It is also important to test drive any used trucks you consider investing in on the highway to mimic long-distance drives. This will give you an idea of how comfortable you'll be behind the wheel for long periods at a time and make it easier to decide which prospective rig is most likely to meet your personal needs as time goes on.

Turn Your Truck into a Billboard

Make it easy to gain new clients while building your business by turning the used truck you purchase into a 24-hour billboard that promotes your services anytime you're on the road or parked in public. Start by having your logo and phone number airbrushed on the hood of the truck, and then attach magnetic signs to each door that feature the types of transport services you want to specialize in. You can also have a banner made that can be attached to the back door of any containers you transport with your truck. The idea is to get the word out about your business while driving across the state or country so potential customers recognize your business name when they look for a transport provider to hire.

Offer First-Time Customer Discounts

To get new customers in the door and hopefully keep them there long-term, consider offering your first-time customers a small discount on their initial service orders. Promote the discount as a trial offer, which allows customers to "try" your services before signing any long-term contracts or paying full price for their orders. Offer a small 10 percent discount for local transports and a little more for higher paying, long-distance transports to attract new customers, and make sure that your calendar is completely clear when it comes time to provide those first-time services so you can put your full attention to the job and ensure it's done well.

Set Yourself up for Long-Distance Transports

Transporting goods long-distance for customers is an effective way to optimize your profits because you won't lose out on any business due to distance restraints. By offering your services nationwide, you open yourself up to customers from almost every state in the country, so you could essentially grow your business into a large national chain in the long run if you want to.

But you need to set yourself up for successful long-distance transports to ensure time isn't wasted when you're on the road and your profits are maximized. So, enhance the driver's seat with a custom support cushion and a new steering wheel cover that wicks sweat and optimizes grip so you can sit and drive for several hours between breaks without getting uncomfortable, which will help keep you from losing any time on the road.

You can also save time and money by eliminating the need for hotel stays – put a cozy sleeping cot in the back of your cab and store a cooler between the seats for food. Keep a sleeping bag and small pillow under or behind a seat, and invest in a portable heater that can be plugged into the cigarette lighter in your truck on cold nights.

With the help of these tips and tricks, you should be able to grow a successful and profitable business as a freelance commercial truck driver. Learn more by visiting resources like http://www.arrowtruck.com/.

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