Starting a haulage business is almost no different than any other. Some services are worth partnering with, laws to abide by and even niches to narrow down to capitalise on trends. The only huge difference is, of course, that you require a fleet or a vehicle to work with.

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Choose the Right Place as a Base

Choosing a location for your new transport service is one of the critical factors of the entire endeavour. You need to be where the action is, and there are some key places across the globe. Online services like BuyAssociation Group offer valuable data about attractive expansions in the UK and the world’s most exciting cities. These are where you need to be. Top prospects in the UK include Liverpool for its docks and Manchester for its close ties to industry. 

Partner with External Services

Almost all modern businesses in 2024 need partners of some kind. And as a courier, logistics plays a crucial role in providing a quality service. Whether you are a solo HGV driver or a delivery service with a fleet of 100 vans, services like Amazon Relay are vital for finding quality work and contracts. Online logistics services offer access to haulage loads with hassle-free tools built on modern technology via short-term contracts, auctions and live leaderboards.

Know the Law when Starting a Haulage Business

Transport is one of the most heavily regulated sectors in the world, especially for international work. However, each country has domestic solid links, with over 72,000 operator licences distributed in 2017 in the UK alone. As a haulier, there are plenty of legal obligations besides being approved. There are many insurance types to consider, such as transit insurance. Then there are also tachograph laws that monitor how you drive, which is needed for EU transport.

Choose the Right Vehicle(s)

The vehicle(s) you use are the bread and butter of your operations. Of course, the type of transport you need is heavily dependent on the services you offer and the loads you choose. Suitable vehicles for haulage range from 7.5 tonnes to articulated lorries that can handle 44 tonnes. Anything from a van to curtain-sided trailers and articulated is the primary choice for most couriers. Of course, you will also need the licences and permits to operate these too.

Narrow Down a Viable Niche

Like any business, a haulage business will benefit from a viable niche. Viability is the key word here because there needs to be demand for your business type. This means choosing a sector to which you can cater. For example, delivering fresh halal meats to Muslim restaurants is a great niche that can set you apart. Yet you will also need to research the requirements of this. A niche can also be location-specific, like in a city with a sizable Muslim population, for example.

Summary

Being close to the action with a good base of operations is just one consideration when starting a haulage business. You also need to understand your legal obligations. And catering to a specific niche market can help drive business when starting out with a new courier company.

starting a haulage company

About the Author: John Loughran