Want to get started on starting a shipping business?
Believe us, we understand. Launching a company that transports goods between cities or countries is an exciting endeavor.
Before you jump ahead and buy lots of boxes, labels, and glue, take a deep breath and slow down. Starting a business isn’t as easy as handing someone a box.
If you want a shipping business that will stand the test of time, you need to learn the process of setting one up.
Keep reading for our top advice on starting a shipping business.
Type of Business
The first step in starting a shipping business is to decide which type of business you want to start. Do you want to start a local shipping business that delivers packages within a certain area? Or do you want to start a national shipping business that ships packages all over the country?
Once you’ve decided which type of shipping business you want to start, you can begin researching the specific requirements for starting that type of business.
Develop a Plan
A business plan is a critical component of starting a shipping business. It will lay out your business goals, strategies, and how you plan to achieve them. Without a business plan, it will be difficult to make your business venture successful.
Business Structure
Another step is to choose a business structure. Will you be a sole proprietor, partnership, limited liability company (LLC), or a corporation? Each has its own advantages and disadvantages.
The business structure you choose will affect how you file taxes, how much you pay in taxes, and your personal liability.
Licenses and Permits
Depending on the type of business you’re starting, you may need to get a business license, a resale license, and/or a permit to operate a commercial vehicle. You can usually apply for these licenses and permits from your local city or county business office.
Find a Location
You will need to find a location that is close to your customers and suppliers. Find a location that has good transportation access where you can monitor your trucks easily. You can click for more info here on how you can monitor your trucks.
Once you have found a suitable location, you will need to negotiate a lease with the landlord. You need to make sure that the lease includes a clause that allows you to rent out the space to your shipping customers.
Purchase Supplies
A computer and a printer are important to print labels. Also, a reliable scale to weigh packages, shipping containers of various sizes, packing material like bubble wrap or packing peanuts, and tape. You may further need access to a postage meter.
You can purchase these supplies online or at a shipping supply store.
Hire Employees
You will need to find individuals who are responsible and have experience in shipping companies. Once you have found a few potential candidates, be sure to conduct thorough interviews and check references.
Also, be sure to offer competitive salaries and benefits packages in order to attract the best employees.
A Successful Shipping Business
If you’re looking to start a shipping business, this guide can help get you started. Outline your business plan, research the shipping industry, find a niche market, acquire the needed licenses and permits, and get started shipping.
With careful planning and execution, you can be successful in the shipping business.
If you found these shipping tips helpful, check out some of our other business advice posts.
