Month: May 2012

Categories
Business

Trucking Company Marketing Ideas

If you’re ready to expand your trucking company’s reach, standard marketing and advertising ideas will work, but research all the options to get your company’s name out there. Targeted marketing often gets you the biggest bang for your buck, while a broader approach can help you reach previously unrealized clientele. And there’s no reason you can’t incorporate both.

Promotions

Offer special promotions, such as discounts for multiple shipments, or give out bonus miles for shipments above a certain price. Advertise monthly deals or discounts for shipments following an established route–especially if the truck isn’t fully stocked for the trip–similar to how airlines lower prices at certain times to ensure full flights.

Team Up

As a trucking company you can agree to display or hand out brochures of other companies, in return that they’ll do the same for you. Companies you could target range from storage facilities to manufacturers or packing companies.

Media

Beyond radio, TV, Web ads and print, social network sites offer free advertising. Create a Twitter account or a Facebook page. If TV spots seem beyond your budget, create a YouTube commercial. You’re selling your brand, so accentuate what separates your trucking company from the others. If you specialize in certain regions, advertise on Craigslist in those areas.

Incentives

As the old saying goes, “It takes months to find a new customer … seconds to lose one.” Stay diligent with your existing clientele. Offer discounts to current customers for bringing in new customers. You can also give discounts to clients referring others after a certain number of shipments have been purchased.

Email Marketing

An email marketing service lets you stay in touch with your customers and prospective clients, without doing all the legwork. As of 2010, monthly prices range from $14.99 for up to 500 contacts to $149.99 for 25,000 contacts, so depending on your budget and desired reach, you’ll find a plan to fit your needs.

Rent Out Space

You can utilize the space on the side of your trucks to advertise for charitable causes or events. Next to the charity banner, your company name will be on proud display. Think of it as a mobile or portable billboard, connecting your company to a good cause. You can charge for the space or rent it out for free in exchange for free advertising.

http://rightnowloads.com/

Categories
Carriers

How to Compare Car Insurance for New Drivers

Car insurance is required for anyone who drives a vehicle. A new driver such as a teenager will typically be listed on his parents’ auto insurance policy. Auto insurance policies can vary from insurer to insurer, so it is important to compare prices to see which company offers the better value for the price. Comparing auto insurance for new drivers is a cost-effective measure that can be done by following a few simple steps.

Obtain a price or rate quote from a couple of different insurers to compare. A price or rate quote can be obtained online at an insurers website or by visiting a local insurance agent. Be prepared to provide some basic information about the vehicle and the person being insured.

Research available coverages. Coverage on a car insurance policy can vary from insurer to insurer. Keep in mind that most states require a minimum amount of liability coverage. See what the price difference is for full coverage on each price or rate quote.

Look at the available discounts. Each insurer will have many of the same types of discounts available for car insurance policies. There should be a section on the quote for the discounts that are being applied to the premium.

Consider the cost of the policy when a different deductible is selected. A deductible can range from $250 up to $1000 or more, depending on what a person wants to pay. Select the deductible that seems appropriate and affordable for the insured person.

Find out if an insurer charges a higher premium or applies a higher rate if an insured has a ticket or a violation. Depending on the insurer, they may forgive the first minor violation before applying a higher premium rate.

Look at the billing schedule for each rate quote and see if there is a discount for paying the premium in full each year. Most insurers offer this option, but you may need to ask, if this information does not appear on the billing schedule.

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Categories
Carriers

Comparing Truck Loading Ramps

Truck loading ramps may be composed of different materials depending on the projected use. While aluminum is the standard material of construction, newer plastic ramps are also making an entry. Most ramps have a serrated surface, which helps for better traction. Bike loading ramps especially are extra wide to help you walk the bike into the truck. With a lot of companies manufacturing and selling truck loading ramps, choosing the right model can be a difficult job. Understanding your specific requirements is the key to making the right decision.

Clarify the purpose. List out the materials you are going to move using a truck-loading ramp. This will help you decide upon the criteria that you need to keep in mind while choosing the right ramp. If you are going to move loads using a heavier loading machine, the ramp will need to be sturdy enough to bear the weight of the loading machine, too.

Search for models. Search on sites like Discount Ramps, Auto Anything and Ramp Connection. Find the category of truck loading ramp that suits your particular purpose. Especially focus on the visuals provided — it will help you check how the system looks and works.

Study and compare features. Scrutinize the characteristics of the ramp based on the requirements you listed out in the first step. Repeat this process with different company models and evaluate similarities and differences. Most models for a specific application will have similar technical specifications — the differences will be with respect to other features like simplicity of installation and maintenance. Compare models for ease of cleaning and storage. Ramps that can be easily dismantled to the smallest sizes will take up less storage space. If a company provides you with detailed drawings on how to install the ramp, it will prove to be of greater value in the end — even untrained staff can set it up at your premises. Also evaluate safety features — these can vary between models.

Evaluate flexibility of design. If, for a given function, there are two or more companies that have the right products, check which one of them is open to providing you customization. This ensures you get a model that built to your specific requirements; this results in optimum utilization of the ramp.

