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So, you've started your haulage business and the first batch of loads are on their way to be delivered. What now? Starting such a highly demanding service is no walk in the park, and if you think all the start-up hassles are the gruelling part you may be in for a shock. Because you cannot afford to rest on your laurels, you must think about growing your business even before the dust of starting up has settled. The following strategies should help you to choose the right strategic path. Become Faster than the Others In the haulage business, becoming known as the ‘faster’ company is not just about the actual speed of your vehicles. Delivering loads to their destinations isn't merely a matter of blazing down your route faster than your competitors. More likely than not, all the hauliers in your region use vehicles that are similar to one another in terms of technical specifications, cargo space, and other features. You all ply the same routes and are all under the mercy of local weather conditions. So how do you stand out from the rest as the ‘fastest of them all’? Quite simply, just be on time. Every time. Easier said than done, sure, but the result is worth the effort. Being totally pedantic about delivering on time means your clients will also be able to complete their tasks or projects in a timely fashion. At the very least, your company will not contribute to any of the reasons your customers miss any of their own deadlines. Moreover, completing a delivery right on the dot means you free up resources for use on the next job in the queue. Treat your Cargo like Gold You already probably know this, but it is still worth mentioning: any damage inflicted on your loads is an absolute no-no. Your customers hired you because they trusted you—delivering their goods with even the slightest damage is a serious breach of that trust. That is why it is well worth investing in certain technologies to ensure the complete safety of your cargo. On the upside, such devices (simple but durable and cleverly designed straps that keep cargo in place at all times are highly useful) are not really expensive. Even a simple online search can turn up a lot of these simple safety enhancing solutions; they can provide much needed protection, not only to your cargo, but also to your driver, vehicle, and ultimately, to your company’s reputation. Use the Internet to Maximum Advantage Nothing spreads the word about business faster and more pervasively than word-of-mouth on the Internet. Feedback on the loads you have delivered will ‘haunt’ you, for better or worse. Every disgruntled customer and every satisfied client has the power of free speech. If you can afford it, have at least one person who dedicates their time marketing your services online. One quick and painless way to do this is by joining an online exchange, where you can connect with customers and other hauliers at the click of a mouse. Norman Dulwich is a correspondent for Haulage Exchange, the world's largest neutral trading hub for same day loads in the express freight exchange industry. Over 2,500 transport exchange businesses are networked together through their website, trading jobs and capacity in a safe 'wholesale' environment.
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