HOW TO BE SUCCUSSFUL IN THE BULK TRANSPORTATION BUSINESS

Sep 09, 2010 at 11:31 PM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. I honestly hate hearing when someone is getting out of the hopper business because there "wasn't any money in it" or "someone was taking all of my profits". Obviously there are very successful trucking, brokering, and shipping companies in this business. I've often studied some of these companies and have boiled down to several reason why I believe they were successful. 1. Communication. Many trucking firms have been successful because they have continued to communicate with the businesses in order to be successful. Lets face it, most of the time the companies are not going to come to you. You have to reach out, network with other companies, let them know your available. With technology today, email works great for people to contact you, even text messaging. Take advantage of this service. This site has a directory of almost every big shipper in the industry. I'd rather have 100 companies calling me and turning them down then trying to call and figure out what's available. Make sure and get on loads lists. 2. Timing. It's about being in the right place at the right time. When freight is hot, take advantage of it, because it just might not be there the next day. This business is so seasonal to capatalize when the markets hot. Work weekends and nights. 3. Costs. It's one of the greatest debates and will continue. Know your costs. Yes, fuel fluctuates, equipment and parts continue to increase as well. Figure out what it cost per day regardless whether you operate or not. Find out where you can capture savings. 4. Negotiating. I know we all hate to do it, but it's a must if you want to be successful. I know some clients don't want to be negotiated with but if you don't ask, how will you know if you could of received more or less. Negotiating doesn't have to get heated or personal. Find a way to talk with your customers in a positive way. Remember, both parties have to win, it's not one got the best of the other. 5. Work Hard. Bill Gates, Warren Buffett and J.B. Hunt weren't successful because they were lazy. They worked hard to build and run a great business. Make those extra phone calls, send those extra emails, post those loads or trucks. Again, communicate with others in the industry. Network as much as you can. I felt compelled to write this and hope you can get something out of it. I wish all trucking, brokerages and shipping companies could be successful. We all here for the same purpose, some maybe just income, others a lifestyle, but regardless we all most work with eathother to accomplish our ultimate task which is moving product from point A to point B. If you have any comments for feedback, I'd love to hear them.

Sep 09, 2010 at 11:31 PM CST

Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.

I honestly hate hearing when someone is getting out of the hopper business because there "wasn't any money in it" or "someone was taking all of my profits". Obviously there are very successful trucking, brokering, and shipping companies in this business. I've often studied some of these companies and have boiled down to several reason why I believe they were successful.

1. Communication. Many trucking firms have been successful because they have continued to communicate with the businesses in order to be successful. Lets face it, most of the time the companies are not going to come to you. You have to reach out, network with other companies, let them know your available. With technology today, email works great for people to contact you, even text messaging. Take advantage of this service. This site has a directory of almost every big shipper in the industry. I'd rather have 100 companies calling me and turning them down then trying to call and figure out what's available. Make sure and get on loads lists.

2. Timing. It's about being in the right place at the right time. When freight is hot, take advantage of it, because it just might not be there the next day. This business is so seasonal to capatalize when the markets hot. Work weekends and nights.

3. Costs. It's one of the greatest debates and will continue. Know your costs. Yes, fuel fluctuates, equipment and parts continue to increase as well. Figure out what it cost per day regardless whether you operate or not. Find out where you can capture savings.

4. Negotiating. I know we all hate to do it, but it's a must if you want to be successful. I know some clients don't want to be negotiated with but if you don't ask, how will you know if you could of received more or less. Negotiating doesn't have to get heated or personal. Find a way to talk with your customers in a positive way. Remember, both parties have to win, it's not one got the best of the other.

5. Work Hard. Bill Gates, Warren Buffett and J.B. Hunt weren't successful because they were lazy. They worked hard to build and run a great business. Make those extra phone calls, send those extra emails, post those loads or trucks. Again, communicate with others in the industry. Network as much as you can.

I felt compelled to write this and hope you can get something out of it. I wish all trucking, brokerages and shipping companies could be successful. We all here for the same purpose, some maybe just income, others a lifestyle, but regardless we all most work with eathother to accomplish our ultimate task which is moving product from point A to point B.

If you have any comments for feedback, I'd love to hear them.