4 Key Features of Successful Small Haulage Companies

Every business is different. The person who dreams to open a functions and event centre may shudder at the thought of running a pizza parlour, and someone who feels at ease behind the counter of a coffee shop may throw up their hands in confusion if asked to run a bakery. But certain similarities across small businesses are, nonetheless, not only evident and vital, but also integral to whether any small business survives in the long-term. For those starting out in transport, some key features common to many businesses (no matter the industry) are hallmarks of success.

A plan

Desire, drive, and ability – all haulage companies will need these three attributes at the very least. You'll need to be focused on moving packages and goods to their designated destinations on time. But beyond such a set of attributes specific to this industry, you will need something that is general to many businesses if you want desire, drive and ability to turn into success. You will need a plan. Business planning takes many forms, but the idea of writing a business plan can seem daunting to anyone not trained in the art. This should not stop you, however, because with a little training you will not only be able to follow the right steps in analysing your business or business idea, but you will also realise the process of planning is what opens your mind to the avenues for success and failure that lie ahead.

A market

Most, if not all, haulage companies will instinctively have a market in mind. You may have a list of potential clients garnered from your past work, you may have spotted a hole in the local market, or you may simply have contacts who are looking for cargo or packages to be shifted. Regardless, it is still wise to know your market inside and out. One common feature of many successful small businesses is that they do not trust their own instincts when it comes to appraising the local market. They do their research, making sure the opportunities out there are real and not imagined, and ensure that their potential client base matches the proposed output of their business.

A brand

Marketing is more ubiquitous than ever. From huge billboards on the highway and strangely aggressive radio ads, to social media click-bait and banner ads with dubious levels of success, it is hard to find a communicative space that does not sell content. This is why even in delivery work the idea of branding is almost intuitive. Yet while many small haulage companies know how they want to market themselves, the features of successful businesses is they also know how not to. Differentiation can be the key to competitive advantage, and this edge in branding is only gained by employing solid skills in knowing how to set yourself apart from the competition.

A standard

If you offer delivery work, you will know what failure feels like. Failure to show up on time, failure to secure a package, failure to be in contact – it happens to the best of us. Unfortunately, this can mean failure in keeping up a steady flow of work for some haulage companies if it happens on a regular basis. The competitive nature of the industry is such that if you don't meet high standards of quality then, as with many other businesses in many other industries, you will be rejected and neglected by clients. A long, hard and clear measure of standards is the first step to success in the transportation industry.