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Trucking Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Trucking Company Business Plan

You’ve come to the right place to create your trucking business plan.

We have helped over 100,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans and many have used them to start or grow their trucking companies.

Trucking Business Plan Example

Below is a sample trucking business plan template to help you write a trucking business plan for your own company.

Executive Summary

Business overview.

On The Road Trucking (OTRT) is a new trucking company located in Dallas, Texas. The company was founded by Michael Williams, a trucking and logistics professional who has over 20 years of management experience in trucking and logistics. Michael is confident in his ability to effectively negotiate contracts, oversee drivers and employees, and minimize costs as he ventures out to start his own trucking company. Michael plans on recruiting a team of highly qualified drivers, sales representatives, client relationship managers, and dispatchers to carry out the day-to-day operations of the company.  

On The Road Trucking will provide a comprehensive array of trucking and logistics services for any business or individual in need of freight distribution. OTRT will use the latest technology to ensure that every shipment is distributed efficiently and handled with the best of care. On The Road Trucking will be the ultimate choice in the Dallas, Texas area for customized trucking services.

Product Offering

The following are the services that On The Road Trucking will provide:

  • Dedicated fleet services
  • Flatbed transportation services
  • Local distribution services
  • Logistics services
  • Warehousing services

Customer Focus

On The Road Trucking will target all businesses and individuals in need of freight services. OTRT will begin by targeting small business owners in need of distribution services and individuals in need of shipping services who may not be able to get service from a larger trucking company because their shipment size is too small. No matter the client, On The Road Trucking will deliver a customer-centric experience where they will customize each shipment to match the customer’s specific requirements. 

Management Team

On The Road Trucking will be owned and operated by Michael Williams. He has recruited another experienced trucking professional and former CPA, Steve Brown to be the CFO of the new company and manage the financial oversight of the accounting department. 

Michael Williams is a graduate of the University of Texas with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management. He has been working at a local trucking company for over two decades as a Transportation Manager, and is well-versed in all aspects of the trucking industry. Micheal’s organizational skills and customer-first approach have garnered his reputation for being a cost-effective logistics manager with high standards for customer service. 

Steve Brown has been the accounting manager for a local trucking company for over ten years. Prior to his experience in trucking, Steve worked as a CPA in a local tax firm. Michael relies strongly on Steve’s attention to detail, diligence, and focus on cost-saving solutions.

Success Factors

On The Road Trucking will be able to achieve success by offering the following competitive advantages:

  • Proactive, helpful, and highly qualified team of sales representatives and dispatchers that are able to effectively navigate the journey of both customers and drivers. 
  • Customized service that allows for a small business or an individual to have their requirements accommodated. On The Road Trucking takes care of everything from truck inspections and maintenance to scheduling drivers, loading/unloading, and short-and-long range distribution. 
  • On The Road Trucking offers the best pricing for customized and small shipments compared to the competition.

Financial Highlights

On The Road Trucking is seeking $300,000 in debt financing to launch its trucking business. The funding will be dedicated towards securing the warehouse and purchasing the trucks. Funding will also be dedicated towards three months of overhead costs to include payroll of the staff, rent, and marketing costs for the print ads and association memberships. The breakout of the funding is below:

  • Warehouse build-out: $50,000
  • Trucks, equipment, and supplies:  $20,000
  • Three months of overhead expenses (payroll, rent, utilities):  $180,000
  • Marketing costs: $30,000
  • Working capital:  $20,000

The following graph below outlines the pro forma financial projections for On The Road Trucking.

successful trucking company financial highlights

Company Overview

Who is on the road trucking .

On The Road Trucking is a newly established trucking company in Dallas, Texas. On The Road Trucking will be the most reliable, secure, and efficient choice for small business owners and individuals in Dallas and the surrounding communities. OTRT will provide a personalized approach to trucking services for anyone in need of freight transportation. Their full-service approach includes comprehensive truck driver oversight, short-distance distribution, small shipments, and customized service.   

  On The Road Trucking’s team of professionals are highly qualified and experienced in trucking and logistics operations. OTRT removes all headaches that come with dealing with trucking companies and ensures all issues are taken care off expeditiously while delivering the best customer service.

On The Road Trucking History

OTRT is owned and operated by Michael Williams, a long-time trucking and logistics professional who has a Business Management degree. He worked at a local trucking company for over two decades where he served as Lead Transportation Manager for the last five years, and is well-versed in all aspects of the trucking and transportation industry. Micheal used his industry expertise to reach out to potential customers who may need small-size distribution services that are not offered by larger trucking businesses and letting them know about the services OTRT will offer. 

Since incorporation, On The Road Trucking has achieved the following milestones:

  • Registered On The Road Trucking, LLC to transact business in the state of Texas. 
  • Identified the target location for the warehouse. 
  • Contacted numerous small businesses to let them know about the services that will be offered. 
  • Began recruiting drivers, sales representatives, and dispatchers. 

On The Road Trucking Services

The following will be the services On The Road Trucking will provide:

Industry Analysis

As the primary source of land freight distribution in the United States, the trucking industry is a $730B industry. 

There are approximately 900,000 available truck drivers across the country. The demand for drivers is much higher than the supply, which means there is a lot of opportunity for new companies to recruit people to become truck drivers by offering them better incentives than currently being offered by larger trucking companies. Additionally, a new trend in trucking is the increasing popularity of shorter or local hauls compared to long-distance. This poses an opportunity for companies to cater to the customers demanding short-distance hauls. 

Some challenges for trucking industry operators include rising fuel costs and an increased use of online booking and monitoring technology, which can leave traditional companies behind if they are using outdated systems. New entrants can benefit from using the latest technology from the outset, providing drivers with incentives to work with them, and implementing cost-effective solutions to reduce their fuel costs. 

Customer Analysis

Demographic profile of target market.

On The Road Trucking will target anyone in need of trucking services in Dallas, Texas and surrounding areas. Primarily, the company will target small businesses and individuals that may need local distribution or have small size hauls.  Below is a snapshot of this market.

Customer Segmentation

OTRT will primarily target the following customer profiles:

  • Small business owners
  • Small manufacturing companies
  • Individuals in need of freight transportation services

Competitive Analysis

Direct and indirect competitors.

On The Road Trucking will face competition from other companies with similar business profiles. A company description of each competitor is below.  

Texas Truck Services

Texas Truck Services provides trucking services, logistics services, freight distribution, and warehousing services. Located in Dallas, Texas Truck Services offers local service to the Dallas area. Texas Truck Services’s team of experienced professionals assures the hauls are run smoothly, freeing the customer from worry over whether their shipments will arrive on time and in good condition.   

US Trucking & Logistics

US Trucking & Logistics is a Dallas-based trucking and logistics company that provides freight distribution services for small businesses across Texas. The management team is composed of former truck drivers and business management professionals who are familiar with the trucking industry in Texas. US Trucking & Logistics uses electric vehicles to reduce its fuel costs, which allows the company to pass these savings on to its customers.   

Best Trucking

Best Trucking is a trusted Dallas-based trucking company that provides superior trucking and logistics service to customers in Dallas and the surrounding areas. Best Trucking provides shipping, receiving, packaging, and disposal services. The Best Trucking team of logistics experts ensures that each shipment is delivered with the highest security standards and that the entire freight process is smooth and seamless for its customers.   

Competitive Advantage

On The Road Trucking will be able to offer the following advantages over their competition:

  • Friendly, knowledgeable, and highly qualified team of trucking and logistics experts with extensive experience in the field. 
  • Use of the latest trucking and logistics technology to ensure each haul is handled with the best of care and delivered efficiently. 
  • On The Road Trucking offers local distribution and takes small hauls that may be denied by larger trucking companies. 

Marketing Plan

Brand & value proposition.

On The Road Trucking will offer the following unique value propositions to its clientele:

  • Highly-qualified team of skilled employees that is able to provide a comprehensive set of trucking services (shipping, receiving, monitoring, short-distance, small hauls).
  • Customized approach to freight distribution, leveraging technology and flexibility to provide the highest quality of service to its customers. 

Promotions Strategy 

The promotions strategy for On The Road Trucking is as follows:

Word of Mouth/Referrals Michael Williams has built up an extensive list of contacts over the years by providing exceptional service and expertise to his clients. Once Michael advised them he was leaving to open his own trucking business, they committed to follow him to his new company and help spread the word of On The Road Trucking.

Professional Associations and Networking On The Road Trucking will become a member of Texas Trucking Association (TTA), and American Trucking Association (ATA). They will focus their networking efforts on expanding their client network.

Print Advertising On The Road Trucking will invest in professionally designed print ads to include in industry publications.

Website/SEO Marketing On The Road Trucking will utilize their in-house marketing director that designed their print ads to also design their website. The website will be well organized, informative, and list all their services. The website will also list their contact information and provide information for people looking to become drivers. The marketing director will also manage the company’s website presence with SEO marketing tactics so that anytime someone types in the Google or Bing search engine “Dallas trucking company” or “trucking near me”, On The Road Trucking will be listed at the top of the search results.  

The pricing of On The Road Trucking will be moderate and on par with competitors so customers feel they receive value when purchasing their services. 

Operations Plan

The following will be the operations plan for On The Road Trucking.

Operation Functions:

  • Michael Williams will be the Co-Owner and President of the company. He will oversee all staff and manage client relations. Michael has spent the past year recruiting the following staff:
  • Steve Brown – Co-Owner and CFO who will be responsible for overseeing the accounts payable, accounts receivable, and managing the accounting department. 
  • Beth Davis – Staff Accountant will provide all client accounting, tax payments, and monthly financial reporting. She will report directly to Steve Brown. 
  • Tim Garcia – Marketing Manager who will provide all marketing, advertising, and PR for OTRT.
  • John Anderson – Safety Manager who will provide oversight on all maintenance and safety inspections of the vehicles and drivers. 

Milestones:

On The Road Trucking will have the following milestones complete in the next six months.

7/1/2022 – Finalize lease on warehouse

7/15/2022 – Finalize personnel and staff employment contracts for the management team

8/1/2022 – Finalize contracts for sales representatives, dispatchers, and initial drivers

9/15/2022 – Begin networking at industry events 

10/22/2022 – Begin moving into On The Road Trucking warehouse and securing trucks

11/1/2022 – On The Road Trucking opens for business

Michael Williams is a graduate of the University of Texas with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management. He has been working at a local trucking company for over two decades, most recently as a Transportation Manager, and is well-versed in all aspects of the trucking industry. Micheal’s organizational skills and customer-first approach have garnered his reputation for being a cost-effective logistics manager with high standards for customer service. 

Financial Plan

Key revenue & costs.

The revenue drivers for On The Road Trucking are the trucking fees they will charge to the customers for their services. Most trucking companies charge a per-mile rate. Average per-mile rates vary, but are typically between $2.30-3.30. 

The cost drivers will be the overhead costs required in order to staff a trucking operation. The expenses will be the payroll cost, rent, utilities, fuel and maintenance for the trucks, and marketing materials.

Funding Requirements and Use of Funds

Key assumptions.

The following outlines the key assumptions required in order to achieve the revenue and cost numbers in the financials and in order to pay off the startup business loan.

  • Number of Trucks in Fleet: 10
  • Average Fees per Truck per Month: $20,000
  • Warehouse Lease per Year: $100,000

Financial Projections

Income statement, balance sheet, cash flow statement, trucking business plan faqs, what is a trucking business plan.

A trucking business plan is a plan to start and/or grow your trucking business. Among other things, it outlines your business concept, identifies your target customers, presents your marketing plan and details your financial projections.

You can  easily complete your trucking business plan using our Trucking Business Plan Template here .

What are the Main Types of Trucking Companies?

There are a number of different kinds of trucking companies, some examples include: For- Hire Truckload Carriers, Less Than Truckload Carriers, Hotshot Truckers, Household Movers and Inter-Modal trucking.

How Do You Get Funding for Your Trucking Business Plan?

Trucking companies are often funded through small business loans. Personal savings, credit card financing and angel investors are also popular forms of funding. This is true for a business plan for a trucking company and a transportation business plan.

What are the Steps To Start a Trucking Business?

Starting a trucking business can be an exciting endeavor. Having a clear roadmap of the steps to start a business will help you stay focused on your goals and get started faster. 

1. Develop A Trucking Business Plan - The first step in starting a business is to create a detailed trucking business plan that outlines all aspects of the venture. Starting a trucking company business plan should include potential market size and target customers, the services or products you will offer, pricing strategies and a detailed financial forecast.  

2. Choose Your Legal Structure - It's important to select an appropriate legal entity for your trucking business. This could be a limited liability company (LLC), corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship. Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks so it’s important to do research and choose wisely so that your trucking business is in compliance with local laws.

3. Register Your Trucking Business - Once you have chosen a legal structure, the next step is to register your trucking business with the government or state where you’re operating from. This includes obtaining licenses and permits as required by federal, state, and local laws. 

4. Identify Financing Options - It’s likely that you’ll need some capital to start your trucking business, so take some time to identify what financing options are available such as bank loans, investor funding, grants, or crowdfunding platforms. 

5. Choose a Location - Whether you plan on operating out of a physical location or not, you should always have an idea of where you’ll be based should it become necessary in the future as well as what kind of space would be suitable for your operations. 

6. Hire Employees - There are several ways to find qualified employees including job boards like LinkedIn or Indeed as well as hiring agencies if needed – depending on what type of employees you need it might also be more effective to reach out directly through networking events. 

7. Acquire Necessary Trucking Equipment & Supplies - In order to start your trucking business, you'll need to purchase all of the necessary equipment and supplies to run a successful operation. 

8. Market & Promote Your Business - Once you have all the necessary pieces in place, it’s time to start promoting and marketing your trucking business. This includes creating a website, utilizing social media platforms like Facebook or Twitter, and having an effective Search Engine Optimization (SEO) strategy. You should also consider traditional marketing techniques such as radio or print advertising. 

Learn more about how to start a successful trucking business:

  • How to Start a Trucking Business

Where Can I Get a Trucking Business Plan PDF?

You can download our free trucking business plan template PDF here . This is a sample trucking business plan template you can use in PDF format.

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How to Create a Trucking Business Plan

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  • August 7, 2023

As with any business, creating a successful trucking business requires planning. You can’t just wing it and hope for the best. You might end up hemorrhaging money or, even worse, breaking laws if you try that. In most cases, you won’t be able to get your company off the ground in the first place without some planning because lenders, investors, and financing partners usually want to see a detailed trucking company business plan before providing you with the capital to purchase trucks, equipment, and everything else you need to launch your business.

All of that means that you’ll need to spend a little time preparing and writing up a business plan for your trucking company — but the good news is that your work will pay off! Not only can a comprehensive business plan for trucking help assure potential investors that you know what you’re doing, but it also serves as a road map of all the practical and logistical steps you’ll need to take to start your business off strong.

If you’re a little lost when it comes to writing a trucking business plan, don’t worry! In this guide, we’ll go over what you need to do and the information you need to know before writing your business plan, what to include in your business plan, and more, so you can start your trucking business off on the right foot.

What you need to do before writing your trucking business plan

Before you begin writing your trucking company business plan, you need to ensure that your business is an official business!

First, you’ll have to register your trucking business with your business name and choose a business structure . Your business structure selection can impact your taxes, required paperwork, personal liability, and ability to raise money, so you need to do your research and choose wisely. You can register your company as a sole proprietorship with a DBA, a partnership, a corporation, or a limited liability company (LLC).

Once you’ve registered your business, you need to apply for an employer identification number (EIN) from the IRS. They will use this nine-digit number for identification purposes and for general taxation. When it comes to fuel taxes, you’ll also need to set up an International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) account. This will normalize fuel taxes in all states and Canadian provinces.

In addition to your tax registration, you’ll also need to register your trucking business with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to receive your DOT number . This involves providing information on which states you’ll operate in, how many trucks you’ll have, your vehicle weight, what materials you plan on hauling, and more. All of that means applying for a DOT number can be a complicated, time-consuming process. If you need some help, DAT can handle your DOT number application , so you can focus on starting your business instead of the paperwork.

Before hitting the road, you’ll also need to apply for a motor carrier (MC) number from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) . An MC number will allow you to haul loads in interstate commerce in exchange for money or to deliver hazardous materials no matter where you drive. While getting your MC number can be complicated and stressful on your own, it’s simple with DAT .

However, your MC number isn’t the only thing you’ll need from the FMCSA. You’ll also need to file a BOC-3 form and specify a process agent before you can start carrying freight. Filing this form will give you a legal presence in every state where you operate and ensure the public can reach you for any legal matters down the road.

That’s not all, though. You’ll also need insurance. Insurance is essential for any business, but it’s especially vital for a trucking company. After all, so much is out of your control, from inclement weather to poorly maintained roads and distracted drivers. Accidents happen, and you must protect your business from financial fallout. We recommend carrying $750,000 in primary liability insurance, $100,000 in cargo insurance , and $1 million in liability insurance.

Finally, you should file a Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) application before starting your business plan and pay an annual registration fee based on the size of your fleet. This money will provide supplemental funding for state highway motor carrier registration, education, and safety programs.

What to know before creating your trucking business plan

In addition to having all your ducks in a row when it comes to the legalities of creating a business, you’ll need business knowledge and industry knowledge before you can create a sound trucking business plan — and that means conducting research.

You’ll want to learn about cash flow, return on investment, profit and loss, variable and fixed costs, and other business terms that will prove essential to your success. Doing the legwork now will come in handy later. Not only will you be more equipped to run and understand your business, but you’ll also be able to increase your credibility and show potential investors that you know what you’re doing.

More specifically, when it comes to writing a business plan, for trucking company leaders it’s important to:

  • Take stock of your assets and determine what they are worth.
  • Keep track of your liabilities.
  • Understand the difference between spot market and contract market rates.
  • Research the going rates in freight lanes.
  • Consider your projected average fuel cost, miles driven, and miles per gallon to determine operating costs.
  • Calculate how much cash flow your business needs to succeed.
  • Learn how to calculate your profit margin.
  • Know where to find loads (The DAT Load Board can make all the difference!).
  • Decide whether you’ll add fuel surcharges to your rates.
  • Learn the basics of accounting.
  • Develop operating procedures based on the type of cargo you intend to haul, its origin, and its destination.

By thinking about these things, gaining industry knowledge, and possessing general business acumen before writing the business plan for your trucking company, you can better understand your business and determine where to set your rates to ensure your business is profitable.

How to write your trucking company business plan

After you’ve filed all your forms and educated yourself on business and industry concepts, it’s time to write your trucking business plan! You’ll want to create a tailored business plan for your trucking company that will clearly showcase who you are, what you’re doing, and how your business differs from the competition.