Compare prices and offers. Check the prices quoted by different companies. Find out if there are any special offers or discounts provided. Carefully study the fine print regarding warranty period.

http://rightnowloads.com/

Categories
Carriers

How to Find Good Trucking Loads

As freight volumes drop, finding the right load is no longer just about locating those that pay the most. The most important factor to consider is finding a return load. This is the key to making a profit. Load boards are a valuable resource when it comes to finding loads and planning trips, but you need to exercise your judgment to make good use of all that information. It’s best to provide services to a targeted market depending upon the capabilities of your truck. This narrows down your hunt and allows you to concentrate efforts on building up your services to cater to the specific requirements of clients.

Trucking load boards provide access to a wide range of information; of which, matching loads to trucks is an important aspect. Visit websites like Getloaded, 123LoadBoard and Internet TruckStop. Doing some research into the way these load boards function so you can get the most value from use.

Select the right load board. Find out if they have a free trial period and make use of it. Compare the features of each service to find the easiest to use and most reasonably priced. Read testimonials provided by people who have used the load boards. Ask friends in the trucking community their opinion. Select the load board that’s most meets your needs and sign up by paying the monthly fee.

Select the right load. Log on to the load board and search for available loads. Consider the capabilities of your truck and personnel while choosing a what loads to haul. Find loads that pay reasonably. Don’t blindly jump at ones that are highest paying — consider the more important criterion of finding a return load, which can drastically cut your costs. Use the tools provided by the load board to match outbound and return loads.

Once you’ve found a load that appears to meet your criterion, research the shipper. Visit the websites of companies you’re interested in doing business with. Find out how big the company is and details of the products they ship. Again, it’s a good idea to canvas other trucker friends get their input and experience hauling for a particular shipper. Was pay timely? Where they made to wait to load, unload freight. Were their trucks overloaded? Were delivery expectations reasonable? Get the scoop from other drivers wherever possible.

Get in touch with customers who have loads that work for your business. Send an email providing details of your truck service and your contact information. Fix an appointment to discuss business. When communicating with potential client, present relevant information about your truck service. Ask questions regarding the type of cargo hauled to be sure you have the proper equipment to handle the job. Inquire about the frequency of loads, the value of the freight, lead time and payment terms. Use this information to determine your quote.

http://rightnowloads.com/

Categories
Business

How to Start a Freight Contracting Business

A freight contractor serves two kinds of customers: the truckers who rely on the contractor to find jobs and the businesses who turn to contractors to find qualified truckers to successfully haul their loads. Some contractors charge a percentage to the truckers for their services, while others work on retainers for large corporations that use only brokers for their trucking needs.

Develop a business plan that spells out the procedures your company will follow, the amount of financing needed to get the business off the ground, lists of trucking industry contacts that are potential clients and goals that determine the pace of growth over one, three and five years. Hire a consultant well versed in the freight industry to develop the initial plans to make sure you have all your bases covered.

Invest in training courses designed to teach all the ins and outs of the freight brokerage industry. Programs such as those from the DOT Authority can show you how to develop clients, write contracts, negotiate fees and apply for a freight broker license and processing agent documentation (BOC-3) for every state in which you will operate.

Design a website or hire a company familiar with job boards and bidding sites to create a site that you can market to truckers. Use search engine optimization techniques to attract visitors. Begin to market your services through truckers associations, radio stations, industry associations and trucker publications.

Apply for the three legal documents you need to operate in the U.S.: a freight broker license, from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA, $300); a minimum $10,000 bond to protect your contracts; and processing agent documentation from the FMCSA ($50). The latter document designates who will act as your processing agent in case you are served court papers while doing business as a freight broker.

Purchase freight broker software to manage your accounts and tap into the many job boards and carriers who are available for work. Systems provided by companies such as Load Pilot provide brokers with access to Internet-based job boards where they can post jobs, check on truckers’ credentials and manage agents.


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Categories
Business

Becoming a Pilot Car Driver for Oversized Vehicles

A pilot car driver is an important part of the team that transports an oversized load from place to place. This lead escort vehicle warns the surrounding or oncoming traffic that the truck’s load exceeds the normal width or weight. The oversized load carrier relies on the pilot car to help provide safe lane changes and to help the load carrier navigate winding curves or tight bridges.

Contact the Oversize Permit Unit or Pilot Car Unit of your state’s department of transportation. Apply for a permit. Inquire about certification or special classes required for your state. As of June 2011, Washington, Arizona, Utah, Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, New York, Virginia, North Carolina and Florida require pilot car certification. Complete a program and receive certification as an escort vehicle operator. Many states recognize certification from other states.

Insure your vehicle for business use as pilot car. Discuss the premium increase with your insurance agent. You will need to factor this into the price you charge for your services.

