Are you considering acquiring trucks for your business?
Perhaps you run a logistics company and the vans in your fleet are getting overwhelmed, so you’re looking for something more heavy-duty, like trucks. Or your business is a shopping store and you want your own fleet of trucks for easier deliveries.
Regardless of your specific situation, making a truck part of your fleet vehicle is a big investment, especially if you’re a small business. You need to do it right; otherwise, you could end up making costly mistakes.
Here’s a guide on how to add trucks to your business fleet.
Identify the Number of Trucks You Need
This is a no-brainer. You have to start by having a clear picture of your business’s trucking needs. You aren’t just going to call up a truck dealership and buy any number of trucks you can afford.
If you’re anything like most small businesses, you’ll typically start by acquiring one or two trucks, and then adding more as your company grows.
However, if you’re currently looking to expand significantly, it’s possible that you might need several trucks at once. For instance, if your logistics business has been operating within your state but you now want to operate nationwide, there’ll likely by a surge in orders, which calls for many trucks.
Either way, when you have a good idea of the number of trucks you need, you reduce your chances of making a reckless purchase.
What Kind of Trucks Do You Need?
You certainly know that there are different truck classes, but the most common ones are light trucks and 18-wheelers.
The kind of truck you need will depend on a range of factors, including your budget, nature of the business, and the type of freight you’ll be transporting. For example, if your business is a lumber yard, you need heavy-duty trucks, though some medium-duty trucks will handle lighter loads fairly well.
If you don’t know much about truck classes, be sure to conduct in-depth research or consult with a trucking specialist.
Know the Licenses/Permits Required to Operate the Trucks
In some cases, buying a commercial truck isn’t as straightforward as purchasing a small business van. You might need to obtain a license or permit to operate certain types of trucks.
For example, when operating heavy trucks, you must hire drivers with a valid commercial driver’s license. If the truck is a food truck, you will need additional licenses and permits from the relevant department in your start.
Check these legal requirements (if any) and ensure you have what it takes to meet them before adding trucks to your business fleet.
Lease or Buy?
When you’re ready to add some trucks to your fleet, you’ve got two options: leasing or buying.
Either option can serve your business suitably, depending on your finances and needs. If you’re low on capital or your need for trucks is short-term, leasing is the better option. But if you’ve got the capital and you will need the trucks for the long haul, buying makes more sense.
Add Trucks to Your Fleet Vehicles the Right Way
Your fleet vehicles are an integral business asset. As your business grows, so will your need to add trucks to your fleet. With this, you now know how to acquire trucks and avoid mistakes that can otherwise bankrupt your business.
Keep reading our blog for more business tips and insights.