It may sound intimidating, but the good news is that you don’t have to start your business plan for trucking entirely from scratch. In fact, you shouldn’t. Investors are used to seeing specific elements in certain orders, so make sure to include these elements in your business plan:

An executive summary This will serve as a brief overview of your company, its unique offerings, and your plans for the future. You’ll want to include information on your mission, finances, growth plans, and anything else you need to explain why you’re starting your business and why it will succeed.

Since your executive summary will be the first thing people will see, you want to make an excellent first impression. Otherwise, you might lose their attention before they get to the meat of your business plan.

A company description Another essential part of any trucking business plan is the company description. This will serve as your About Us section, so don’t be afraid to share who you are, what your business will do, who your ideal client is, how you plan to connect with them, and more. You can go a little deeper into your company’s mission and provide information on your experience in the trucking industry in this section as well. Also, be sure to include what sets you apart from the crowd, whether that’s your outstanding employees, freight specialization, or area of operations.

An operational plan In this part of your business plan for trucking, you’ll want to go over how your business will work and what steps you’ll take to make your business as profitable as possible. In your operational plan section, answer these questions: How will you handle dispatching? What about routing? Will there be other drivers? Will you use load boards, freight factoring , or accounting software to save time and money? What about fuel cards ? It’s critical that you’ve answered this question for yourself and for anyone else who may read your business plan before you can think about getting on the road.

Details of your services In this section of your trucking business plan, you’ll want to detail the services you’ll offer to future customers, how and where you’ll execute your services, which industries you’ll serve, and how you’ll meet demand. Make sure to think about things through the lens of your customers and the problems you’ll solve for them.

A market analysis The market analysis portion of your trucking business plan is essential. After all, the trucking market is crowded, which means you need to do your research and know exactly what to expect. The market analysis section is also your chance to show investors that you’re up-to-date with industry trends and market demands and know how to gain an advantage over your competitors.

You’ll want to include:

  • An industry description and outlook: This is where you can provide data on the current and future states of the trucking industry in terms of dollars and carriers. Make sure to talk about the number of competitors, the biggest carriers and shippers, the industry’s current annual revenue, other trends , and how the trucking industry will evolve over the next decade.
  • Your target market: Here, you can concentrate on your niche market. For example, if you plan on using reefers to deliver refrigerated loads, you can provide information on your niche’s market size and competitors.
  • Competitor analysis: You’ll want to include information about your competitors, their strengths and weaknesses, and their customers. Then, you can dive into how you’ll fill the gaps they aren’t targeting or why customers will choose your company over the competition.
  • Pricing and margins information: Here, you can provide details on how you plan on pricing your services, the margins you need to become a profitable business, and how your prices will compare to competitors.
  • Industry regulations: While developing a compliance plan for federal and state laws like Hours of Service limits, required permits and licenses, and fuel emissions requirements can seem tedious, it’s a non-negotiable. So, explain the regulations you’ll need to follow and create a clear compliance plan ahead of time.

Information on management and personnel You’ll also want to go over your approach to hiring, onboarding, and retaining office workers, dispatchers, or additional drivers in your business plan for trucking company success. After all, behind every business is its people — and if you don’t have the right people on your team, your business won’t succeed.

The importance of your people can’t be overemphasized. With the help of safe, qualified drivers, you can help establish your business as a trustworthy carrier and eventually gain new shippers and expand your operations. On the other hand, if you hire a non-compliant carrier, you might get into trouble with shippers and brokers.

Sales and marketing strategies Effective sales and marketing strategies can make all the difference, especially in today’s crowded market.

When it comes to marketing, detail how you’ll market your business, whether that means advertising on trucking industry websites, attending trade shows, buying email lists, or starting a social media page. Also, discuss the specific clients you want to target, and don’t forget to include a marketing budget! If you do all of these things in advance, you can develop a solid marketing strategy that will reach prospective customers at the right time, get you noticed, and help you build a loyal customer base.

As for your sales strategy, you’ll want to provide details on your sales operations, whether that means hiring a sales force or using a third-party sales company. Either way, you’ll want to include a budget, sales quotas, and details on how your salespeople will find and contact prospects.

Financial projections Any good business plan for trucking company success needs to include a discussion of the company’s finances and its ability to meet fiscal targets. Consider including a profit-loss statement, a sales forecast, a cash flow statement, a balance sheet, a break-even analysis, and financial projections in your trucking business plan.

A good rule of thumb is to provide financial projections for five years out. This will show investors you have a plan once your business gets going. So, if you plan on hiring new drivers down the road or perhaps purchasing reefers so you can get in on temperature-sensitive loads, let investors know ahead of time!

A funding request Funding requests are optional, but if you need money from investors or partners, it’s a good idea to include this section in your trucking business plan! After all, people won’t give you money if they don’t know you need it.

Finding out how much money you need is simple! Just subtract the amount of money you currently have from your projected costs and include that number in the funding request section. You can also list your assets and personal contributions to show investors you’re serious about your business. Above all, be specific about the money you need and how you’ll use it.

Building a successful trucking business with DAT

Starting a trucking business is a dream for many people, but you’ll need to put in a little work to turn that dream into a reality. That includes taking the time to really understand your industry and creating a sound trucking business plan.

Once you’ve set up your business and written a trucking company business plan, you’re ready to find loads and hit the road. DAT is here to help! Whether you need to view current lane rates to discover where your trucks are in high demand, are searching for loads from quality brokers and shippers , or want to save on fuel or factor with one of our trusted partners to improve your cash flow, DAT has you covered. Not only do we have decades of experience helping people get their start in trucking, but we’re also the largest on-demand freight marketplace in the industry, so you know you can always find a load that meets your business’ needs.

Ready to find freight faster, boost your negotiating game, get paid more quickly, and more? Check out our carrier services today!

Find freight quickly with the DAT load board!

Picking up the right loads before the competition can make or break your business. However, finding loads takes time and effort.

With the DAT load board , you can filter through loads to find the perfect match for your needs. Sign up today to start hauling the freight you want!

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Home » Transportation » Trucking Company

A Sample Trucking Company Business Plan Template

A trucking company is a company that is involved in transporting large quantities of raw materials, and finished goods over land—typically from manufacturing plants to retail distribution centers. The trucking industry hauled 72.5 percent of all freight transported in the United States in 2019, equating to 11.84 billion tons.

The trucking industry was a $791.7 billion industry in that same year, representing 80.4 percent of the nation’s freight bill. Available data shows that the industry is currently (2022) worth over $67.3 billion in the United States of America.

As of May 2015, over 90.0 percent of companies in the United States long-distance freight trucking industry are owner-operators. Therefore, even the top corporate operators only hold a small share of the total market.

According to the industry market research firm IBISWorld, J.B. Hunt Transport Services holds an estimated 2.5 percent market share, YRC Worldwide holds 1.8 percent, FedEx holds 1.6 percent, United Parcel Service of America owns 1.5 percent, and Con-way holds 1.4 percent.

Steps on How to Write a Trucking Company Business Plan

Executive summary.

Benny Blanco© Trucking Company, Inc. is a licensed trucking company that will be based in Springfield, Illinois. They focus on special services that include; oversized, rare, and unusual commercial and military cargo, as well as the planning, coordination, and transportation of hazardous nuclear waste from source to destination.

Benny Blanco© Trucking Company, Inc. has been able to secure all relevant licenses and permits to operate throughout the United States and Canada. We will ensure that we abide by the rules and regulations guiding the trucking industry and we will only hire experienced and qualified drivers with valid commercial driver’s licenses (CDL) to handle our trucks.

Benny Blanco is the founder and CEO of Benny Blanco© Trucking Company, Inc.

Company Profile

A. our products and services.

Benny Blanco© Trucking Company, Inc. will be involved in: Transporting large quantities of raw materials and finished goods over land—typically from manufacturing plants to retail distribution centers and also from seaports to warehouses et al.

b. Nature of the Business

Our trucking company will operate the business-to-consumer and business-to-business model.

c. The Industry

Benny Blanco© Trucking Company, Inc. will operate in the trucking industry.

d. Mission Statement

Our mission is to be at the forefront of our industry and to make sure we build a successful trucking company that will operate in the United States of America and Canada.

e. Vision Statement

Our vision of to be listed among the top ten trucking companies in the whole of North America.

f. Our Tagline (Slogan)

Benny Blanco© Trucking Company, Inc. – Your Trusted, Fast, and Highly Secured Trucking Company!

g. Legal Structure of the Business (LLC, C Corp, S Corp, LLP)

Benny Blanco© Trucking Company, Inc. will be formed as a Limited Liability Company (LLC). The reason why we are forming an LLC is to protect our assets by limiting the liability to the resources of the business itself. The LLC will protect our CEO’s assets from claims against the business, including lawsuits.

h. Our Organizational Structure

  • Chief Operating Officer (Owner)
  • Admin and HR Manager
  • Transport and Logistics Manager
  • Marketing and Sales Executive (Business Developer)
  • Truck and Van Drivers
  • Material Handlers/Yard Spotters/Forklifts Operators
  • Customer Services Executive/Front Desk Officer

i. Ownership/Shareholder Structure and Board Members

  • Benny Blanco (Owner and Chairman/Chief Executive Officer) 52 Percent Shares
  • Moses Selah (Board Member) 18 Percent Shares
  • Joe Toddler (Board Member) 10 Percent Shares
  • Cain Dickson (Board Member) 10 Percent Shares
  • Isabella Winston (Board Member and Sectary) 10 Percent Shares.

SWOT Analysis

A. strength.

  • Ideal location for a trucking company
  • Highly experienced and qualified employees and management
  • Access to finance from business partners
  • Large storage facility
  • Excellent customer testimonials
  • Reliable and efficient trucks and vans
  • Access to reliable trucking and logistics software.

b. Weakness

  • Financial Constraints
  • No structure for our maintenance and servicing team (will be contracting the servicing and maintenance of the trucks and vans for a period of a time)
  • A new business that will be competing with well-established trucking companies and also haulage and trucking companies
  • Inability to retain our highly experienced and qualified employees longer than we want

c. Opportunities

  • A rise in existing construction, manufacturing, and shipping activities will increase demand for trucking services
  • Online market, new services, new technology, and of course the opening of new markets
  • Increase in the number of families moving from one apartment to another
  • Increase in the movement of goods from one location to another
  • Increase in production activities and warehousing.

i. How Big is the Industry?

The trucking industry is very big in the United States of America. The industry is responsible for most of the overland freight movement in the United States, with the market worth 732.3 billion U.S. dollars in 2020. At that time, there were over 902,000 truck drivers employed in the U.S., which is less than the industry requires.

ii. Is the Industry Growing or Declining?

Although the trucking industry declined in 2020, the industry is currently experiencing growth. Available data shows that steady wage expenses and increasing prices of fuel amid the low demand during the pandemic were responsible for reducing industry profitability.

Revenue in the trucking industry dropped 0.7 percent in 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The good news is that as the economy rebounds and moves are rebooked, the industry is expected to grow.

The industry was projected to record 5.4 percent revenue growth in 2023 and this is expected to outweigh the declines experienced earlier in the period, including 2020. Because the industry was deemed an essential service, operators have been able to maintain operations during most of the pandemic.

iii. What are the Future Trends in the Industry

The trucking industry is changing, and players in the industry are improvising. No doubt, technology (software apps, dashboard cameras, and electric trucking) and climate change (people moving either from cooler to hotter regions or hotter to moderate regions) will change the landscape of the trucking industry going forward.

iv. Are There Existing Niches in the Industry? If YES, List them

No, there are no existing niches when it comes to a trucking company, but a trucking company may decide to specialize in transporting certain types of goods.

v. Can You Sell a Franchise of your Business in the Future?

Benny Blanco© Trucking Company, Inc. has plans to sell franchises in the nearest future and we will target major cities with thriving trucking markets in the United States of America.

  • The arrival of new trucking companies within our market space
  • Unfavorable government policy and regulations.
  • Steady wage expenses and increasing prices of fuel amid the low demand during the pandemic will reduce industry profitability.
  • Economic uncertainty
  • Liability problems (Financing of trucks and vans that are bound to depreciate)
  • The transport department could change its regulatory status and decide to enforce strict regulations that can strangulate new businesses.

i. Who are the Major Competitors?

  • UPS Freight
  • FedEx Freight
  • YRC Worldwide
  • Swift Transportation
  • Schneider National
  • Landstar System
  • XPO Logistics
  • Old Dominion Freight Line
  • MVSN Trucking
  • PLS Logistics Services
  • Wynne Transport Service
  • DVL Express Inc
  • Independent Landstar Agent
  • Shelton Trucking
  • JetEx Logistics
  • ATC Trucking
  • Puma Logistics
  • Diamond State Trucking.

ii. Is There a Franchise for the Trucking Business? If YES, List them and their cost

Yes, there are franchise opportunities for the trucking business. Here are they;

  • Two Men and a Truck Int’l. Inc. (Initial Investment – $100,000 – $585,000)
  • Zippy Shell Trucking (Initial Investment – $657,450 – $1,219,830)
  • BlueGrace Logistics
  • Craters & Freighters
  • Worldwide Express
  • United Shipping, Inc.
  • SUPPLY POINTe
  • United Charis Transport LLC
  • Unishippers Global Logistics LLC
  • AIT Freight Systems.

iii. Are There Policies, Regulations, or Zoning Laws Affecting the Trucking business?

Yes, there are county or state regulations or zoning laws for a trucking company, and players in this industry are expected to work with the existing regulations governing similar businesses in the county where their business is domiciled.

Please note that trucks are required to stop at motor carrier safety and weight inspection stations when signs direct them to do so. Driving large trucks and buses requires a commercial driver’s license (CDL). Obtaining a CDL requires extra education and training on how to handle such a large vehicle.

Drivers of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) must adhere to the hours of service, which are regulations governing the driving hours of commercial drivers. Drivers must be at least 21 years old to drive on the interstates, with efforts being made to reduce the age to 18.

Marketing Plan

A. who is your target audience.

i. Age Range

Our target market comprises of adults above 18 years old who have the finance to do business with us.

ii. Level of Educational

We don’t have any restrictions on the level of education of those we are ready to do business with.

iii. Income Level

There is no cap on the income level of those we will help transport their goods or properties.

iv. Ethnicity

There is no restriction when it comes to the ethnicity of the people we will transport their goods or properties.

v. Language

There is no restriction when it comes to the language spoken by the people we will transport their goods or properties.

vi. Geographical Location

Anybody from any geographical location will be welcome to do business with our company.

vii. Lifestyle

Benny Blanco© Trucking Company, Inc. will not restrict any client from doing business with us based on their lifestyle, culture, or race.

b. Advertising and Promotion Strategies

  • Deliberately Brand All Our Vans and Trucks.
  • Tap Into Text Marketing.
  • Make Use of Billboards.
  • Share Your Events in Local Groups and Pages.
  • Turn Your Social Media Channels into a Resource
  • Develop Your Business Directory Profiles
  • Build Relationships with players in the manufacturing, shipping, and construction industry.

i. Traditional Marketing Strategies

  • Marketing through Direct Mail.
  • Print Media Marketing – Newspapers & Magazines.
  • Broadcast Marketing -Television & Radio Channels.
  • OOH, Marketing – Public Transits like Buses and Trains, Billboards, Street shows, and Cabs.
  • Leverage direct sales, direct mail (postcards, brochures, letters, fliers), and referral (also known as word-of-mouth marketing).

ii. Digital Marketing Strategies

  • Social Media Marketing Platforms.
  • Influencer Marketing.
  • Email Marketing.
  • Content Marketing.
  • Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Marketing.
  • Affiliate Marketing
  • Mobile Marketing.

iii. Social Media Marketing Plan

  • Start using chatbots.
  • Create a personalized experience for our customers.
  • Create an efficient content marketing strategy.
  • Create a community for our target market and potential target market.
  • Gear up our profiles with a diverse content strategy.
  • Use brand advocates.
  • Create profiles on the relevant social media channels.
  • Run cross-channel campaigns.

c. Pricing Strategy

When working out our pricing strategy, Benny Blanco© Trucking Company, Inc. will make sure it covers profits, insurance, premium, license, economy or value, and full package. All our pricing strategies will reflect;

  • Cost-Based Pricing
  • Value-Based Pricing
  • Competition-Based Pricing.

Sales and Distribution Plan

A. sales channels.

Our channel sales strategy will involve using partners and third parties—such as referral partners, affiliate partners, strategic alliances in the production sector and the construction industry, and freelancers to help refer clients to us.

Benny Blanco© Trucking Company, Inc. will also leverage the 4 Ps of marketing which are place, price, product, and promotion. By carefully integrating all these marketing strategies into a marketing mix, so we can have a visible, in-demand service.

b. Inventory Strategy

The fact that we will need loading crates, lubricants, and spare parts means that Benny Blanco© Trucking Company, Inc. will operate an inventory strategy that is based on a day-to-day methodology for ordering, maintaining, and processing items in our warehouse. We will develop our strategy with the same thoroughness and attention to detail as we would if we were creating an overall strategy for the business.

c. Payment Options for Customers

Here are the payment options that Benny Blanco© Trucking Company, Inc. will make available to her clients;

  • Payment via bank transfer
  • Payment with cash
  • Payment via credit cards
  • Payment via online bank transfer
  • Payment via check
  • Payment via mobile money transfer
  • Payment via bank draft

d. Return Policy, Incentives, and Guarantees

At Benny Blanco© Trucking Company, Inc., we transport goods from one location to another hence the nature of our offerings does not accommodate a return policy, but we guarantee our customers of the safe delivery of the goods under our care.

e. Customer Support Strategy

Our customer support strategy will involve seeking customer feedback. This will help us provide excellent customer service to all our clients. We will work with effective CRM software to be able to achieve this. Regularly, we will work towards strengthening our Customer Service Team and also Leverage Multi-Channel Servicing as part of our customer support strategy.

Operational Plan

We plan to expand our revenue by 25 percent in the second year and the plan will include a marketing, sales, and operations component. The operations component of the plan would include attracting partnership and retainer deals that will enable the firm to boost our trucking service offerings and support revenue growth.

a. What Happens During a Typical Day at a Trucking Business?

  • The business is open for the day’s work
  • The vans and trucks are washed, cleaned and ready for transporting goods and properties
  • Customer’s requests are taken and they are scheduled or attended to
  • Schedule maintenance of trucks and vans is carried out
  • Marketing/website upkeep
  • Administrative duties
  • The business is closed for the day.

b. Production Process

There is no production process when it comes to the trucking business.

c. Service Procedure

The service procedure for a trucking company starts with a customer requesting the transportation of his or her goods or properties from one location to another or from one storage facility, warehouse, or business premises to another. Once the request is gotten, it will be processed and a suitable truck or van and staff are assigned to carry out the job.

d. The Supply Chain

Benny Blanco© Trucking Company, Inc. will rely on key players in the manufacturing and construction industry to refer business deals to us. So also, we have been able to establish a business relationship with wholesale supplies of crates, lubricants, spare parts et al.

e. Sources of Income

Benny Blanco© Trucking Company, Inc. makes money from;

  • Transporting large quantities of raw materials, and finished goods over land—typically from manufacturing plants to retail distribution centers and also from seaports to warehouses et al.
  • Sale of franchises.