Ensure that your vehicle is in top condition with excellent tires, comfortable seats and a wheelbase of at least 102 inches. Purchase a CB radio and antenna. Equip your vehicle with the appropriate warning lights, flags, flares and “Oversize Load” signs and identification placards that comply with your state’s vehicle code. Purchase an orange safety vest, cell phone, map books, GPS device, hard hat, fire extinguisher and first aid kit.

Research companies that are hiring pilot car drivers. This can be done on the Internet or in the yellow pages. Apply for a position. Produce your certification if required. Alternatively, start up on your own as a sole proprietor. You will need approximately $700 to $1,000 to set your vehicle up as a pilot car.

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Categories
Business

Ways to Secure Truck Loads

Pickup trucks serve as an efficient way to transport goods. When you drive a short distance or with a load that perfectly fits in your truck bed, you typically don’t need to worry about securing anything. However, most items don’t fit perfectly into pickup trucks. You can secure your goods using ropes, bungee cords or mesh covers.

Secure large items using a rope. Tie a rope around the item. Tie the other end of the rope to the holes in the sides of the truck. This will not keep items from sliding somewhat, but it will keep them secure.

Secure small or medium-sized items with bungee cords. Place the item on the bottom of the truck bed. Run a bungee cord across the item, diagonally. Run a second bungee cord across the item to make an “X.” Attach the cords to the grooves in the truck bed floor. For additional security, install D-rings into your truck bed floor and attach bungee cords to the D-rings.

Use bull rings and ratchet straps to secure large appliances. Attach bull rings to your truck bed. These will prove very useful if you move large items frequently. Attach the ratchet straps to the bull rings and tie them around the appliances. Tighten the ratchet to secure items.

Balance loads to keep them safe. Place items on your truck so that they are as low to the bed as possible. Do not stack items. Instead, place all items so that they touch the bottom of the truck bed.

Pull a mesh truck-bed cover over your entire load. These covers will not prevent small items from sliding around the truck bed, but will prevent them from flying off the truck.

http://rightnowloads.com/

Categories
Carriers

Finding a Good Trucking Loads

As freight volumes drop, finding the right load is no longer just about locating those that pay the most. The most important factor to consider is finding a return load. This is the key to making a profit. Load boards are a valuable resource when it comes to finding loads and planning trips, but you need to exercise your judgment to make good use of all that information. It’s best to provide services to a targeted market depending upon the capabilities of your truck. This narrows down your hunt and allows you to concentrate efforts on building up your services to cater to the specific requirements of clients.

Trucking load boards provide access to a wide range of information; of which, matching loads to trucks is an important aspect. Visit websites like Getloaded, 123LoadBoard and Internet TruckStop. Doing some research into the way these load boards function so you can get the most value from use.

Select the right load board. Find out if they have a free trial period and make use of it. Compare the features of each service to find the easiest to use and most reasonably priced. Read testimonials provided by people who have used the load boards. Ask friends in the trucking community their opinion. Select the load board that’s most meets your needs and sign up by paying the monthly fee.

Select the right load. Log on to the load board and search for available loads. Consider the capabilities of your truck and personnel while choosing a what loads to haul. Find loads that pay reasonably. Don’t blindly jump at ones that are highest paying — consider the more important criterion of finding a return load, which can drastically cut your costs. Use the tools provided by the load board to match outbound and return loads.

Once you’ve found a load that appears to meet your criterion, research the shipper. Visit the websites of companies you’re interested in doing business with. Find out how big the company is and details of the products they ship. Again, it’s a good idea to canvas other trucker friends get their input and experience hauling for a particular shipper. Was pay timely? Where they made to wait to load, unload freight. Were their trucks overloaded? Were delivery expectations reasonable? Get the scoop from other drivers wherever possible.

Get in touch with customers who have loads that work for your business. Send an email providing details of your truck service and your contact information. Fix an appointment to discuss business. When communicating with potential client, present relevant information about your truck service. Ask questions regarding the type of cargo hauled to be sure you have the proper equipment to handle the job. Inquire about the frequency of loads, the value of the freight, lead time and payment terms. Use this information to determine your quote.

http://rightnowloads.com/

Categories
Carriers

Applying for Interstate Trucking Authority

Decide whom you want to work for. A common authority lets you work with the public with a moving company, for instance. To do interstate trucking for businesses, you’ll need contract authority.

Determine what goods you want to transport. You need household goods authority to work as a mover. General commodities is appropriate for work with trucking companies. To arrange transport between states without taking responsibility for the cargo, get a broker authority.

File for a USDOT number. This is issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). They regulate safety measures for commercial transportation activities.

Fill out the OP-1 form with the FMCSA for obtaining interstate operating authority. This shows you’ve got adequate insurance to cover property loss or damage and personal injuries.

File the BOC-3 form. This designates you have a process agent in all 50 states who’s willing to receive and forward legal documents to you.

File the BOC-3 form. This designates you have a process agent in all 50 states who’s willing to receive and forward legal documents to you.

Expect the interstate trucking authority registration process to take at least 30 days. Once you get your license, you must register it with the Single State Registration System. This is something you’ll have to do yearly.

http://rightnowloads.com/