The difficulties of starting a moving company are enough to drive away even the most persistent of entrepreneurs. However, this is not a reason for you to give up before you’ve given yourself a chance to succeed. Even if the size of your operation is small at first, perseverance and expertise will help you in the long run, and you’ll be more than ready to take on big projects when they come calling.
So, how do you start a moving company? Below is an ultimate guide to help you get started on the right foot.
What You Need to Start a Moving Business
Many people who want to start a moving business don’t even consider their lack of experience to be an issue. However, if you’re completely new to this line of work it will take much longer for you to get established in the industry.
But don’t let this discourage you. If moving is what you’re passionate about, it doesn’t matter whether you’ve got experience in the industry. Just remember to do your homework and make sure you know what you need to know for starting a moving company before actually starting one.
There are many things you’ll need to open a moving company, from basic things like business licenses and insurance policies to more complicated items such as trucks or trailers. For instance, you might not know how much it costs to start a moving company until you do some research, but it could end up being quite expensive.
So, this guide will give you an overview of the most important things you’ll need to open and maintain a successful moving company.
Licenses and Permits
Of course, there are certain licenses and permits you’ll need to operate a moving company. The most important one of these is a DOT license, which allows you to transport goods across state lines. It’s generally possible for an owner-operator or larger fleet to apply for this license, though it may require extra qualifications such as a certain amount of time in the industry.
Finding and Hiring Employees
There’s no way around it: if you want your business to be successful, you will have to hire employees. Even if you’re an owner-operator with a small trucking company, it will still be necessary for you to hire some help at some point. This is especially true when you get larger jobs like commercial moves and long-distance moves, which require the use of more than one truck and several employees such as movers and laborers.
A Truck and Trailer Broker
If you don’t already own your business’ trucks and trailers, then finding a reliable company to provide this equipment may be difficult. You could also buy flat-top trailers for small jobs that don’t require too much space so you’ll have your own equipment.
However, there are several benefits to using trucking brokers: it’s easy to compare rates and keep an eye on your budget, and you can rent their equipment for as long as you need it. That’s why you should consider using an experienced company to find the right trucks and trailers for your business.
Office Space and Logistics
You’ll need to decide whether you want to work out of your home or get an office space somewhere. Either way, it’s wise to make sure that plenty of parking spots are available for your employees and any trucks or trailers you may own. For the sake of security, it might be sensible to lease a storage unit for all your equipment, too.
Marketing the Business
One of the most common mistakes made by those who start a moving company is neglecting to market it properly. This will not only lead to fewer customers, but you’ll also wind up paying for advertisements that don’t help your business grow.
You can accomplish plenty with free advertising and social media, but if you want an effective advertisement strategy, you will have to pay for it. Even so, it’s best to tread carefully when spending money on advertisements because there are many scams out there.
Moving is a very competitive industry, so it’s important to be prepared before starting your own business. However, with the right amount of passion and patience, you can create something successful — just remember that you’ll need to act fast if you’re determined to open within the year.
The best thing about starting your own moving company is that it’s not just a business. It’s your chance to work in an industry that you’re passionate about, and the opportunities are nearly endless when it comes to moving services. So, good luck with deciding what type of service to offer and how to get started.