Financial Plan

A. amount needed to start your trucking company.

Benny Blanco© Trucking Company, Inc. would need an estimate of $1.2 million to successfully set up our trucking company in the United States of America. Please note that this amount includes the salaries of our staff for the first month of operation.

b. What are the Costs Involved?

  • Business Registration Fees – $750.
  • Legal expenses for obtaining licenses and permits – $7,300.
  • Marketing, Branding and Promotions – $5,000.
  • Business Consultant Fee – $2,500.
  • Insurance – $5,400.
  • Rent/Lease – $200,000.
  • Other start-up expenses like commercial satellite TV subscriptions, stationery ($500), and phone and utility deposits ($2,800).
  • Operational Cost (salaries of employees, payments of bills et al) – $100,000
  • Start-up Inventory – $15,000
  • Store Equipment (cash register, security, ventilation, signage) – $4,750
  • Furnishing and Equipping – $80,000
  • Purchase of Trucks and Vans: $500,000
  • Website: $600
  • Opening party: $3,000
  • Miscellaneous: $2,000

c. Do You Need to Build a Facility? If YES, How Much will it cost?

Benny Blanco© Trucking Company, Inc. will not build a new facility for our trucking company; we intend to start with a long-term lease and after 5 years, we will start the process of acquiring our own facility.

d. What are the Ongoing Expenses for Running a Trucking Company?

  • Gas and lubricants
  • Utility bills (internet subscriptions, phone bills, signage, and software renewal fees et al)
  • Salaries of employees
  • Trucks and vans maintenance
  • Marketing costs

e. What is the Average Salary of your Staff?

  • Chief Operating Officer (Owner) – $68,000 Per Year
  • Admin and HR Manager – $48,000 Per Year
  • Transport and Logistics Manager $48,000 Per Year
  • Marketing and Sales Executive (Business Developer) – $42,000 Per Year
  • Accountant $38,000 Per Year
  • Truck and Van Drivers – $36,800 Per Year
  • Material Handlers / Yard Spotters / Forklifts Operators – $28,000 Per Year
  • Customer Service Officer (Receptionist) – $26,100 Per Year
  • Security Guard -$24,000 Per Year

f. How Do You Get Funding to Start a Trucking Company?

  • Raising money from personal savings and sale of personal stocks and properties
  • Raising money from investors and business partners
  • Sell shares to interested investors
  • Applying for a loan from your bank/banks
  • Pitching your business idea and applying for business grants and seed funding from the government, donor organizations, and angel investors
  • Source for soft loans from your family members and friends.

Financial Projection

A. how much should you charge for your service.

Most trucking businesses charge an hourly rate that generally includes a moving truck, all the equipment, miscellaneous materials, and the movers. The more loaders and offloaders or trucks needed for your specific move, the higher the hourly rate will be. For example, a truck and 2 movers may cost $120 per hour. We will follow the industry’s standard.

b. Sales Forecast?

  • First Fiscal Year (FY1): $450,000
  • Second Fiscal Year (FY2): $750,000
  • Third Fiscal Year (FY3): $1.3 million

c. Estimated Profit You Will Make a Year?

  • First Fiscal Year (FY1) (Profit After Tax): $150,000
  • Second Fiscal Year (FY2) (Profit After Tax): $350,000
  • Third Fiscal Year (FY3) (Profit After Tax): $600,000

d. Profit Margin of a Trucking company 

The ideal profit margin we hope to make at Benny Blanco© Trucking Company, Inc. will be between 16 and 20 percent on each job carried out irrespective of the distance covered.

Growth Plan

A. how do you intend to grow and expand .

Benny Blanco© Trucking Company, Inc. will grow our trucking company by first opening other offices in key cities in the United States of America within the first five years of establishing the business and then will start selling franchises from the sixth year.

b. Where do you intend to expand to and why?

Benny Blanco© Trucking Company, Inc. plans to expand to Boise – Idaho, San Francisco – California, Chicago – Illinois, Washington, D.C., Boston – Massachusetts, Miami – Florida, Seattle – Washington, Dallas – Texas, and Montpelier, Vermont.

We intend to expand to these locations because statistics show that the cities listed above have the most thriving trucking market in the United States.

Of the states that have witnessed the largest net gains in new residents, Idaho ranks near the top at 84.3 percent net gain, followed by Montana at 82.3 percent and Vermont at 64.29 percent. The states with the busiest interstate routes include California to Texas, New York to Florida, and California to Washington.

The founder of Benny Blanco© Trucking Company, Inc. plans to exit the business via family succession. We have placed structures and processes in place that will help us achieve our plan of successfully transferring the business from one family member to another and from one generation to another.

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How To Write a Winning Trucking Business Plan + Template

Business Plan-DB

Creating a business plan is essential for any business, but it can be especially helpful for trucking businesses who want to improve their strategy and/or raise funding.

A well-crafted business plan not only outlines the vision for your company, but also documents a step-by-step roadmap of how you are going to accomplish it. In order to create an effective business plan, you must first understand the components that are essential to its success.

This article provides an overview of the key elements that every trucking business owner should include in their business plan.

Download the Ultimate Trucking Business Plan Template

What is a Trucking Business Plan?

A trucking business plan is a formal written document that describes your company’s business strategy and its feasibility. It documents the reasons you will be successful, your areas of competitive advantage, and it includes information about your team members. Your business plan is a key document that will convince investors and lenders (if needed) that you are positioned to become a successful venture.

Why Write a Trucking Business Plan?

A trucking business plan is required for banks and investors. The document is a clear and concise guide of your business idea and the steps you will take to make it profitable.

Entrepreneurs can also use this as a roadmap when starting their new company or venture, especially if they are inexperienced in starting a business.

Writing an Effective Trucking Business Plan

The following are the key components of a successful trucking business plan:

Executive Summary

The executive summary of a trucking business plan is a one to two page overview of your entire business plan. It should summarize the main points, which will be presented in full in the rest of your business plan.

  • Start with a one-line description of your trucking company
  • Provide a short summary of the key points in each section of your business plan, which includes information about your company’s management team, industry analysis, competitive analysis, and financial forecast among others.

Company Description

This section should include a brief history of your company. Include a short description of how your company started, and provide a timeline of milestones your company has achieved.

If you are just starting your trucking business, you may not have a long company history. Instead, you can include information about your professional experience in this industry and how and why you conceived your new venture. If you have worked for a similar company before or have been involved in an entrepreneurial venture before starting your trucking firm, mention this.

You will also include information about your chosen trucking business model and how, if applicable, it is different from other companies in your industry.

Industry Analysis

The industry or market analysis is an important component of a trucking business plan. Conduct thorough market research to determine industry trends and document the size of your market. 

Questions to answer include:

  • What part of the trucking industry are you targeting?
  • How big is the market?
  • What trends are happening in the industry right now (and if applicable, how do these trends support the success of your company)?

You should also include sources for the information you provide, such as published research reports and expert opinions.

Customer Analysis

This section should include a list of your target audience(s) with demographic and psychographic profiles (e.g., age, gender, income level, profession, job titles, interests). You will need to provide a profile of each customer segment separately, including their needs and wants.

For example, a trucking business’ customers may include:

  • Retailers who need goods delivered to their stores
  • Manufacturers who need raw materials shipped to them
  • Big box stores that require inventory to be delivered to multiple locations

You can include information about how your customers make the decision to buy from you as well as what keeps them buying from you.

Develop a strategy for targeting those customers who are most likely to buy from you, as well as those that might be influenced to buy your products or trucking services with the right marketing.

Competitive Analysis

The competitive analysis helps you determine how your product or service will be different from competitors, and what your unique selling proposition (USP) might be that will set you apart in this industry.

For each competitor, list their strengths and weaknesses. Next, determine your areas of competitive differentiation and/or advantage; that is, in what ways are you different from and ideally better than your competitors.

Marketing Plan

This part of the business plan is where you determine and document your marketing plan. . Your plan should be clearly laid out, including the following 4 Ps.

  • Product/Service : Detail your product/service offerings here. Document their features and benefits.
  • Price : Document your pricing strategy here. In addition to stating the prices for your products/services, mention how your pricing compares to your competition.
  • Place : Where will your customers find you? What channels of distribution (e.g., partnerships) will you use to reach them if applicable?
  • Promotion : How will you reach your target customers? For example, you may use social media, write blog posts, create an email marketing campaign, use pay-per-click advertising, launch a direct mail campaign. Or you may promote your trucking business via public relations and pitch your story to reporters.

Operations Plan

This part of your trucking business plan should include the following information:

  • How will you deliver your product/service to customers? For example, will you do it in person or over the phone only?
  • What infrastructure, equipment, and resources are needed to operate successfully? How can you meet those requirements within budget constraints?

The operations plan is where you also need to include your company’s business policies. You will want to establish policies related to everything from customer service to pricing, to the overall brand image you are trying to present.

Finally, and most importantly, in your Operations Plan, you will lay out the milestones your company hopes to achieve within the next five years. Create a chart that shows the key milestone(s) you hope to achieve each quarter for the next four quarters, and then each year for the following four years. Examples of milestones for a trucking business include reaching $X in sales. Other examples include hiring key personnel, acquiring necessary licenses and permits, and establishing partnerships with vendors.

Management Team

List your team members here including their names and titles, as well as their expertise and experience relevant to your specific trucking industry. Include brief biography sketches for each team member.

Particularly if you are seeking funding, the goal of this section is to convince investors and lenders that your team has the expertise and experience to execute on your plan. If you are missing key team members, document the roles and responsibilities you plan to hire for in the future.

Financial Plan

Here you will include a summary of your complete and detailed financial plan (your full financial projections go in the Appendix). 

This includes the following three financial statements:

Income Statement

Your income statement should include:

  • Revenue : how much revenue you generate.
  • Cost of Goods Sold : These are your direct costs associated with generating revenue. This includes labor costs, as well as the cost of any equipment and supplies used to deliver the product/service offering.
  • Net Income (or loss) : Once expenses and revenue are totaled and deducted from each other, this is the net income or loss

Sample Income Statement for a Startup Trucking Company

Balance sheet.

Include a balance sheet that shows your assets, liabilities, and equity. Your balance sheet should include:

  • Assets : All of the things you own (including cash).
  • Liabilities : This is what you owe against your company’s assets, such as accounts payable or loans.
  • Equity : The worth of your business after all liabilities and assets are totaled and deducted from each other.

Sample Balance Sheet for a Startup Trucking Company

Cash flow statement.

Include a cash flow statement showing how much cash comes in, how much cash goes out and a net cash flow for each year. The cash flow statement should include:

  • Cash Flow From Operations
  • Cash Flow From Investments
  • Cash Flow From Financing

Below is a sample of a projected cash flow statement for a startup trucking business.

Sample Cash Flow Statement for a Startup Trucking Company

You will also want to include an appendix section which will include:

  • Your complete financial projections
  • A complete list of your company’s business policies and procedures related to the rest of the business plan (marketing, operations, etc.)
  • Any other documentation which supports what you included in the body of your business plan.

Writing a good business plan gives you the advantage of being fully prepared to launch and/or grow your trucking company. It not only outlines your business vision but also provides a step-by-step process of how you are going to accomplish it.

Now that you know what you should include in a trucking business plan, it’s time to get started on your own. Use the tips and examples provided in this article as a guide, and don’t be afraid to ask for help from an experienced business advisor or mentor. With a well-crafted business plan in hand, you’ll be ready to hit  the ground running and build the trucking company of your dreams.  

Finish Your Trucking Business Plan in 1 Day!

Wish there was a faster, easier way to finish your trucking business plan?

With our Ultimate Trucking Business Plan Template you can finish your plan in just 8 hours or less!

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how to write a business proposal for a trucking company

Do you have a plan for growing your trucking company? If so, you need to put that plan on paper.

A business plan is the most effective way to explain the stability and goals of your company. Banks, investors and other potential partners may ask to see your business plan. Having a well-crafted document to share makes a strong statement about your company.

The process of writing your business plan also has value. It can help you better understand your industry and your own company. Writing a business plan allows you to step back from day-to-day operations and see the big picture. What are your company’s strengths in the marketplace? How is your company different from competitors? Where do you want your company to be in five years? How will you achieve that growth? Having a business plan and updating it at least once a year can help your company identify and achieve its goals.

Every business plan is unique, but there is a formula you can follow. There are also several software products available that walk you through creating a business plan and a financial forecast. Cloud-based software like LivePan costs as little as $11.66 per month and can help you craft a business plan within a few hours. You can also view sample business plans on the Internet, including this gallery of 500 example plans across multiple industries .

Below are key sections to include when writing a simple business plan for your trucking company.

Executive Summary

This section appears first, but you will want to write it after thinking through the other parts of your business plan. The executive summary is a one- to two-page overview that introduces your company and its future plans. It also explains why your company will succeed in meeting its goals.

The executive summary needs to be quick, accurate and filled with good information. If the reader does not find it compelling, he or she will not read the rest of your business plan. The executive summary should highlight the following: your company mission, products and services, performance highlights, financial information and future plans.

Company Description

This section details the history and background of your business. It describes the overall mission of your company and what makes it unique from its competitors. The company description contains key facts about your trucking company: the owners, the year it was incorporated, where you conduct business and the states where the company is registered. If you have several employees, this is where you can outline your organizational structure, as well as roles and responsibilities.

Use this section to promote your company’s competitive advantages. You can write about newly acquired clients, fleet expansions and other recent successes.

Outline the trucking services your company provides and how you are meeting customer needs. For example, a trucking company in Atlanta might explain that it hauls flatbed loads because the southeast has a longer construction season and a large timber industry. Including the customer perspective builds the case that your services are important and in demand.

The services section can also include details about pricing, the materials you haul and the industries that you serve.

Market Analysis

Your market analysis illustrates how well you know your business. It shows your awareness of industry trends, customer needs and how your company plans to capitalize on them.

It is beneficial to provide a broad range of data that explains why your company can excel in a crowded trucking market. The U.S. Small Business Administration suggests these topics should make up your market analysis:

Industry Description and Outlook – How big is your segment of the trucking industry? Who are the major carriers and the biggest shippers?

Your Target Market – What is your company’s sweet spot? Many companies try to specialize in too many markets. Your company can stand out by narrowing its focus to target markets that generate the greatest returns.

Distinguishing Characteristics – Explain the critical needs of potential customers and how your company will meet them.

Size of the Primary Target Market – Provide more detail about your most important market and customers.

Market Share – How much business does your company expect to gain within a specific time period? Explain your logic behind these projections.

Pricing and Gross Margin Targets – Define your company’s pricing structure, margins and any possible discounts.

Competitive Analysis – Show that you have done your homework on your competitors. Describe their strengths and weaknesses.

Regulatory Restrictions – How have government regulations like Hours of Service and fuel emissions guidelines affected your company? How do you expect future restrictions to have an impact?

Sales and Marketing

Now that you have analyzed your market, what is your strategy to gain market share? This section can be split into two categories:

Marketing Strategy – Explain your tactics for building a loyal customer base and attracting new customers. How will you promote your services and what channels will you use to do it (examples: trade publications, social media and email lists)? Does your strategy include acquisitions or major purchases? What industries and regions will you target in promoting your company?

Sales Strategy – Describe the vision for your sales force. Do you plan on adding sales associates or using independent agents? How do you identify prospects and what is your process for calling on them? Explain the closing rate of your sales team and how that contributes to your company’s financial goals.

Financial Projections

This section contains financial statements and information that show your company’s ability to meet its goals. Include basic statements like profit & loss, cash flow, your company balance sheet and your sales forecast. You will also need to paint a picture of how your company will perform over the next five years. Make sure that your projections line up with any financing requests you plan to make to help grow your business.

Your business plan does not have to follow this exact structure. Business plans can differ significantly by industry. You can find thousands of examples of actual plans on the Internet. However, your business plan must be unique to your company and its goals. Writing one may be a lengthy process, but it can help steer your company in a positive direction.

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  • Sep 28, 2023

How to Create a Successful Trucking Business Plan: A Step-by-Step Guide

Updated: Jan 24

Writing up your trucking business plan is one of the first things you need to do when you start a trucking company. Your plan will allow you to clearly define your trucking business and give you some direction before you get out on the road.

Trucker Looking at His Trucking Business Plan

Your plan should include your goals, define how your company will be different, explain how you will grow, how you are going to acquire clients, and a financial plan that shows how you are going to make money. This business plan will be a fluid document and should be updated every year or so.

Steps to consider prior to creating a business plan for a trucking company

Before you start writing a business plan for your trucking company, there are several important steps you need to take. These steps will help ensure that you’re officially registered, and in compliance, with trucking industry regulations.

First, you'll need to register your trucking company as a business with the appropriate state and local authorities. This typically involves filing the necessary paperwork and paying any required fees. Not sure what business structure you should be? Click here to learn about the different options.

Next, you'll need to obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. This number is used for tax purposes and is also required when applying for certain licenses and permits.

In addition to the EIN, you'll need to obtain a USDOT number. This number is issued by the Department of Transportation and is required for any commercial motor vehicle that transports cargo or passengers across state lines.

You'll also need to apply for a Motor Carrier number from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. This number is necessary if your company operates as a for-hire carrier and requires you to comply with FMCSA regulations.

Another important step is filing a BOC-3, or a Designation of Process Agent form. This form designates a person or company to receive legal documents on behalf of your trucking company.

Additionally, it's crucial to obtain truck insurance that meets the minimum requirements set by your state and the FMCSA. This will protect you, your drivers, and your client's cargo in the event of an accident or damage.

Other steps to consider include setting up an International Registration Plan and International Fuel Tax Agreement , which allow your company to operate across state borders and file fuel taxes accordingly. Lastly, you'll need to obtain a Unified Carrier Registration, which is an annual fee paid to the UCR program.

By completing these steps, you'll ensure that your company is legally registered and operating in compliance with industry regulations. This will not only give you peace of mind but will also help attract potential customers.

Essential information for creating your trucking business plan

When creating a trucking business plan, it is crucial to gather all the necessary information to ensure its success. Here is a list of key details that need to be considered:

Determine assets and liabilities: Assess your financial situation, including the availability of trucks, finances, and other resources.

Understand spot market vs. contract market rates: Differentiate between the two types of pricing models to develop a clear revenue strategy for your trucking business.

Research going rates in freight lanes: Analyze the current rates in the specific freight lanes you plan to operate in to accurately determine your pricing strategies.

