Getting Started in the Biz!

Today, I am posting how to get started in the auto transportation industry.

First, you have to decide what size truck and trailer you want to buy. This depends on how many vehicles you want to transport at one time, and what type of drivers license you have.

The best way to start is with a 2 car rollback, you do not need a CDL to drive it, and it is easier to fill up when you are building up your customer base.

There are numerous truck and trailer combinations in the industry, and deciding which one is right for you is about the biggest decision you will make when getting started.

After you decide on your equipment to get started, you must decide on what areas you will travel। You cannot be in 2 places at once, so keep your areas close to your home base.

Before you can hit the road you must make sure you are in compliance with all Dot licensing requirements, and local MVA laws।

You can find all the DOT info at the DOT website, or do a search, and there are companies that will assist you in obtaining all the proper licenses for a fee.

You must have a DOT number and a MC number। The DOT wants to know certain things about you and your company, and the type of insurance you have। They have certain insurance requirements, depending on the GVW of your truck and trailer.

This cuts down on delivery times, and FUEL COST!

When building up your customer base, there are several things you need to do.

Have your truck lettered up with all of your contact info, ie: name, phone numbers, website, email address.

Have some shirts printed up with your company info on them , and where them when representing your company.

Make sure your truck looks clean and sharp, this really impresses potential customers.

Go get some business cards printed , and go around to every car dealer, in the area you want to travel and start meeting with the used car managers.

You will also need to network with other carriers in your area, and tell them you will do there overflow work. In this business, transporters exchange and sublet vehicles 24/7.

Go to the local car auctions in your area, public and dealer only.

You can find the address out by logging onto Manheim.com, and Adessa.com. Then go to auction finder, and bingo, all the info is right there for each auction.

This where the action is!

Go out in the lanes and start giving out cards!

When transporting for dealers, this is called wholesale transportation in the industry.

You will get more vehicles at once, and price them by the each.

If you want to do retail transportation, this is transporting vehicles for the public.

You will need a website, and an ad in your local yellow pages, both are a MUST!

Here is a list of my future posts about the auto transport industry:

A list of all the different types of trucks and trailers.

Dispatching, and routing, and how to price your vehicles.

Record retention.

How to interview and hire drivers.

Auto transport accounting practices.

Purchasing, and selling of trucks and trailers.

Recommended manuals to have in the office with DOT requirements.

How to retrieve vehicles from an auction.

Proper loading and tieing down of vehicles on your truck and trailer.

Fuel savings tips.

If there is a subject you would like to know more about, or have any questions for me, please email me, and I will get back to you asap!

Robert Edelstein