Calculate operating costs and cash flow: Conduct a comprehensive analysis of all expenses , such as fuel, maintenance, insurance, and permits, to determine the company's financial viability.

Know where to find loads: Research and identify reliable load boards or freight brokers to ensure a consistent stream of work for your trucking business.

By obtaining this information, you can lay a solid foundation for your trucking business plan. Success in the trucking industry requires a thorough understanding of assets, liabilities, market rates, operating costs, and load availability. A well-informed and comprehensive plan will increase your chances of attracting potential clients, securing loans, and ultimately thriving against your competitors in the trucking industry.

What to include in a trucking company business plan

When starting a trucking company, having a solid plan is essential for success. A trucking company business plan outlines the strategy and goals of the business, as well as the targeted market and potential customers. It serves as a roadmap for the company's operations and provides crucial information for potential customers or lenders. In order to create an effective business plan, there are several key components that should be covered. This includes a company description, market analysis, operational plan, financial plan, and marketing strategies. Additionally, details about the management team, target market, types of freight, and potential competitors should also be considered. By including all of these essential elements, a trucking business can set itself up for success against its competitors.

Executive summary

This is a summary of your company and your personal reasons for starting a trucking company. It is important to highlight your unique qualities and make a positive impression. It is recommended to seek assistance from an editor to refine your executive summary. It is advised to write this section last for optimal results.

Company Description

Your plan should start with a general description of your company. Begin with the background of the business and how it got started. It should also include the overall mission statement of the company and some of the key facts.

The overall mission of the company should go into what you plan on delivering and how you are going to differentiate yourself from the competition . Key facts could include when the company was founded, the number of employees on the team, what states you plan on operating in, and any other facts you feel are important about the company.

Within the services section of your trucking business plan, explain what materials you plan on hauling and what industries you plan on operating in. You should also go into detail about how the service you provide will be beneficial to the clients in the locations you are operating in. This will help justify why you will be successful and why your services will be in demand.

Market Analysis

In the market analysis, you should portray how well you know the industry. It should give insight into where the industry is going and how you will capitalize on the changes. In addition to the industry outlook, your market analysis should include your target market, the characteristics of the market, the market's size, and how much of the market you want to capture. Thinking about these things will take time but will help you set goals you'd like to accomplish.

Management and personnel

If you plan to have staff or additional office help, your business plan should include details on your approach to hiring people. This should encompass your hiring process and how you will onboard new employees.

Owner-operators will need to adhere to the compliance standards set by the shippers and brokers they collaborate with. It is important to familiarize yourself with basic industry standards, regulatory compliance, and safety records.

Hiring skilled drivers with strong performance records will greatly contribute to the growth of your business, allowing for expansion into additional freight lanes. It is essential to have a retention plan in place due to the highly competitive market and high demand for qualified drivers.

If you find that managing people and paperwork is not your strength, it may be worth considering hiring additional personnel or a trucking business service partner to assist with running your business.

Sales and Marketing

Knowing what part of the market you want to capture is only half the story. You need to figure out how you're going to get the word out about your company. Specifically, what channels you will utilize to market your business and where you want to promote your business will be important for not just acquiring customers but keeping them long-term.

Through your marketing tactics, you will be able to build up a pipeline of potential clients. However, it is not likely that all your contacts will reach out to you first. You will need to come up with a plan for how you're going to engage those people who know about your company but aren't yet convinced they need your services.

This part of the trucking business plan will be crucial for the success of your company. It is easy to describe your business and what type of customers you want to serve but actually coming up with a strategy to acquire those potential customers will take time and effort.

Financial Projections

Within your financial projections, you will prove how your company will be able to stay in business and meet its goals. You should provide basic statements like profit & loss , cash flow, and a balance sheet. You will also need a sales forecast for the next three to five years.

Making financial projections might be difficult for those who are not experts in finance and who have never prepared information like this before. If you need assistance with your financial projections, give ATBS a call at 866-920-2827. We have been in the industry for over 25 years helping owner-operators keep track of their finances.

Finishing your trucking business plan

A trucking business plan may be time-consuming and seen as an obstacle getting in the way of getting out on the road. However, your plan will allow you to think about the big picture of your company and it will help you realize what it will take to be successful. You might also discover things that could stand in your way.

Not all business plans need to look exactly like this and there are plenty of sources online to help you get started. Don't skip out on this important step in starting your trucking business!

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How to Write a Trucking Company Business Plan

  • by Stephanie Vozza Stephanie Vozza is an experienced ... more
  • January 4, 2021
  • 4  Minute Read
  • Home > Blog > Financial Health > How to Write a Trucking Company Business Plan

how to write a business proposal for a trucking company

Whether you’re wondering how to start a trucking company or you’re ready to roll your operation into high gear, a trucking company business plan is essential to your success. Taking the time to write one can help you accelerate your company’s growth.

A Trucking Company Business Plan Is Key

A business plan is like a road map — it can help you get to where you want to go. It helps you make decisions by charting out your strategy for operations. Referring back to it when you’re facing a challenge or taking a new step can help you stick to your goals and objectives.

You’ll also need a business plan to apply for funding to buy assets or improve your cash flow. Banks and investors will want to see that you have a plan to grow your business, and having a well-written document demonstrates your professionalism and dedication to success.

What to Include in Your Business Plan

Business plans are living documents. Yours should chart where you are right now as well as your vision of where you want to be three to five years down the road, and you can update it as your business grows and changes.

You can create yours using a template; the U.S. Small Business Administration offers a few that could be helpful. A traditional business plan usually includes nine sections.

1. Executive Summary

The executive summary is a general overview that highlights the main points of your trucking company business plan. It should include your mission statement and information about your location, services, management team, and staff, as well as anything that makes your company unique (for example, if you specialize in long-distance moves or handle a specific type of freight). Though this section comes first in the business plan, it’s a good idea to write it last and summarize the sections that follow into an overview for potential lenders or investors.

2. Company Description

The company description section is where you dive into the details of your operation. Be specific. Share the history of your company, when it was launched, the states you’re registered and licensed in, and how many trucks you own or lease. Include information or plans about your offices, storage, and parking locations. Be sure to promote your competitive advantages, too — if you’ve recently expanded your fleet or signed a long-term contract , write about it.

3. Market Analysis

If you plan to apply for a small business loan or equipment financing, the market analysis section is extremely important. It’s where you demonstrate your awareness of the industry and how you’re uniquely positioned to serve your customers.

Identify your target market. It can be tempting to serve a broad market, but companies that specialize can better capture a specific market segment and become more successful. Estimate how much market share you expect to gain, and explain how you’ll get there.

Provide data on the size of the market and the outlook — including industry growth projections — for trucking services in your area. Include information on how demand is currently being met, too. Address your competition in this section, as well. List the other trucking companies that operate in your market. Highlight their strengths and weaknesses, then explain how you plan to position your company to compete.

4. Organization and Management

This part of your business plan includes information on how you’ll structure your trucking company, such as whether it’s structured as a sole proprietorship, a partnership, an LLC or a corporation. Provide brief bios for your management team, and highlight their particular strengths, such as their driving experience or their expertise in a niche. Include information about your office staff and driver team, including their experience, licenses and credentials. And share how you’ll handle recruiting, licensing and safety regulations.

Big rig red classic powerful long haul semi truck with flat bed semi trailer transporting tightened industrial lumber boards running on the turning winding road with hills and trees in sunny day

5. Products and Services

This section outlines the types of services your trucking company will provide and the industries you’ll serve. For example, you might specialize in local residential moves, refrigerated freight or flatbed loads. Include details, too, about pricing plans and any discounts you provide. Then break down the numbers and share your gross margins .

6. Marketing and Sales

This section’s goal is to explain how you’ll market and sell your services. Your marketing strategy should detail how you’ll communicate your services to your target market and grow your customer base. Include specific activities; if you advertise on trade association sites or if you’ve joined trade associations to network with companies that might need your services, mention that. If you serve residential moving needs, consider taking out ads in local home magazines or marketing your services to local real estate agents with referral programs . Provide details about your marketing budget, too.

Your sales strategy will include details about your sales force. Describe how you’ll build a sales team, how many agents you need and how they’ll be compensated. Explain how your sales team will identify and contact prospects. If you have any information about current close rates or any lead-generation tactics, include that, too.

If you plan to apply for a small business loan or equipment financing , the funding section is very important. Explain how much money you need and how you will use it. For example, you might need a new truck or to upgrade your facilities to offer new services, such as storage. Or you might need a loan to invest in marketing or to cover salaries. Provide details, too, on your expected return on investment and how you plan on repaying the loan or lease.

8. Financial Projections

Your trucking company business plan should also include a financial projections section that provides context around your current and past revenue levels, an outline of your average expenses and disclosures of any current debts. It should also forecast income based on expected growth, and these projections should be backed up with data.

9. Supporting Documents

End with an appendix of documents that support your plan. Business owners typically include copies of their tax returns, credit reports, licenses, contracts, lease agreements, mortgage statements and resumes. This section is optional, but any lenders or investors that review your plan might request them, so it’s best to include them.

Putting Your Plan Into Drive

A trucking company business plan is where the rubber meets the road. When you take the time to write a well-crafted document, you end up with an important tool that can help your company succeed over the long haul. Review it every month — or at least every quarter — to make sure you’re keeping your eyes on the road, and update it as your goals and needs change. Once you’ve built a plan for how to start a trucking company, all you have to do is follow where the road leads you.

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How to Create a Trucking Business Plan

If you have been frantically searching the phrase “business plan for trucking company” in hopes of starting your own freight business, this guide is for you! 

Below, our experts will provide you with a business plan creation roadmap so detailed that it would make Rand McNally jealous. We’ll break down the entire process into manageable steps so that you can successfully launch your new venture.

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What Is a Trucking Business Plan?

Before we outline how to create your trucking business plan, let’s recap what this detailed strategy entails. 

Your trucking business plan should outline all of the major components of your company. It should include information about what you plan to haul, where you would like to operate, and how much revenue you seek to generate. 

In addition, your plan should outline how you intend to hire and manage support staff, drivers, and other employees.

As you can see, a lot goes into creating a trucking business plan. After all, this information lays the foundation for your entire company!

Why Is It Important to Write a Business Plan?

Writing a business plan is important for a variety of reasons. For starters, it helps you turn your dream into a viable revenue-generating strategy. In it, you’ll need to hash out all of the fine details about your business, including your operational plan and the services you intend to offer.

Creating a trucking company business plan is also essential when it comes time to seek funding . Potential investors, financial institutions, and other interested parties will want to see how you plan to generate revenue. 

An incohesive or disjointed plan just might scare off prospective investors. On the other hand, a thoroughly crafted strategy can make seeking out funding much easier.

9 Steps: How to Create a Trucking Business Plan

Now that you know the “what” and “why” of creating a trucking business plan, let’s dive into the how:

Step 1: Executive Summary

During the first part of the creation process, you will need to write an executive summary. This brief summary should provide a general overview of your company: what state you will operate out of, your mission statement, and what prompted you to start your own business.

Step 2: Company Description

Your company description should read much like the “About Us” section on a corporate website. The description should expound upon your mission statement, explain your personal connection to the trucking industry, and provide additional background about the business.

This would be a good time to list out your relevant career experience as a truck driver, operations manager, fleet manager, etc. 

Step 3: Operational Plan

In this step, you’ll need to generate a highly technical operational plan. This plan should describe how you intend to manage processes such as driver dispatching. It should also outline the hierarchy and supervisory structure of the business.

Step 4: Services Offered

The services offered section is one of the most important components of your trucking business plan. This segment should detail what types of freight you intend to haul (i.e., LTL, truckload, refrigerated). You should also outline your pricing structure and demonstrate how your suite of services fills a need in the current market.

Step 5: Market Analysis

When you’re seeking investors, they will be particularly interested in your marketing analysis. This section of your plan should define your target market and should include both competitive analysis and industry analysis.

Target Market: Your target market or target audience refers to the customer base that might need your services. 

Competitive Analysis: As the name suggests, a competitive analysis refers to an assessment of competitors within your market. You should conduct research in order to identify which companies are offering the same services within the region that you intend to operate within. 

This analysis should also include information on their revenue (if publicly available), how many trucks they have, and their pricing model.

Industry Analysis: Whereas a competitive analysis includes information on other trucking companies, industry analysis is focused on the market as a whole. 

This analysis should include information on current trends so that you can predict how the market will change in the future. For instance, the industry analysis should help you determine whether there is projected to be an increase in demand for trucking services in the next 12 months.

Step 6: Management and Personnel

In this section of your trucking business plan, you should outline your company’s approach to hiring and managing employees. This section can detail onboarding processes, when staff will be paid (weekly, bi-weekly, etc.), and how many employees you need to launch your business.

Step 7: Marketing and Sales Strategy

How will prospective clients learn about your services? What mediums will you use to advertise your trucking company? Will you rely on an in-house marketing team? Do you plan to outsource these responsibilities? All of these questions must be answered in this section of your trucking business plan.

Step 8: Funding Request

One of the most challenging parts of creating a trucking business plan is writing out your funding request. This request should not only state how much funding you need to launch your business, but it must also provide a line-by-line breakdown of projected expenses. 

Some of the costs that you should detail in this section include general operating and overhead expenses, equipment purchases, payroll, and insurance premiums.

Step 9: Financial Projections

Your trucking business plan should also include financial projections that outline your estimated earnings during your first year in operation. 

These projections should be highly specific and include quarterly or monthly breakdowns of estimated revenue. 

If you’re already working as an owner-operator, include your current revenue, as this will help potential investors better understand your earning potential.

Step 10: Reassess and Adjust

Lastly, be willing to revisit your trucking business plan periodically. Reassess your plan at least once a quarter so that you can gauge how your business is performing in comparison to your previous projections. This approach will help you make informed decisions about the direction of your business so that you can maximize profitability.

Ready to Start a Trucking Company? 

Once you have created your plan, it is time to find a financial partner that will invest in trucking businesses. Look for a company that offers multiple cash flow solutions including small business loans , credit lines designed specifically for trucking companies, and cash advances. 

As the owner of a trucking business, your earnings will vary depending on the number of drivers you employ, what type of freight you haul, and several other factors.  However, owners can expect to gross approximately $2,000 to $5,000 weekly if they are operating their own vehicle and may earn an additional weekly profit of $500-$2,000 for every truck they have in their fleet.

Owning a trucking company can be quite profitable. However, crafting a great trucking company business plan is key to your success.

 Many small trucking businesses are LLCs or limited liability companies, as this approach insulates the owner and their assets from civil liability. While it may be possible to open your company without becoming an LLC, it is not recommended.

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As one of the industry leaders, TAFS assists trucking companies to increase cash flow with some of the lowest factoring rates in the industry and 1-hour advance option.

How to Write a Trucking Business Plan

Last Updated on June 8, 2023

If you have an entrepreneurial spirit and a passion for trucking, you may have considered starting a trucking company . However, owning a business is a challenging task if you don’t have a plan.

A business plan can help you define your company’s mission to get investors, loans, partners, and employees interested. You will prove to people that you are serious about trucking and want to learn and grow in the industry.

By writing a comprehensive business plan, you can more effectively convey your company goals. They will help you determine your company’s unique qualities and how you can succeed in the foreseeable future.

When writing a business plan, you will want to keep a few pointers in mind to include in the final copy. Here are some strategies to help you start and run your trucking company.

What Is A Trucking Business Plan?

A trucking business plan is a written record of your company’s goals, operating costs, profits, and other relevant factors. Essentially, your trucking business plan is your business growth roadmap.

However, a business plan is not a static document. As your business changes and shifts with time, your plan should adjust to these changes to ensure you are still working toward your goals.

Why Do You Need A Trucking Business Plan?

You need a trucking business plan to cover all your bases before taking action. A trucking business plan is like a road trip map – you need it to know where you are going and how to get there. A trucking business plan supports your entrepreneurial efforts by helping in:

  • Choosing the right location for company premises
  • Determining what kind of trucks and equipment you need
  • Defining which licenses and insurance policies to get
  • Outlining the criteria for the driver hiring process
  • Calculating your initial capital for investment purposes
  • Deciding whether this business is worth creating

What To Include In A Trucking Business Plan

Your trucking business plan contains the information necessary to run your company. Some important things to include in a trucking business plan are:

  • Executive summary : An executive summary is a short description of your plans for the company. It is usually used to give potential investors an overview of your company and entice them to read your business plan further.
  • Detailed company description : This section is where you go in-depth into what makes your company tick. Common topics covered here include the management team’s background, your past trucking experiences, and what sets you apart from the competition.
  • Services provided : Different trucking companies offer different services, so make sure to include a section that details what kind of freight services you provide.
  • Market analysis : A thorough market analysis tells potential investors that you understand the industry landscape and know how to succeed. It also helps you identify what competitors do well and how you can differentiate your business from them.
  • Sales and marketing strategy : The best-laid business plans will likely not succeed without a solid sales and marketing strategy. This section includes how you want to advertise your business and attract more clients.
  • Financial projections : This section usually includes how much you need to start the business and how much you expect to gain. This helps investors measure your business’s profitability and potentially convince them to back your company.

How To Create A Trucking Business Plan

Now that we have covered what goes into a business plan, it is time to learn how to make one. Here are the key steps to creating a trucking business plan:

Picking a Name

One overlooked aspect of starting a successful business is choosing a fitting name. No matter the quality of your services, an unappealing name will detract customers.

To pick a name, brainstorm words that you associate with your business. Try to work with a group of trucking enthusiasts to ensure your ideas relate. Anything goes at first because you can narrow them down to your favorite words.

Some common trucking company names include:

  • Family names
  • Freight types
  • Location-based names
  • Plays on words
  • Unique name inspired by your company’s personality

You will need to know the purpose of your business when choosing the name. If you want it to carry on through family generations, your surname could be the name. Those who specialize in hazmat, heavy-haul, or reefer may desire these terms in the title.

Companies that operate in one area might want to include that in the name to attract local business enthusiasts. Some more memorable titles include plays on words, metaphors, trucking references, and company culture allusions.

If you can picture the name on the side of a truck, you might have a winner on your hands. Make sure people can pronounce and remember it by avoiding anything long-winded. Also, try to come up with a logo.

Before registering your corporation, LLC, or partnership, check with the US Patent and Trademark Office to guarantee that you have a unique design.

Selecting a Target Market

You can select a target market for your trucking company by defining your goals. Specializing in too many markets may open the door to more customers, but it will lower the quality of your services. Ensure you choose a specific focus for your target market to deliver excellent business and maximize returns.

The various types of trucking companies include:

  • For-hire truckload carriers
  • Household movers
  • Less-than-truckload carriers

For-hire truckload carriers haul the freight of manufacturing companies. These businesses lend drivers, trailers, and trucks to others, but they do not make anything themselves. Customers often hire household moving companies to pack, load, move, and unload their home’s items. This job is labor-heavy but typically in high demand.

Intermodal trucking companies will haul rail containers from the rail yard. A truck driver takes the freight to the rail yard, where a railway will move it to its final destination. There, another truck driver transports the goods to the customer. It has a lot of hands-on involvement, but starting this business works best if you live near a rail company.

Less-than-truckload carriers (LTL) deliver small products to homes and businesses at once. The drivers schedule the delivery to homes or have the customer get them from a distribution center. These companies have line haul and city drivers.

Perform a Competitive and Market Analysis

Your business plan needs a market analysis to show your expertise in the industry. Writing it will inform you of any trends, demands, and areas with the most success. Try to include these topics in your market analysis.

  • Competitive Analysis: research similar trucking companies and describe the advantages and disadvantages of their business model
  • Distinguishing Characteristics: explain your target customer’s needs and how you can fulfill them
  • Gross Margin and Pricing Targets: figure out your margins, pricing structure, and discounts
  • Industry Description: summarize your share of the trucking industry, determine its size, and name your primary competitors
  • Market Share: calculate how much business you will gain within a year and explain how you reached these conclusions
  • Regulatory Restrictions: analyze government regulations to see how they would affect your business
  • Target Market: find your specialization and focus on the types of customers you believe you can satisfy
  • Target Market Size: provide an in-depth analysis of your target customers

Use multiple resources to locate this information, and make sure to cite them. You want this report to show your authority on the topic, so don’t skimp!

Determining Your Competitive Edge and the Services You Offer

To stand out from other trucking companies, you will need to get a competitive edge. Analyze your experience to see where your strengths lie. If you worked as a driver, use your track record to prove your safe practices.

Even indirect experience like working as a committed employee can help. Reach out to your former employers to provide any references or connections to build your reputation and authority.

You can draw from your experiences to determine the services you wish to provide. Ask yourself some of these questions:

  • What kind of freight will I haul?
  • What equipment do I need to handle this freight?
  • Will I operate intrastate or interstate?
  • What type of trucking company do I want to run?
  • Will I stay in one location or travel far distances?

Once you figure out the services you wish to offer, you can research the products you need before you can help customers. Look into financing, insurance, logging, and testing providers. Also, check out fuel services and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration guidelines.

Determining Your Rate-Per-Mile and Cost Structures

Your rate-per-mile determines how much you will earn for each mile you travel. Calculating your target rate-per-mile can help you figure out the type of business you want to run. First, estimate your ideal monthly profits. Then, divide this number by how many miles you wish to drive each month. Aim for a number about 10-15% higher than your break-even point , or the amount you need to make to cover your expenses.

Next, you should figure out your cost structures. You can do this by calculating the labor, equipment, and hours that go into completing a task and charging an amount about 10-15% higher for each service. You can earn a modest profit without overcharging your offerings.

Create a Marketing and Sales Strategy

Your marketing strategy features your tactics to attract new customers and retain them. A vital aspect is your advertising channels, such as social media, email, websites, internet ads, commercials, and trade publications. Write how you will use these methods to reach potential consumers.

Look to see if your marketing strategy requires costly purchases or acquisitions to calculate the affordability of your ideas. Also, include what regions and industries you will market to with your promotional materials.

A sales strategy describes your sales force. Consider if you want to use independent salespeople or hire ones yourself. Also, determine how you will identify a potential customer and how you can get their attention. Then, calculate your sales team’s closing rate to see if you can reach your company’s goals with your current techniques.

Make Financial Projections

The financial projections section features information concerning your financial statements and profitability. You will want your cash flow , profit, loss, balance sheet, and sales forecast included. Also, create a five-year projection and write how you will meet your goals.

A five-year goal should align with your current performance and any changes you plan on implementing to expand your profits.

Once your business is established, you can consider other cash flow financing options like factoring invoices , also known as freight factoring .

Make An Employee Plan

Your business plan should discuss who you need to hire. Trucking companies can be any size. A simple model may only have you and your truck acting as an owner-operator. You may want to expand your business with qualified drivers , multiple trucks, a sales team, office support, or dispatching.

If you have clearly defined company goals, you can readily create an employee plan. Figure out the amount of capital you can spend on hiring people and make a budget for how much of your profits you will spend on others.

Define Management and Organization

You can manage and organize your trucking business with computer software that you update regularly. Services like TruckingOffice or other accounting software can help you keep track of your payments, invoices, dispatch, fuel, truck maintenance, expenses, rate-per-mile, and mileage.

You could also do the math by hand, but a program can help you keep everything in one place.

Writing a trucking business plan is a tedious yet necessary task when starting a company. By including varied information about your organization, goals, competitors, profits, and employees, you can attract investors, partners, and customers.

Business plans build industry authority and help you become a trusted provider of trucking services. Try to update your plan once a year to stay on top of your business and expand it further.

Once you have your trucking company up and running, read our other guides about various aspects of the trucking business:

  • What is a TWIC card and who needs one?
  • What is a truck detention fee and how do you determine it?
  • How to prepare for a Level 1 DOT inspection

Trucking Business Plan FAQs

Here are some common questions about trucking business plans answered.

How much cash do you need to start a trucking company?

The amount of cash you need to start a trucking company varies, but you can start a small trucking company with one or two vehicles for as little as $10,000.

What is the average profit for a trucking company?

The average profit margin of trucking companies is between 2.5% and 6%. If you operate your trucking company well, it can be a fairly lucrative business.

How do I start a trucking company from scratch?

You can start a trucking company from scratch by following these steps:

  • Create a business plan.
  • Register your company and obtain relevant licenses.
  • Buy or lease a truck.
  • Secure funding.

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how to write a business proposal for a trucking company

Shipping, Freight & Trucking Business Plans

Did you know each of these plans was created in LivePlan? Learn More

Art Packaging Installation Business Plan

The Art Sentry is a professional art packager and installer serving both residential and corporate markets.

Freight Brokerage Business Plan

Silicon Freight Brokers arranges and coordinates the shipping/transportation of computer chips between buyers and sellers.

General Freight Trucking Business Plan

Mike’s Trucking Service is a Dallas, TX-based trucking company that aims to be one of the largest trucking companies in the USA.

General Motor Freight Trucking Business Plan

Timely Trucking is a new medium- and long-haul dry van trucking business based in Portland, Oregon.

Inventory Control Software Business Plan

Royal's Software will develop a new scalable inventory control software program which will be sold through a hardware integration reseller.

Packaging and Shipping Business Plan

AuctionShipper is a start-up packaging and shipping organization that caters to sellers of online auctions such as eBay as well as offering regular shipping services to walk-in customers.

Pallet Manufacturer Business Plan

Advanced Technology Pallets (ATP) has patented a new technology to use recycled automobile tires to manufacture new shipping pallets that far exceed the current industry strength and durability standards.

Shipment Monitoring Business Plan

NaviTag Technologies, LLC is a start-up solution for the first location and security monitoring solution for maritime container cargo shipments.

Truck Stop Business Plan

Interstate Travel Center is a start-up company that will build a truck stop in the vicinity of I-45 and I-635 in Dallas, Texas.

Trucking Business Plan

ReliableRoadways offers efficient, reliable, and cost-effective freight transportation services across regional and national routes. Our fleet of state-of-the-art trucks and professional drivers ensure the timely delivery of goods, fostering trust and satisfaction among our clients.

Ready to write a business plan for a trucking business? For inspiration, check out a sample business plan for a freight brokerage, trucking service, general motor freight trucking business, or truck stop.

If you’re looking to develop a more modern business plan, we recommend you try LivePlan . It contains the same templates and information you see here, but with additional guidance to help you develop the perfect plan.

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how to write a business proposal for a trucking company

Owner Operator Business Plans 1: Executive Summary

by TruckingOffice | Business Plan , Owner Operator , Trucking Authority , Trucking Management , Trucking Software | 5 comments

Owner Operator Business Plans 1:  Executive Summary

The trucking industry is responsible for transporting 70% of all freight in the United States. In 2021, this translates to over $930 billion in goods being hauled across the country on trucks every year. Does this sound like something you want to be a part of? If you have dreams of owning your own rig and running your own trucking company, becoming an owner-operator may be the right choice for you. 

How Much Owner-Operators Make

In the trucking industry, an owner-operator is the owner of a small trucking company who also runs the day-to-day operations of the company. Many truckers seeking more independence, freedom and profits choose to become owner-operators and run their own trucking company. If you are considering becoming an owner-operator, you are probably wondering how much owner-operators make . According to Indeed.com , they earn an average gross salary of $295,951, which is more than three times the average salary of an OTR (over the road) truck driver. The average net salary for owner-operators is $45,000 to $80,000 per year after expenses. 

Getting started as an owner-operator involves a great deal of planning and preparation. You will want to get your hands on trucking software that simplifies every aspect of your business, from IFTA requirements to maintaining compliance with the federal ELD mandate. Our trucking management software at Trucking Office is second to none in helping owner-operators run their trucking company efficiently and increase their profits. But before we get ahead of ourselves, the very first step in starting a successful trucking company is creating a solid business plan.

Building an Owner-Operator Trucking Business Plan

Owner-Operator-Trucking-Business-Plan-Series-TruckingOffice

  • an executive summary
  • a company overview
  • a marketing plan
  • a set of goals or milestones
  • a list of the current staff
  • a financial plan.

TruckingOffice can help you as we break down each step of writing your owner-operator trucking business plan for your success.

We start with the Executive Summary.

Executive Summary

A short executive summary will take about 10 minutes to write – and five minutes of that may be finding a pencil.  You are going to write a list of things you already know:

  • The name and location of your business
  • What the business does
  • Who does the business serve or who is your target market.

A good executive summary will make you think about who you are and who are the customers you want to serve. It’s a snapshot of what you’re doing right now.  

Creating an executive summary opens up a lot of options for you.

  • If your trucking company is just “Joe’s Trucking Services” then does a shipper know that you’re a trucker or if you help truckers who are stranded on the road?  Maybe a different name and logo would help you get more business.
  • If you want to specialize in hauling specific loads, does your current business name help people find you?

Like finding an unexpected picture of yourself that suddenly motivates you to lose a few pounds, an executive summary may show you places where simple changes can make big differences in your trucking business success.

Snapshots show us a lot.

Do you really need this?  After all, you know all this material very well.  That’s a good question to ask yourself.  Is the name of your business helping you get more business?  Is it located in the right place?  Do you know what your business does – and what you won’t do?  The final question about the target market might be the hardest to answer.  Is your target market only who you find on the list boards? Or are you interested in developing a client list and getting some regular loads?

Creating an executive summary opens up a lot of options for you to consider.

  • If your trucking company is just “Joe’s Trucking Services” does a shipper know that you’re a trucker or if you help truckers who are stranded on the road?  Maybe a new name and logo would help you get more business.

So write your executive summary and put it somewhere that will remind you to think about what the snapshot of your business is showing you right now.

Our next step will be a company overview.  You won’t need a drone to take a high look at your company as it is right now.

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This is mostly geared towards truckers.

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Check out our series on business plans for trucking companies . Our trucking software helps you manage your business once you are up and running.

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Trucking Business Plan

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With the boom in online ordering and cross-border transactions, the demand for trucking is on the rise, and there is no stoppage in the near future. Thus, if you are planning to start your business right now, the timings are perfect.

Now your idea is validated, but have you thought about planning your idea thoroughly before actually executing it? Whether you want external investment or not, a trucking business plan will help you in each step of your journey as a guide.

Here the catch is how to write a business plan because it seems like a boring lengthy procedure, right? Worry not, our trucking business plan template with various examples will help you write yours.

Key Takeaways

  • The executive summary is one of the most important parts readers will go through first, so keep it simple and engaging.
  • Conduct a thorough industry analysis to get a better understanding of your business positioning.
  • To ensure daily smooth operations, provide a detailed operations plan that includes who will work on what.
  • Create realistic financial projections for your financial plan, you can even base your assumptions by looking at the competitor’s response.

Things to Consider Before Writing a Trucking Business Plan

The trucking business is the wheels of the economy, without it the world might close. As a long-distance trucking business transports a variety of goods that is necessary for living.

This industry generally includes trucking companies that operate between major metropolitan regions and cross-borders. The main services of the industry include:

  • Truckload carriers
  • Less-than-truckload carriers
  • Other transportation services

According to American Trucking Association data , 11.46 billion tons of freight was transported by trucks only, accounting for 72.6% of domestic total tonnage shipped.

Thus, trucking was one of the most important sectors and will continue to be the one in the future too. Even, the revenue of trucking was $940.8 billion , which accounted for 80.7% of the total revenue of the industry of the nation.

As we now know the importance of the industry, let us get started with the trucking business plan outline along with various examples and guidance.

How to Create a Trucking Business Plan: A Detailed Guide

1. executive summary.

The executive summary should be the most engaging part for readers, summarizing the entire business plan.

It is generally the part business owners prefer to write at the last because till then they can get the full knowledge of the trucking company business plan.

Start your summary with a brief introduction of your business, as shown in the below example with the help of Upmetrics:

executive summary for trucking business plan

After the introduction, include information like

  • Products Served
  • Customer Focus
  • Mission Statement
  • Vision Statement
  • Success Factors
  • Financial Summary
  • Call to action

Tip: Executive summary is a quick overview for your readers. They might not read the whole business plan and only read this section. Thus, make sure to keep it clear, precise, and crisp enough to grab their attention.

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how to write a business proposal for a trucking company

2. Company Overview

Provide a detailed company description in this section. It includes the name of your own trucking business, the location of your office, the legal structure of your business, and other such information.

Also, do not forget to mention the type of your business, for example, your trucking company will be one from below:

  • Freight trucking
  • Intermodal trucking
  • Specialized hauling
  • Courier and delivery services
  • Bulk commodity trucking
  • Dump trucking

After that, mention the history of your company if your business is already in existence. Here is an illustration of the company’s history with the help of Upmetrics:

trucking business overview

Also, describe the vision & mission statement of your trucking business along with your future goals. Add the names of the owners along with their qualifications and specifications.

In short, this section should provide an in-depth understanding of your business and business owners.

3. Industry Analysis

This analysis gives all the details about the trucking industry. It will support you in a better understanding of your business.

Here are some questions to ask while conducting industry analysis:

  • What is the current size of the trucking industry in the USA?
  • What are the major trends in the transportation industry?
  • Who are the huge players in the industry and what is their market share?
  • How is technology affecting the trucking industry?
  • How are fuel prices affecting the operating costs of the businesses?

Conduction this industry analysis will educate you about the market and help you prepare marketing strategies according to the market trends.

In short, industry analysis will help you have a better understanding of the market and support you in making informed decisions.

4. Competitive Analysis

Competitive analysis will help you know your unique selling propositions (USPs) along with your market positioning. You will also be able to know your direct and indirect competitors & other trucking companies.

Start by listing out all your competitors along with their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.

Focus more on your direct competitors and ask certain questions like:

  • Who do they serve?
  • What is their market share?
  • What are their USPs?
  • What is their pricing strategy?
  • What do they need to work on according to their customers?

After conducting competitor analysis, understand your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats like below to better get your strong points.

competitive analysis for trucking business plan

This way you can get to know the USP of a trucking company. Once you get the USP, flaunt it in your own business plan.

5. Market Analysis

In the market analysis section, begin with market research and deep dive into the market where your trucking business will operate. Start the section by providing the details of your target market.

Your target market will depend on the trucking services you provide and on the location of your business.

Once you are clear about the target customers, discuss the market trends of the trucking industry. Mention what your customers prefer and what new they want.

For instance, here is the market trends section with the help of Upmetrics:

market analysis for trucking business

At the end of the market analysis, do mention the regulatory environment trucking companies need to follow in the particular location.

6. Product and Services

After knowing the market trends and conducting market analysis, give details about the services you will provide. Your trucking services might be one of these:

  • Hazardous material transportation
  • Freight transportation services
  • Specialized transportation
  • Intermodal transportation
  • Last-mile transportation
  • Reefer services
  • Container drayage

Mention your time duration of the services in this section, to let your readers know the efficiency and capacity of your trucks. You can also add the images of trucks in this section along with their capacity.

Keep the language of this section understandable and simple to give knowledge about your services to the readers.

7. Sales and Marketing Plan

There are around 750,000 trucking companies in the USA that own at least 1-2 trucks. Therefore, being noticed in this much competition is necessary, which is why you need a proper sales and marketing plan.

Developing a marketing plan means writing down strategies to acquire potential customers and retain them.

Some of the marketing strategies for trucking companies are:

Having a professional website

Having a professional website will spread your reach to a wider audience.  On the website, you can showcase all your services and the images of the trucks directly to potential customers.

Content marketing

Write blog posts, infographics, and articles for the logistics industry in which you can promote your own business. This way you can establish your expertise too in the same niche.

Social media engagement

For a successful trucking company, staying active on social media is a necessity. Share industry trends, news, and other events on social media to engage with your customers.

Email marketing

Build an email list of potential and existing clients and send them newsletters or updates about your services, industry insights, and special promotions.

Once you have noted down how you will acquire customers, then mention the following things:

  • Customer acquisition cost
  • Your monthly marketing budget

8. Management Team

Letting your readers or investors know who is behind your trucking company will increase the appeal of your business plan.

The management team section tells about the people in charge of the trucking business and their experience of the work. If you have a new trucking company, then showcasing all your experienced managers will make your business look stronger.

Here is an example of a management team:

Management team of Maxwell Truck service

John Maxwell – CEO and Founder

John is the visionary leader who founded Maxwell Truck Service. With over 20 years of experience in the transportation and logistics industry, he sets the company’s strategic direction and oversees overall operations.

Sarah Adams – Chief Operations Officer (COO)

As the COO, Sarah is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the company. She manages dispatch, fleet maintenance, and driver scheduling to ensure efficient and timely delivery of goods.

Michael Turner – Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Michael is responsible for the financial health of the company. He manages budgets, and financial planning, and oversees financial reporting, ensuring the company’s financial stability and growth.

Karen Simmons – Director of Sales and Marketing

Karen leads the company’s sales and marketing efforts. She develops strategies to attract new clients and maintain strong relationships with existing ones, helping to grow the customer base.

9. Operations Plan

In the whole above plan, we have discussed mentioning your goals, now it is time to write the strategies of daily activities on how to achieve the above-mentioned goals. You can divide these goals into two parts:

Everyday goals

They’re the heart and soul of your trucking business’s daily life, from buying the most appropriate trucks to delivering the goods timely is a tricky thing. These are the everyday heroes that keep your business running smoothly.

Long-term goals

It’s all about milestones: the moments that make you pop the champagne. Picture celebrating your 10,000th timely delivery, hitting that milestone sales figure you’ve dreamt of, or expanding your team.

10. Financial Plan

For a successful trucking business, you will need a proper financial plan with practical financial projections. In the plan, you have to include the income statement, cash flow statement, and balance sheet for 3-5 years.

Income statement

An income statement also known as a profit and loss statement, describes the gross profitability of your business by deducting costs of goods sold from revenue.

For this, you don’t need to be greedy and make practical assumptions so that you can know the actual profitability range of your business. Here is a projected profit and loss statement for 3 years:

income statement for trucking business

Balance sheet

Balance sheets display your assets and liabilities. Although they can contain a lot of details, like equity, goodwill, other intangible assets, etc. Here is an example of a balance sheet for 3 years with the help of Upmetrics:

balance sheet for trucking business

Cash flow statement

Your cash flow statement helps you see how much money you need to start or grow your business and avoid running out of money. This cash flow should be maintained even for certain months after launch that is before you start making profits.

Surprisingly, you can make a profit but still face financial problems that could lead to bankruptcy. Therefore, you will need proper cash flow planning to avoid such circumstances.

Funding Sources For Trucking Business

Funding a trucking business might be difficult because of the high investments in the truck, various sources to get funding from are:

  • Bootstrapping
  • Truck financing companies
  • Venture capital & angel investors
  • Crowdfunding
  • Family and friends

Related Trucking Resources

  • Cost to Start a Trucking Company
  • How to Start a Trucking Company Business

Download a Trucking business plan template

Ready to kick-start your business plan writing process? And not sure where to start? Here you go, download our free trucking business plan pdf , and start writing.

This intuitive, modern, and investment-ready template is designed specifically for trucking businesses. It includes step-by-step instructions & examples to help in creating your own trucking business plan.

The Quickest Way to turn a Business Idea into a Business Plan

Fill-in-the-blanks and automatic financials make it easy.

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Write Your Business Plan with Upmetrics

Finally! Now you know how to write a business plan for your business with the help of our trucking business plan example. Thus, you are a step closer to beginning or growing your business.

No doubt, writing a business plan with accurate financial projections is daunting, but it is a lot smoother with the help of business plan software . Therefore, take a deep breath, calm down, and get started with writing your business plan.

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Frequently asked questions, should i hire a professional to write my trucking business plan.

Hiring a professional for your business plan is a great option: it will make things easier for you. But no one knows your business better than yourself.

So, try writing your trucking company business plan with the help of business plan software. That way you will get guidance as well as professionalism in your plan.

How often should you update your trucking business plan?

Remember, your trucking business plan is a living document which means it is flexible and open for changes whenever you want. Ideally, at least updating your business plan once a month as per the current situation is advised.

Should I include photos of trucks and equipment in a plan?

Including photos of your trucks and other equipment is a good option to showcase the service range of your trucking business. Do not overuse them, and just include them in your products and services section.

What legal and regulatory aspects should be covered in a trucking business plan?

A trucking company business plan should include various regulatory aspects:

  • Business structure
  • Licenses and permits
  • Vehicle rules compliance
  • Driver compliance
  • Record keeping

About the Author

how to write a business proposal for a trucking company

Vinay Kevadiya

Vinay Kevadiya is the founder and CEO of Upmetrics, the #1 business planning software. His ultimate goal with Upmetrics is to revolutionize how entrepreneurs create, manage, and execute their business plans. He enjoys sharing his insights on business planning and other relevant topics through his articles and blog posts. Read more

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Transportation Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

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Transportation Business Plan

Over the past 20+ years, we have helped over 1,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans to start and grow their transportation businesses. On this page, we will first give you some background information with regards to the importance of business planning. We will then go through a transportation business plan template step-by-step so you can create your plan today.

Download our Ultimate Business Plan Template here >

What Is a Business Plan?

A business plan provides a snapshot of your transportation business as it stands today, and lays out your growth plan for the next five years. It explains your business goals and your strategy for reaching them. It also includes market research to support your plans.

Why You Need a Business Plan

If you’re looking to start a transportation business, or grow your existing transportation business, you need a business plan. A business plan will help you raise funding, if needed, and plan out the growth of your transportation business in order to improve your chances of success. Your business plan is a living document that should be updated annually as your company grows and changes.

Sources of Funding for Transportation Companies

With regards to funding, the main sources of funding for a transportation business are personal savings, credit cards, bank loans and angel investors. With regards to bank loans, banks will want to review your business plan and gain confidence that you will be able to repay your loan and interest. To acquire this confidence, the loan officer will not only want to confirm that your financials are reasonable, but they will also want to see a professional plan. Such a plan will give them the confidence that you can successfully and professionally operate a business. Personal savings and bank loans are the most common funding paths for transportation businesses.

Finish Your Business Plan Today!

How to write a business plan for a transportation company.

If you want to start a transportation business or expand your current one, you need a business plan. Below we detail what you should include in each section of your own business plan:

Executive Summary

Your executive summary provides an introduction to your business plan, but it is normally the last section you write because it provides a summary of each key section of your plan.

The goal of your Executive Summary is to quickly engage the reader. Explain to them the type of transportation business you are operating and the status. For example, are you a startup, do you have a transportation business that you would like to grow, or are you operating transportation businesses in multiple markets?

Next, provide an overview of each of the subsequent sections of your plan. For example, give a brief overview of the transportation industry. Discuss the type of transportation business you are operating. Detail your direct competitors. Give an overview of your target customers. Provide a snapshot of your marketing plan. Identify the key members of your team. And offer an overview of your financial plan.  

Company Analysis

In your company analysis, you will detail the type of transportation business you are operating.

For example, you might operate one of the following types of transportation businesses:

  • Moving Van Transportation : this type of transportation company specializes in large vans or small fleet trucks to move individuals to a new home. Larger companies are able to move the family or individual to a different country.
  • Medical Transportation: this type of transportation company specializes in the transportation of medical supplies and/or devices and equipment.
  • Taxi Company: this type of transportation company focuses on individuals needing to get to different locations. These trips are often short and within the same city or neighborhood. Many individuals utilize taxi companies for pickup or dropoff from the airport.

In addition to explaining the type of transportation business you will operate, the Company Analysis section of your business plan needs to provide background on the business.

Include answers to question such as:

  • When and why did you start the business?
  • What milestones have you achieved to date? Milestones could include the number of clients served, number of positive reviews, reaching X amount of clients served, etc.
  • Your legal structure. Are you incorporated as an S-Corp? An LLC? A sole proprietorship? Explain your legal structure here.

Industry Analysis

In your industry analysis, you need to provide an overview of the transportation industry.

While this may seem unnecessary, it serves multiple purposes.

First, researching the transportation industry educates you. It helps you understand the market in which you are operating. 

Secondly, market research can improve your strategy, particularly if your research identifies market trends.

The third reason for market research is to prove to readers that you are an expert in your industry. By conducting the research and presenting it in your plan, you achieve just that.

The following questions should be answered in the industry analysis section:

  • How big is the transportation industry (in dollars)?
  • Is the market declining or increasing?
  • Who are the key competitors in the market?
  • Who are the key suppliers in the market?
  • What trends are affecting the industry?
  • What is the industry’s growth forecast over the next 5 – 10 years?
  • What is the relevant market size? That is, how big is the potential market for your transportation business? You can extrapolate such a figure by assessing the size of the market in the entire country and then applying that figure to your local population.

Customer Analysis

The customer analysis section must detail the customers you serve and/or expect to serve.

The following are examples of customer segments:individuals, seniors, families, and companies that need to transport their products.

As you can imagine, the customer segment(s) you choose will have a great impact on the type of transportation business you operate. Clearly, companies would respond to different marketing promotions than individuals, for example.

Try to break out your target customers in terms of their demographic and psychographic profiles. With regards to demographics, include a discussion of the ages, genders, locations and income levels of the customers you seek to serve.

Psychographic profiles explain the wants and needs of your target customers. The more you can understand and define these needs, the better you will do in attracting and retaining your customers.

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Competitive Analysis

Your competitive analysis should identify the indirect and direct competitors your business faces and then focus on the latter.

Direct competitors are other transportation businesses. 

Indirect competitors are other options that customers have to purchase from that aren’t direct competitors. This includes transportation companies such as limousines, bicycle services, car rental companies, etc.

With regards to direct competition, you want to describe the other transportation businesses with which you compete. Most likely, your direct competitors will be transportation businesses located very close to your location.

transportation competition

For each such competitor, provide an overview of their businesses and document their strengths and weaknesses. Unless you once worked at your competitors’ businesses, it will be impossible to know everything about them. But you should be able to find out key things about them such as:

  • What types of vehicles do they operate?
  • What areas do they serve?
  • What type of transportation company are they?
  • What is their pricing (premium, low, etc.)?
  • What are they good at?
  • What are their weaknesses?

With regards to the last two questions, think about your answers from the customers’ perspective. And don’t be afraid to ask your competitors’ customers what they like most and least about them.

The final part of your competitive analysis section is to document your areas of competitive advantage. For example:

  • Are your vehicles more fully-equipped than the competition?
  • Will you provide transportation services that your competitors don’t offer?
  • Will you provide faster delivery time?
  • Will you provide better customer service?
  • Will you offer better pricing?

Think about ways you will outperform your competition and document them in this section of your plan.  

Marketing Plan

Traditionally, a marketing plan includes the four P’s: Product, Price, Place, and Promotion. For a transportation company, your marketing plan should include the following:

Product : In the product section, you should reiterate the type of transportation company that you documented in your Company Analysis. Then, detail the specific products you will be offering. For example, in addition to transportation services, will you provide GPS tracking, 24/7/365 service, client communication, and any other services?

Price : Document the prices you will offer and how they compare to your competitors. Essentially in the product and price sub-sections of your marketing plan, you are presenting the services you offer and their prices.

Place : Place refers to the location of your transportation company. Document your location and mention how the location will impact your success. For example, is your transportation business located near a warehouse district, an office complex, an urban setting, or a busy neighborhood, etc. Discuss how your location might be the ideal location for your customers.

Promotions : The final part of your transportation marketing plan is the promotions section. Here you will document how you will drive customers to your location(s). The following are some promotional methods you might consider:

  • Advertising in local papers and magazines
  • Commercials
  • Social media marketing
  • Local radio advertising

Operations Plan

While the earlier sections of your business plan explained your goals, your operations plan describes how you will meet them. Your operations plan should have two distinct sections as follows.

Everyday short-term processes include all of the tasks involved in running your transportation business, including cleaning the vehicle, any necessary mechanical needs the vehicle may require, fueling the vehicle, and informing clients of location and status updates.

Long-term goals are the milestones you hope to achieve. These could include the dates when you expect to obtain your XXth client, or when you hope to reach $X in revenue. It could also be when you expect to expand your transportation business to a new location.  

Management Team

To demonstrate your transportation business’ ability to succeed, a strong management team is essential. Highlight your key players’ backgrounds, emphasizing those skills and experiences that prove their ability to grow a company. 

Ideally you and/or your team members have direct experience in managing transportation businesses. If so, highlight this experience and expertise. But also highlight any experience that you think will help your business succeed.

If your team is lacking, consider assembling an advisory board. An advisory board would include 2 to 8 individuals who would act like mentors to your business. They would help answer questions and provide strategic guidance. If needed, look for advisory board members with experience in managing a transportation business or is connected to a wide network of professional associations.  

Financial Plan

Your financial plan should include your 5-year financial statement broken out both monthly or quarterly for the first year and then annually. Your financial statements include your income statement, balance sheet and cash flow statements.

Income Statement : an income statement is more commonly called a Profit and Loss statement or P&L. It shows your revenues and then subtracts your costs to show whether you turned a profit or not.

In developing your income statement, you need to devise assumptions. For example, will you take on one new client at a time or multiple new clients with multiple vehicles and drivers ? And will sales grow by 2% or 10% per year? As you can imagine, your choice of assumptions will greatly impact the financial forecasts for your business. As much as possible, conduct research to try to root your assumptions in reality.

Balance Sheets : Balance sheets show your assets and liabilities. While balance sheets can include much information, try to simplify them to the key items you need to know about. For instance, if you spend $50,000 on building out your transportation business, this will not give you immediate profits. Rather it is an asset that will hopefully help you generate profits for years to come. Likewise, if a bank writes you a check for $50,000, you don’t need to pay it back immediately. Rather, that is a liability you will pay back over time.

Cash Flow Statement : Your cash flow statement will help determine how much money you need to start or grow your business, and make sure you never run out of money. What most entrepreneurs and business owners don’t realize is that you can turn a profit but run out of money and go bankrupt. 

In developing your Income Statement and Balance Sheets be sure to include several of the key costs needed in starting or growing a transportation business:

  • Cost of vehicles
  • Cost of fuel and transportation overhead
  • Payroll or salaries paid to staff
  • Business insurance
  • Taxes and permits
  • Legal expenses

Attach your full financial projections in the appendix of your plan along with any supporting documents that make your plan more compelling. For example, you might include your vehicle lease or cost, types of customer you will be targeting, and the areas your transportation business will serve.  

Putting together a business plan for your transportation business is a worthwhile endeavor. If you follow the template above, by the time you are done, you will truly be an expert. You will really understand the transportation industry, your competition, and your customers. You will have developed a marketing plan and will really understand what it takes to launch and grow a successful transportation business.  

Transportation Business Plan FAQs

What is the easiest way to complete my transportation business plan.

Growthink's Ultimate Business Plan Template allows you to quickly and easily complete your Transportation Business Plan.

What is the Goal of a Business Plan's Executive Summary?

The goal of your Executive Summary is to quickly engage the reader. Explain to them the type of transportation business you are operating and the status; for example, are you a startup, do you have a transportation business that you would like to grow, or are you operating a chain of transportation businesses?

Where Can I download a transport business plan pdf?

You can download the transport business plan pdf here. This is a business plan template you can use in PDF format for any type of transportation business.

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OR, Let Us Develop Your Plan For You

Since 1999, Growthink has developed business plans for thousands of companies who have gone on to achieve tremendous success.   Click here to see how Growthink’s business plan advisors can give you a winning business plan.

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ProfitableVenture

How to Write a Trucking Business Proposal That Gets Noticed

By: Author Tony Martins Ajaero

Home » Business ideas

Do you run a trucking company and you need trucking contracts? If YES, here is a quick guide on how to write a trucking business proposal that gets noticed.

Like most businesses these days, your trucking business is very likely looking for ways to find more clients, stay ahead of the competition, and equally cut costs so as to remain competitive. To land a new client or get a project accepted, one thing you need to do is to pen down a proposal for your trucking business.

Writing a trucking business proposal is easy, even though so may think it to be difficult. This is because the structure of every business proposal is basically the same. It will include; introduction, highlight the services you offer, describe your costs, and persuade your prospective client that you are the perfect choice for the project.

If you are still not so sure of how to go about it, you can as well help yourself by using pre-designed templates and studying sample proposals. These templates will help you to include details about your particular services, projects, and business experience that are relevant to your client’s specific project.

The appeal of the open road can be an irresistible way to make a living for some people with the mind. If you run your own trucking business, you even get to keep more of your profits. Unfortunately, you’re also responsible for securing investors and setting up the business. Writing a proposal for your trucking businesses accomplishes two goals. First, it provides a document to show prospective investors. Second, it helps you sort out staffing, freight capacity goals and other key aspects of your business.

Here are ways you can write an attention grabbing business proposal.

1. Do your research

Before you start anything pertaining to your business, business proposal writing inclusive, you should know that you have to start with your research. You need to seek out what other trucking companies are doing in this regard.  To get the best results, you may have to model your business on the financial statements of other trucking companies. These are facts that are accessible to public companies. Focusing particularly on companies in your region, consider how much money you will spend on each necessity. Decide what makes your business different from all the others, too; this information will serve as a hook to attract investors and could even someday figure into your advertising.

2. Divide your proposal into easy-to-digest sections

To ensure that your trucking business proposal is easy enough to understand, you have to divide it into bite-sized sections. Begin with a one-page summation of your proposal, then go further in-depth, informing your reader about the kind of freight you plan to haul and where, then the staff you will employ and their qualifications, and so on. If you’re having trouble figuring out what sections you need, the general rule is to consider answering the 5 W’s (and one H) question. Who, What, When Where, Why and How. Before you are done with analyzing these questions, you have gotten your sections put together.

3. Address your weaknesses and emphasize your strengths

To be able to write an irresistible trucking business proposal, you have to master the art of addressing your weaknesses and emphasizing your strengths. Doing this will make you seem honest to possible investors. It will also demonstrate that you have thought about your Business model a great deal. For example, there may be a number of established trucking firms in your area. Counter this by reinforcing that you will carry large loads that few of those other companies can handle. Take a good look at your trucking business and the business of other to see what you offer that they don’t.

4. Make it clear and concise

For your trucking business proposal to be clearly understood, it has to be clear and concise. Employ clear, simple language and make sure your concepts are written in such a way that others have no problem understanding them. In fact, experts have suggested that you condense each idea into a few sentences and show them to someone who doesn’t know about the trucking business. When even non-truckers believe your proposal has an impact, you know your writing was effective, and the proposal can take you places.

5. Don’t forget your data

To be highly effective, you trucking business proposal need to contain pure, hard data you used to write the rest of your report. While a 20-year quarterly cost/benefit projection table may slow the reader if it is placed in the middle of the proposal, it’s very useful at the end, allowing readers to immerse themselves in numbers if they so desire.

6. Sell yourself as much as you can

When you are getting towards the end of your trucking business proposal, you now have the chance to promote your project, products, and services. In this section you will include pages that describe precisely what you have to offer and what it will cost. This section should contain some pages with general headings like Services Provided, Benefits, Features, and Cost Summary, but it should also incorporate more detailed pages that fully describe your products and services, explain how you can fulfill the client’s needs, and list the associated costs.

As a cargo hauling company, you might need to include extra topics like Equipment, Options and Fleet to describe the equipment options available to customers. Topics such as Shipping, Handling, Routes, Service Area, and Storage would be used to cover how and where client cargo will be transported. You might also need to include topics to outline special circumstances for hazardous materials or special needs, including pages such as Safety Plan, Security Plan, Training, Certifications, Site Specific Requirements, Special Needs, Regulations, Permits and Licenses, and Insurance. All these would help you present enough information to your proposed clients and give them good facts to work with when making the decision of if to hire your services.

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How to Write a Trucking Business Plan

Article

Unless you have rich relatives willing to finance your trucking business with no questions asked, it’s in your best interest to write a business plan to aid you when approaching lenders, investors or partners to maximize your chance of getting funding assistance. A comprehensive, detailed and properly structured trucking business plan can help you get the financing you need to purchase trucks, truck equipment and other necessities. But more importantly, it also provides a critical road map of practical and logistical steps you’ll take when starting a trucking business.

What to Include in a Trucking Business Plan

A trucking business plan should contain much of the same information as any other type of business plan, regardless of the product or service the business provides. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), a good business plan “guides you through each stage of starting and managing your business … [including] how to structure, run and grow your new business.” For truckers, the business plan should include industry-specific information that displays a thorough knowledge of what it takes to be competitive and profitable, according to the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA), a Missouri-based organization that advocates for the rights of professional truck drivers. The first thing you’ll want to do before sitting down to write your business plan is figure out what potential lenders, financiers or investors need to know to ensure your funding requirements are met. You will need to include some customized information in your business plan that is specific to your company’s individual needs. However, just about all business plans should include the following, according to the SBA:

Executive Summary

Company description, market analysis, sales and marketing, funding request, financial projections.

The details in each section will differ depending on whether you want to be an independent owner-operator or company owner with a fleet of trucks. There will also be variations based on the type of freight you’ll be hauling and where your trucks will be travelling. As a general rule, though, each section should contain detailed and accurate information that lets potential investors or partners know you’ve done your due diligence on the trucking industry and have a clear understanding of what it takes to be successful.

Steps to Take Before Writing a Business Plan for Your Trucking Company

As you begin the process of obtaining financing, it’s a good idea to do as much legwork as possible ahead of time so you'll be ready to hit the ground running when your financing comes through. Linda Finch, a compliance specialist with the OOIDA, recommends taking the following steps:

  • Register your business as either a sole proprietorship with a DBA, a Limited Liability Company (LLC) or a corporation.
  • Obtain an Employee ID Number (EIN).
  • Register your business with the U.S. Department of Transportation to get a federal DOT number. You’ll need to provide information on where you’ll be operating, how many trucks you plan to have and the types of trucks, whether you’ll haul hazardous materials, your vehicle weight, the type of cargo and whether you’ll be a freight forwarder.
  • Apply for a Motor Carrier (MC) number. This can be done online via the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
  • File a BOC-3 with the FMCSA. This form “gives motor carriers, brokers and freight forwarders a legal presence in any state where they do business,” according to the RTSFinancial website.
  • Obtain truck insurance. Finch recommends $750,000 in primary liability insurance, $100,000 in cargo insurance and $1 million in liability insurance. Primary liability covers damages to people or property caused by your truck or trucks.
  • Get your apportioned plates and set up an International Registration Plan, or IRP. According to the IRP website, this is a an agreement between the states, District of Columbia and Canadian provinces that recognizes the registration of commercial motor vehicles registered by other jurisdictions. It provides for “payment of apportioned licensing fees based on the total distance operated in all member jurisdictions.”
  • Set up an International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) account, which is another agreement between the U.S. and Canada that simplifies fuel use taxes by interstate carriers, according to the California.gov website.
  • Get a Unified Carrier Registration (UCR). This requires carriers and other businesses involved in interstate commerce to pay annual fees based on fleet size to supplement funding for state highway motor carrier registration and safety programs, according to UCR.gov.

Information to Gather for Your Trucking Business Plan

The OOIDA also recommends that truckers educate themselves on industry and financial basics before putting their business plans together. To that end, the OOIDA offers business education training seminars designed to help those who are starting a trucking business. The seminars cover everything from obtaining financing and developing the right financial plan to ensuring that all the right boxes are checked in terms of permits, licensing, taxes and compliance. When developing your business plan, the OOIDA offers the following guidelines:

  • Determine what your operating assets are in comparison to your liabilities.
  • Learn about managing costs to realistically project your financial success.
  • Determine your cost of operations, including the fixed and variable costs.
  • Determine how much cash flow you will need in order to succeed.
  • Develop realistic operating procedures that reflect the freight you will be hauling and the demographics of where the freight originates and where it is delivered.
  • Research the different rates required by different freight lanes, and why they differ.
  • Learn where to get freight and when to use or avoid load boards. Load boards, also known as freight marketplaces, are online load and truck freight boards used by owner-operators to find their own loads.
  • Educate yourself on spot market versus contract rates. Aborn & Co., a Massachusetts-based provider of managed freight solutions, describes a spot rate as “a one-time single-use rate quote that is valid for a short period of time and is issued to a shipper at or near the time of their shipment.” A contract rate is “a fixed price that is valid for a predetermined period of time and is negotiated with a shipper in advance of any freight moves.”
  • Research the advantages and disadvantages of adding fuel surcharges to your pricing.

It’s also important to familiarize yourself with the basics of accounting, regardless of whether you plan to handle this function yourself or contract it out to a third party. Courses are offered online and at community colleges that can help you learn about balance sheets, profit-loss statements and how to calculate total assets and total liabilities.

When you’re ready to start writing your business plan, using a template or outline like the one below will ensure your business plan is properly structured and organized. Read: 4 Signs It’s Time to Get a Business Line of Credit

Trucking Business Plan Template

To expedite the trucking business plan process, utilize a basic business plan template and customize it to your needs. Regardless of your industry, all business plans should cover the same key sections. Here are key sections to include when writing a business plan for a trucking company:

This section should provide a short overview of your company and its plans for the future. Include details on your company mission, financial information and performance and growth plans. Ideally, the executive summary will be no more than one or two pages. Because it’s the first thing someone will read, you need to make a strong impression here. Keep the wording crisp, compelling, precise and to the point. If you don’t catch the reader’s attention and make a strong case for why you’re starting a business and why it will succeed, your business plan might get pushed aside before anyone has a chance to read the rest of it. Related: How to Start Your Own Trucking Company in 10 Steps

The next section of your trucking business plan is the company description. This is where you write about the background of your business and your connection to the trucking industry. You can go into a little more detail here about the company mission, how your business will differ from the rest of the playing field and who’ll make up your client base. Use this section to outline the advantages you have over competitors. For example, you might have expertise in a particular type of freight or market, or a strong network of logistics companies, shippers and freight brokers. Provide details on your experience in the business, including everything from starting out as a truck loader to managing a fleet of truckers. This is also where you’ll provide key facts about your trucking business, such as the owners and management team (if applicable), the year of incorporation, where you’ll operate and the states your business is registered in. You will also provide details on employees (if any), their roles and responsibilities and your plans to hire more as your business grows.

In this section, you’ll outline the services you plan to offer, how you’ll go about executing them and how they will meet market demand. If you are licensed to haul hazardous materials, for example, explain how this is a competitive advantage and what kinds of customers will require your services. Provide information on where you’ll be operating and how that will impact your services. A trucker in the Southeast, for example, would probably haul more construction materials than one in the Northeast. Similarly, a trucker in the prairie states would probably have more seasonal business tied to farming. The services section should also include details about your pricing structure, the types of freight you plan to haul and the industries you’ll serve. Read This: 10 Business Plan Tips for Your Startup

In many respects, the market analysis portion is the most important section of your trucking business plan because it’s where you can wow lenders and investors with your market knowledge. The goal here is to provide the kind of data that shows you’re well-versed in industry trends, market demand, what works well and doesn’t work well in winning new business and the techniques you’ll use to gain an edge over rivals. Your market analysis should include the following information:

  • Industry Description and Outlook: Provide data on the size of the trucking industry in both dollars and carriers. Include the number of competitors, the biggest players, the biggest shippers and the annual revenue the industry generates. Also, provide data on how the industry is expected to grow and evolve over the next five to 10 years.
  • Target Market: This is where you’ll narrow down the data to your specific niche market (e.g. tankers, refrigerated loads, flatbeds, etc.). Use this space to provide information on the market size in dollars, the number of competitors, the biggest shippers and carriers and the market outlook over the next five to 10 years. Explain how you plan to stand out from the crowd in terms of services, expertise, price and reliability.

Also, provide data on how much market share you expect to carve out during a specified time period and how you plan to grab it. Be specific here. Instead of saying, “We plan to gain share by providing exceptional service,” explain what makes your service exceptional, how it differs from the competition and why customers will migrate to your company.

  • Pricing and Margins: Provide details on how you intend to price your services, how those stack up against competitors and what kinds of margins you’ll need to operate on to be profitable.
  • Competitor Analysis: Potential lenders and investors will want to know that you have a deep knowledge of the carriers and owner-operators you’ll be competing against. Provide detailed information on competitors, who their main customers are, what they do well, where their weaknesses lie and how you plan to exploit those weaknesses.
  • Regulatory Environment: The trucking industry is heavily regulated by the federal government (and some state governments) in terms of the number of hours you can drive in a day and a week, the types of material you can haul and where you can haul them, your vehicle’s fuel emissions and the types of permits and licenses required to operate. Explain the regulations you’ll need to operate under and how you plan to comply with them.

You can touch on operational risks here as well, particularly as they pertain to how pending legislation or regulations could impact your business.

Reaching the right people at the right time and in the right way will be a key element of your trucking business’ success. So will convincing prospects to do business with you once you’ve established a relationship. The sales and marketing section of your business plan is where you outline strategies to find potential customers and sell them on your services.

  • Marketing Strategy: Use this section to explain what you’ll do to build and grow your client base. Provide details on how you’ll market your business, whether through traditional advertising on industry websites, through social media, by purchasing phone and email lists, by visiting trade shows or some combination of the above or other means. Be specific about the types of clients your marketing will focus on and where they’re located. Also, provide details about the budget you plan to set aside for marketing.
  • Sales Strategy: This section will mainly focus on the type of sales operation you plan to set up. If you plan to hire your own sales force, provide details on how many sales agents you expect to have on staff, what their pay structure will look like and what kind of weekly or monthly sale quotas you’ll implement. If you plan to use an outside third party to handle sales, identify companies you might use, why they’re successful and how much you’ll budget. Also, provide details on the process of finding and calling on prospects.

This section provides details on the financing requirements you’ll need to get your trucking business off the ground and keep it operating at full strength in the future. Be very specific in terms of the amount of money needed over the next several years and how it will be used. For example, you might use it to purchase a truck and truck equipment, pay salaries and bills and grow your client base. Also, specify whether you will require debt or equity, for how long and at what terms.

This is where you’ll disclose your company’s financial details and its ability to meet its fiscal targets. Include basic financial documents such as the balance sheet, profit-loss statement, cash flow statement and sales forecast. You can also include a break-even analysis explaining what you need to sell, either monthly or annually, to cover your costs of doing business. Provide an outlook of how the business is expected to perform over the next five years.

How to Get Financing for Your Trucking Business

Now that you have a trucking business plan in place, where do you go for financing? Banks and other traditional lending institutions are an obvious option, but they often won’t finance brand new businesses. Similarly, the Small Business Administration requires three years of business tax returns, which means startups have limited financing options. One option, however, is Seek Business Capital, which specializes in helping startups and early-stage business obtain the funding they need to get their businesses up and running regardless of time in business. To get pre-qualified for trucking business financing or to just learn more about your options, check out the ultimate guide to truck financing . More From Seek

  • 10 Tips for Female Entrepreneurs From Women Who Founded Companies
  • Cities With the Most Female Entrepreneurs
  • What Startups Should Know About Equipment Financing

Business Loan Resources

  • Startup Business Loans
  • Small Business Loans
  • Equipment Loans
  • Truck Financing Options

Photo credit: welcomia/Shutterstock.com

RequestLetters

Sample Letter of Intent for Trucking Services: Free & Effective

As someone who has crafted numerous Letters of Intent (LOI) for trucking services, I’ve come to understand the nuances that make these documents effective and appealing to potential clients.

Key Takeaways:

  • Understand the Purpose: A Letter of Intent (LOI) for trucking services is a preliminary agreement outlining the terms of a potential contract.
  • Essential Elements: Include details like service scope, pricing, and timelines.
  • Professional Tone: Maintain a formal, clear, and concise style.
  • Personalize Each Letter: Tailor your LOI to each client’s specific needs.
  • Legal Considerations: Be aware of the non-binding nature of an LOI and include necessary disclaimers.
  • Follow-Up: Always follow up after sending the LOI.
  • Template Provided: A customizable template is included for your convenience.

An LOI is not just a formality; it’s a critical step in establishing a professional relationship and laying the groundwork for a future contract. 

In this article,  I’ll guide you through writing an LOI for trucking services, offering a step-by-step approach and a customizable template.

Step 1: Understand the Purpose

First and foremost, understand that an LOI serves as a preliminary agreement. It’s a way to express your intent to provide services, outlining the terms and conditions in a manner that’s less formal than a contract. It’s not legally binding, but it shows seriousness and professionalism.

Step 2: Start with Basic Information

Begin your LOI with basic information:

  • Your Name/Company Name
  • Contact Information
  • Recipient’s Name/Company Name
  • Recipient’s Contact Information

Step 3: Introduction and Intent Statement

Open with a formal greeting, then clearly state your intention to provide trucking services. Mention how you learned about the opportunity or reference any prior communication.

Example: “Dear [Recipient’s Name], I am writing to express my interest in providing trucking services for [Company Name], as discussed in our meeting on [Date].”

Step 4: Detail the Services Offered

Here, be specific about what you offer. Include types of vehicles, capacity, routes, and any special services like refrigerated transport or hazardous materials handling.

  • Vehicle Types : Semi-trucks, flatbeds, etc.
  • Services : Local delivery, long-haul, specialized transport.
  • Routes : Mention specific routes or areas covered.

Step 5: Discuss Pricing and Terms

Be transparent about your pricing structure, payment terms, and any other conditions. However, remember that details can be negotiated later, so you don’t need to be overly specific.

Step 6: Timeline and Availability

Provide a general timeline for when you can start and any limitations in availability. This helps set realistic expectations.

Step 7: Closing Statement

End with a summary of your intentions, a thank you, and a call to action, like arranging a meeting or a phone call.

Example: “I am excited about the prospect of working with [Company Name] and am ready to discuss this in further detail at your earliest convenience.”

Step 8: Professional Sign-off

Use a formal closing such as “Sincerely” or “Best Regards,” followed by your signature (if sending a hard copy) and typed name.

Letter of Intent for Trucking Services Template:

[Your Name/Company Name] [Your Contact Information] [Date]

[Recipient’s Name/Company Name] [Recipient’s Contact Information]

Dear [Recipient’s Name],

I am writing to express my interest in providing trucking services for [Company Name]. As a seasoned professional in the trucking industry, I understand the importance of reliable and efficient transport solutions.

[Detail the services offered, including types of vehicles, capacity, and any special services.]

Our pricing model is competitive and designed to offer value without compromising on quality. I am open to discussing the terms and tailoring our services to meet your specific needs.

I am available to commence services from [Date] and would be happy to adjust this based on your schedule.

Thank you for considering [Your Company Name] for your trucking needs. I look forward to the possibility of working together and am available for a meeting or a call to discuss this further.

[Your Signature (if applicable)] [Your Typed Name]

In my experience, a well-crafted LOI not only opens doors for new business opportunities but also establishes a foundation of trust and professionalism. It’s an essential tool in the trucking industry, where clarity and reliability are paramount.

Real-Life Example: In one instance, a tailored LOI I sent to a major retail chain led to a long-term contract. The key was understanding their specific needs and clearly conveying how my services could meet those needs.

Conclusion:

Writing a Letter of Intent for trucking services is a blend of professionalism, clarity, and personalization. By following these steps and using the provided template, you can create an effective LOI that stands out to potential clients.

Comment Request:

I’d love to hear your experiences with Letters of Intent in the trucking industry. Have you found them effective? Do you have any additional tips? Please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

A middle-aged Hispanic woman in business casual attire

Q: How Do I Start Writing a Proposal Letter for Trucking Services?

Answer: In my experience, the best way to start is by understanding the client’s specific needs. Research their business and the challenges they face in logistics. 

This helps in tailoring the proposal to be more relevant. Then, begin with a clear introduction of yourself and your company, emphasizing your expertise in trucking services.

Q: What Should Be Included in the Service Details of the Proposal?

Answer: It’s crucial to be precise and comprehensive. In my proposals, I always include the types of services offered, like long-haul or regional trucking, the types of goods we can transport, and any special equipment or technology we use. 

I also mention any additional services like tracking or expedited delivery options, which often gives me an edge.

Q: How Do I Make My Trucking Proposal Stand Out?

Answer: Personalization is key. I always focus on how my services can specifically benefit the potential client. Highlighting unique aspects of your service, like advanced safety measures, exceptional on-time delivery rates, or your ability to handle peak season demands, can make your proposal more compelling.

Q: What’s the Best Way to Discuss Pricing in the Proposal?

Answer: Clarity and transparency are essential. I provide a detailed breakdown of costs, but I also ensure that the pricing model is easy to understand. 

Sometimes, I include a few pricing options to give the client flexibility. I’ve found that being upfront about costs builds trust and avoids confusion later.

Q: How Can I Conclude the Proposal Effectively?

Answer: A strong conclusion reiterates the benefits of choosing your service and includes a clear call to action. I usually summarize key points, restate how my services align with the client’s needs, and invite them to contact me for further discussion. A professional, courteous closing leaves a lasting impression.

Q: Is It Important to Follow Up After Sending the Proposal?

Answer: Absolutely. I always follow up within a week of sending the proposal. It shows potential clients that I’m proactive and genuinely interested in working with them. 

During the follow-up, I offer to clarify any points and answer additional questions they might have. This often opens the door to further discussions.

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As London loses another listing, analysts are wary of writing off the UK capital

  • TUI Chief Financial Officer Mathias Kiep told CNBC on Wednesday that investors had asked the company to reconsider its dual listing amid a shift in liquidity from London to Frankfurt.
  • London has also suffered a number of de-listings and high-profile IPO snubs over the past year, with British semiconductor design firm Arm notably opting to list on New York's Nasdaq.

LONDON — TUI became the latest company to ditch its share listing in London, as shareholders voted overwhelmingly for the German travel giant to list solely in Frankfurt.

The Hannover-headquartered group's investors voted 98.35% in favor of moving the portion of its shares traded on the London Stock Exchange 's FTSE 250 to Frankfurt's MDAX, with the transfer expected to occur on June 24.

TUI has a dual listing between the two cities, but said in a statement Tuesday that the company was approached by various investors last year questioning whether this was still optimal, given changes in the ownership structure of the company's shares and a "marked shift in liquidity from the U.K. to Germany."

Around 77% of transactions in TUI shares are currently settled via Germany, with the U.K. now accounting for less than a quarter.

"A lot of the liquidity, the volumes, already for quite some time went from the trading line in the U.K. to the trading line in Frankfurt, so on the back of this, we were actually approached last summer by shareholders," TUI Chief Financial Officer Mathias Kiep told CNBC on Wednesday.

TUI was approached last summer by shareholders over dual listing in London, CFO says

"A lot of comments were about if we were to go to Frankfurt, one, liquidity would be in one pool only. The other point was that a lot said 'then you are more prominent in the MDAX than where you are today in the FTSE 250,' and there were also some comments that [the U.K.] could be a more challenging market environment today."

U.K. stocks are trading at a considerable discount to the rest of Europe, having suffered an investor flight in recent years. The country's blue chip FTSE 100 index is down almost 5% over the past year, compared to a 5% increase for the pan-European Stoxx 600 .

London still a contender

London has also suffered a number of de-listings and high-profile IPO snubs over the past year. The number of applications to list in the Square Mile fell to a six-year low in 2023 , according to data obtained by investment platform XTB late last year and reported in several U.K. media outlets.

British semiconductor and software design firm Arm, owned by Japanese investor SoftBank, notably opted last year to list on New York's Nasdaq , along with a number of other tech companies, despite efforts from Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's government to persuade the company to list in London.

"It is very disappointing to see another company leave the Main Market of the LSE, following multiple takeovers and de-listings last year, and with companies such as Arm turning to NASDAQ for IPO," Melanie Wadsworth, partner at international law firm Faegre Drinker, told CNBC on Tuesday.

"However, I can understand the rationale behind this proposal, given that TUI's headquarters is in Germany and only approximately 22% of its trading in 2023 took place via the U.K. market. I would therefore hope this decision is driven by factors specific to TUI, rather than being indicative of a trend."

Tom Bacon, partner at global law firm BCLP, said it was understandable for some to point to the TUI de-listing as another example of companies moving away from London, but agreed that it was important to consider the specifics of TUI's case.

"Much like other recent examples, there are specific reasons for this decision related to the legacy merger of TUI Travel plc and TUI AG in 2014," Bacon said via email Tuesday.

"On various metrics, London remains the largest exchange in Europe and has actually faired better in 2023 in terms of activity than the other European exchanges like Frankfurt, Paris and Amsterdam."

comscore

how to write a business proposal for a trucking company

Create a form in Word that users can complete or print

In Word, you can create a form that others can fill out and save or print.  To do this, you will start with baseline content in a document, potentially via a form template.  Then you can add content controls for elements such as check boxes, text boxes, date pickers, and drop-down lists. Optionally, these content controls can be linked to database information.  Following are the recommended action steps in sequence.  

Show the Developer tab

In Word, be sure you have the Developer tab displayed in the ribbon.  (See how here:  Show the developer tab .)

Open a template or a blank document on which to base the form

You can start with a template or just start from scratch with a blank document.

Start with a form template

Go to File > New .

In the  Search for online templates  field, type  Forms or the kind of form you want. Then press Enter .

In the displayed results, right-click any item, then select  Create. 

Start with a blank document 

Select Blank document .

Add content to the form

Go to the  Developer  tab Controls section where you can choose controls to add to your document or form. Hover over any icon therein to see what control type it represents. The various control types are described below. You can set properties on a control once it has been inserted.

To delete a content control, right-click it, then select Remove content control  in the pop-up menu. 

Note:  You can print a form that was created via content controls. However, the boxes around the content controls will not print.

Insert a text control

The rich text content control enables users to format text (e.g., bold, italic) and type multiple paragraphs. To limit these capabilities, use the plain text content control . 

Click or tap where you want to insert the control.

Rich text control button

To learn about setting specific properties on these controls, see Set or change properties for content controls .

Insert a picture control

A picture control is most often used for templates, but you can also add a picture control to a form.

Picture control button

Insert a building block control

Use a building block control  when you want users to choose a specific block of text. These are helpful when you need to add different boilerplate text depending on the document's specific purpose. You can create rich text content controls for each version of the boilerplate text, and then use a building block control as the container for the rich text content controls.

building block gallery control

Select Developer and content controls for the building block.

Developer tab showing content controls

Insert a combo box or a drop-down list

In a combo box, users can select from a list of choices that you provide or they can type in their own information. In a drop-down list, users can only select from the list of choices.

combo box button

Select the content control, and then select Properties .

To create a list of choices, select Add under Drop-Down List Properties .

Type a choice in Display Name , such as Yes , No , or Maybe .

Repeat this step until all of the choices are in the drop-down list.

Fill in any other properties that you want.

Note:  If you select the Contents cannot be edited check box, users won’t be able to click a choice.

Insert a date picker

Click or tap where you want to insert the date picker control.

Date picker button

Insert a check box

Click or tap where you want to insert the check box control.

Check box button

Use the legacy form controls

Legacy form controls are for compatibility with older versions of Word and consist of legacy form and Active X controls.

Click or tap where you want to insert a legacy control.

Legacy control button

Select the Legacy Form control or Active X Control that you want to include.

Set or change properties for content controls

Each content control has properties that you can set or change. For example, the Date Picker control offers options for the format you want to use to display the date.

Select the content control that you want to change.

Go to Developer > Properties .

Controls Properties  button

Change the properties that you want.

Add protection to a form

If you want to limit how much others can edit or format a form, use the Restrict Editing command:

Open the form that you want to lock or protect.

Select Developer > Restrict Editing .

Restrict editing button

After selecting restrictions, select Yes, Start Enforcing Protection .

Restrict editing panel

Advanced Tip:

If you want to protect only parts of the document, separate the document into sections and only protect the sections you want.

To do this, choose Select Sections in the Restrict Editing panel. For more info on sections, see Insert a section break .

Sections selector on Resrict sections panel

If the developer tab isn't displayed in the ribbon, see Show the Developer tab .

Open a template or use a blank document

To create a form in Word that others can fill out, start with a template or document and add content controls. Content controls include things like check boxes, text boxes, and drop-down lists. If you’re familiar with databases, these content controls can even be linked to data.

Go to File > New from Template .

New from template option

In Search, type form .

Double-click the template you want to use.

Select File > Save As , and pick a location to save the form.

In Save As , type a file name and then select Save .

Start with a blank document

Go to File > New Document .

New document option

Go to File > Save As .

Go to Developer , and then choose the controls that you want to add to the document or form. To remove a content control, select the control and press Delete. You can set Options on controls once inserted. From Options, you can add entry and exit macros to run when users interact with the controls, as well as list items for combo boxes, .

Adding content controls to your form

In the document, click or tap where you want to add a content control.

On Developer , select Text Box , Check Box , or Combo Box .

Developer tab with content controls

To set specific properties for the control, select Options , and set .

Repeat steps 1 through 3 for each control that you want to add.

Set options

Options let you set common settings, as well as control specific settings. Select a control and then select Options to set up or make changes.

Set common properties.

Select Macro to Run on lets you choose a recorded or custom macro to run on Entry or Exit from the field.

Bookmark Set a unique name or bookmark for each control.

Calculate on exit This forces Word to run or refresh any calculations, such as total price when the user exits the field.

Add Help Text Give hints or instructions for each field.

OK Saves settings and exits the panel.

Cancel Forgets changes and exits the panel.

Set specific properties for a Text box

Type Select form Regular text, Number, Date, Current Date, Current Time, or Calculation.

Default text sets optional instructional text that's displayed in the text box before the user types in the field. Set Text box enabled to allow the user to enter text into the field.

Maximum length sets the length of text that a user can enter. The default is Unlimited .

Text format can set whether text automatically formats to Uppercase , Lowercase , First capital, or Title case .

Text box enabled Lets the user enter text into a field. If there is default text, user text replaces it.

Set specific properties for a Check box .

Default Value Choose between Not checked or checked as default.

Checkbox size Set a size Exactly or Auto to change size as needed.

Check box enabled Lets the user check or clear the text box.

Set specific properties for a Combo box

Drop-down item Type in strings for the list box items. Press + or Enter to add an item to the list.

Items in drop-down list Shows your current list. Select an item and use the up or down arrows to change the order, Press - to remove a selected item.

Drop-down enabled Lets the user open the combo box and make selections.

Protect the form

Go to Developer > Protect Form .

Protect form button on the Developer tab

Note:  To unprotect the form and continue editing, select Protect Form again.

Save and close the form.

Test the form (optional)

If you want, you can test the form before you distribute it.

Protect the form.

Reopen the form, fill it out as the user would, and then save a copy.

Creating fillable forms isn’t available in Word for the web.

You can create the form with the desktop version of Word with the instructions in Create a fillable form .

When you save the document and reopen it in Word for the web, you’ll see the changes you made.

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UAW workers at Ford's Kentucky truck plant threaten strike next Friday

Ford Super Duty trucks are seen at the Kentucky Truck assembly plant in Louisville

  • Ford Motor Co Follow
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Reporting by Kannaki Deka in Bengaluru; Editing by Shailesh Kuber and Shounak Dasgupta

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. , opens new tab

The 2022 Paris Auto Show

Exclusive: Mondelez revamps European operations after boycotts over Russian business, internal memos show

A JetBlue passenger jet lands with New York City as a backdrop

An Uber and Lyft driver strike may force you to find another way home from the airport on Valentine's Day

  • Uber and Lyft drivers are planning a midday strike at some US airports on Wednesday.
  • The action targets some major hubs, including Newark Liberty and Chicago's O'Hare.
  • It's part of a broader strike to draw attention to gig workers' pay and issues like deactivations.

Insider Today

Good luck if you're hoping to get an Uber or Lyft on your way home from the airport on Valentine's Day.

That's because drivers in 10 cities say they won't be working between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. local time on Wednesday. It's part of a nationwide effort among rideshare drivers trying to bring attention to problems they say they face on the apps, from low pay to having their accounts suddenly deactivated.

"We're sick of working 80 hours/week just to make ends meet, being constantly scared for our safety, and worrying about being deactivated with the click of a button," Justice for App Workers, a group representing 130,000 rideshare and delivery gig workers, said on its website about the strike.

The strike will target multiple major airports, including Newark Liberty International Airport outside of New York City as well as Chicago's O'Hare International Airport.

The Valentine's Day Strike also will affect airports in Austin, Texas; Hartford, Connecticut; Miami; Orlando, Philadelphia; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Providence, Rhode Island; and Tampa, Florida, according to Justice for App Workers.

But Uber brushed off concerns about the strike affecting customers.

"These types of events have rarely had any impact on trips, prices, or driver availability, and we expect the same tomorrow," an Uber spokesperson told Business Insider.

"That's because the vast majority of drivers are satisfied," the spokesperson added, citing an estimate that Uber drivers made "about $33 per utilized hour" last quarter.

A spokesperson for Lyft pointed to recent changes that the company made for drivers, including guaranteeing Lyft workers at least 70% of what riders pay. "We are constantly working to improve the driver experience, which is why just this month we released a series of new offers and commitments aimed at increasing driver pay and transparency," the spokesperson said.

Groups like Justice for App Workers have organized similar strikes in the US in recent years. But as independent contractors, Uber and Lyft drivers don't have the same protections as full-time employees, including federal and state protections around organizing a union and work stoppages.

Gig workers have told BI that making money on apps like Uber, Instacart, Walmart Spark, and DoorDash has gotten harder over the past few years, especially as more people have started working on the apps.

It's also common for gig workers to have their accounts deactivated without explanation by the companies they work for.

Recent laws in cities like New York and Seattle aim to raise pay and offer protections to drivers.

Do you work in the gig economy and have a story idea to share? Reach out to this reporter at [email protected]

how to write a business proposal for a trucking company

Watch: How truck driving became one of the worst jobs in the US

how to write a business proposal for a trucking company

  • Main content

IMAGES

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  1. Trucking Business Plan Template & Example (2024)

    Below is a sample trucking business plan template to help you write a trucking business plan for your own company. Executive Summary Business Overview. On The Road Trucking (OTRT) is a new trucking company located in Dallas, Texas. The company was founded by Michael Williams, a trucking and logistics professional who has over 20 years of ...

  2. How to Write a Trucking Business Plan + Example Templates

    Free Download: Sample Trucking Business Plan Template. A business plan will help you determine the startup costs you'll need for staffing, licensing and insurance. An effective business plan will also help you determine the best strategic opportunities for your business through an analysis of market opportunities and challenges.

  3. Trucking Business Plan Template [Updated 2024]

    Growthink's Ultimate Trucking Business Plan Template allows you to quickly and easily complete a business plan for a trucking company. Our business plan template includes all the key sections necessary to write a trucking business plan including the executive summary, company description, management team, industry analysis, operations plan ...

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    More specifically, when it comes to writing a business plan, for trucking company leaders it's important to: Take stock of your assets and determine what they are worth. Keep track of your liabilities. Understand the difference between spot market and contract market rates. Research the going rates in freight lanes.

  5. 10 Steps to Create a Trucking Business Plan

    Get an employer identification number (EIN) from the IRS with your business name. Apply online here. Get a federal Department of Transportation (DOT) number. You'll need to state where you will operate, the number of trucks you will run, and what materials you will be hauling.

  6. Writing a Trucking Company Business Plan [Sample Template]

    A Sample Trucking Company Business Plan Template. A trucking company is a company that is involved in transporting large quantities of raw materials, and finished goods over land—typically from manufacturing plants to retail distribution centers. The trucking industry hauled 72.5 percent of all freight transported in the United States in 2019 ...

  7. Logistics Services Proposal [FREE]

    A logistics services proposal outlines how you can help a business with supply chain management. Organizations use a request for proposals (RFP) to find companies who can provide needed business solutions. You can respond to an RFP and use it to set up a discovery meeting with the potential client.

  8. How To Write A Winning Trucking Business Plan + Template

    The executive summary of a trucking business plan is a one to two page overview of your entire business plan. It should summarize the main points, which will be presented in full in the rest of your business plan. Start with a one-line description of your trucking company. Provide a short summary of the key points in each section of your ...

  9. How to Write a Business Plan for Your Trucking Company

    Having a well-crafted document to share makes a strong statement about your company. The process of writing your business plan also has value. It can help you better understand your industry and your own company. Writing a business plan allows you to step back from day-to-day operations and see the big picture.

  10. How to Create a Successful Trucking Business Plan: A Step-by ...

    Writing up your trucking business plan is one of the first things you need to do when you start a trucking company. Your plan will allow you to clearly define your trucking business and give you some direction before you get out on the road. Your plan should include your goals, define how your company will be different, explain how you will grow, how you are going to acquire clients, and a ...

  11. How to Write a Trucking Company Business Plan

    Provide data on the size of the market and the outlook — including industry growth projections — for trucking services in your area. Include information on how demand is currently being met, too. Address your competition in this section, as well. List the other trucking companies that operate in your market.

  12. How to Create a Trucking Business Plan

    Step 3: Operational Plan. In this step, you'll need to generate a highly technical operational plan. This plan should describe how you intend to manage processes such as driver dispatching. It should also outline the hierarchy and supervisory structure of the business.

  13. How to Write a Trucking Business Plan

    Calculating your target rate-per-mile can help you figure out the type of business you want to run. First, estimate your ideal monthly profits. Then, divide this number by how many miles you wish to drive each month. Aim for a number about 10-15% higher than your , or the amount you need to make to cover your expenses.

  14. How to Write a Business Plan For a Trucking Company?

    How To Build a Financial Model For a Trucking Business. 1. Executive Summary. The executive summary of a business plan gives a sneak peek of the information about your business plan to lenders and/or investors. If the information you provide here is not concise, informative, and scannable, potential lenders and investors will lose interest.

  15. Free Business Plan Guide

    Our How to Write a Business Plan video series goes over the key points of writing a business plan to help you get a 360-degree picture of your trucking company. Part One: Discover the basics of a trucking company business plan and determine what kind of trucking company you want to own. Part Two: Dive deep into your trucking company's future ...

  16. Shipping, Freight & Trucking Business Plan Examples

    Trucking Business Plan. ReliableRoadways offers efficient, reliable, and cost-effective freight transportation services across regional and national routes. Our fleet of state-of-the-art trucks and professional drivers ensure the timely delivery of goods, fostering trust and satisfaction among our clients. Ready to write a business plan for a ...

  17. Transportation Proposal Template

    To succeed as a transportation company you need to know how to write solid business proposals and business project proposals in order to win clients. To make this task simple, we have many business proposal format samples available here on Proposable.com. Find everything from a simple sample proposal letter to offer services to a contract ...

  18. Owner Operator Business Plans 1: Executive Summary

    But before we get ahead of ourselves, the very first step in starting a successful trucking company is creating a solid business plan. Building an Owner-Operator Trucking Business Plan. Your business plan will have. an executive summary; a company overview; a marketing plan; a set of goals or milestones; a list of the current staff; a financial ...

  19. Trucking Business Plan Template [Updated]

    Things to Consider Before Writing a Trucking Business Plan. The trucking business is the wheels of the economy, without it the world might close. As a long-distance trucking business transports a variety of goods that is necessary for living. This industry generally includes trucking companies that operate between major metropolitan regions and ...

  20. Transportation Business Plan Template

    Sources of Funding for Transportation Companies. With regards to funding, the main sources of funding for a transportation business are personal savings, credit cards, bank loans and angel investors. ... How to Write a Business Plan for a Transportation Company. If you want to start a transportation business or expand your current one, you need ...

  21. How to Write a Trucking Business Proposal That Gets Noticed

    Here are ways you can write an attention grabbing business proposal. 1. Do your research. Before you start anything pertaining to your business, business proposal writing inclusive, you should know that you have to start with your research. You need to seek out what other trucking companies are doing in this regard.

  22. How to Write a Trucking Business Plan

    Trucking Business Plan Template. To expedite the trucking business plan process, utilize a basic business plan template and customize it to your needs. Regardless of your industry, all business plans should cover the same key sections. Here are key sections to include when writing a business plan for a trucking company: Executive Summary

  23. Sample Letter of Intent for Trucking Services: Free & Effective

    Dear [Recipient's Name], I am writing to express my interest in providing trucking services for [Company Name]. As a seasoned professional in the trucking industry, I understand the importance of reliable and efficient transport solutions. [Detail the services offered, including types of vehicles, capacity, and any special services.]

  24. TUI: London loses another listing, but analysts wary of writing ...

    TUI has a dual listing between the two cities, but said in a statement Tuesday that the company was approached by various investors last year questioning whether this was still optimal, given ...

  25. Create a form in Word that users can complete or print

    Show the Developer tab. If the developer tab isn't displayed in the ribbon, see Show the Developer tab.. Open a template or use a blank document. To create a form in Word that others can fill out, start with a template or document and add content controls.

  26. UAW workers at Ford's Kentucky truck plant threaten strike next Friday

    Nearly 9,000 United Auto Workers union members at Ford's biggest and most profitable truck plant in Kentucky will go on strike next Friday if local contract issues are not resolved, the union said ...

  27. Grammarly Restructures Business

    Grammarly Restructures Business to Align With Company Strategy and Accelerate Growth. Grammarly. Updated on February 7, 2024 Writing. ... Grammarly has spent the last 15 years building and improving our AI-powered writing assistance for millions of people around the world. Over the past five years, we've grown our team from 200 to 1,000 team ...

  28. Uber, Lyft Drivers Plan Airport Strike at 10 Cities on Valentine's Day

    Good luck if you're hoping to get an Uber or Lyft on your way home from the airport on Valentine's Day.. That's because drivers in 10 cities say they won't be working between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m ...