You may find that starting and running your own trucking business may be more advantageous than working your previous 9-to-5 job. As you’ll be your boss, you’ll now also be able to control your work hours. Furthermore, if your last job was as a driver, this may offer more opportunities to increase your income in the future.
That said, running a trucking business may be no easy feat as you’ll already be competing with other companies in the market. To increase your income, you’ll also want to ensure the growth of your trucking business. If you’d like to grow your trucking business, you should think about the following points:
- Prepare and comply with local guidelines
- Master finance management for your business
- Aim to offer the best service available
- Stay updated on the latest technology used in the trucking industry
If you’re reading this, chances are you’re interested in growing your business regarding the latest technology available to trucking business owners. After all, leveraging technology to expand one’s business is a great strategy amongst companies across multiple industries. To learn about the best tools to help grow your trucking business, go over the following:
Table of Contents
The Best Tools to Grow Your Trucking Business
Down below is the list of some of the best tools you need to take your trucking business to another level:
1. Develop an App or a Website
The first tool you may consider developing or acquiring for your trucking business is a mobile app or a website. This technology works as a platform that helps connect consumers and trucking companies. The clients will book the services they require while searching for loads you can cater to.
Doing so will enable you to find more clients and improve your overall customer experience. After all, your main goal is to retain and gain more clients in the future.
This will also give you a competitive advantage over other companies that don’t utilize such technology. Consider established and trusted load boards to quickly book new jobs if you’re interested in this.
2. Mobile Application for Truck Drivers
The second tool you might want to consider investing in is a mobile app for your truck drivers. You can integrate this into the system to inform your truckers and consumers about the order, logistics, payments, and other important details.
One good example is a mobile app that shows various road and weather conditions that may impact the delivery of goods in an area. This will not only improve the estimated date and time of arrival but also better ensure the safety of your drivers.
Another feature included is GPS navigation, as drivers will often be on the road and may need assistance finding specific dropping points.
Finally, another crucial factor is the content or information your truckers may need to complete the task, such as customer address, phone numbers, landmarks, and other special instructions.
3. Electronic Logging Device (ELD)
Similar to the previous item, this next tool, called the ELD, is also made to aid you and your truck drivers. The ELD or Electronic Logging Device is a tool that commercial trucking companies often use.
An ELD allows them to track their drivers’ hours and how many miles are traveled. It may also help them record their break times. As it’s unsafe to drive for many hours at a time, this will also keep your drivers motivated and rested throughout trips.
Meanwhile, this will help you gather more data on the operations of your business. Eventually, it may guide future decisions that aim to achieve more efficient processes and routes.
4. Trucking CRM Tool
You may find CRM or Customer Relations Management essential regardless of your industry. Not only does it improve communications within and outside your company, but it helps you build your relationship with your clients.
A CRM tool will enable your trucking company to improve data management and efficient decision-making. As a result, you can build your consumers’ trust in you. It will also enhance how you handle your customers’ inquiries, further improving your service.
Finally, through a CRM, you can improve your company based on the feedback you get directly from customers.
5. Fleet Management Software
The fifth tool worth integrating into your trucking business is fleet management software. Because you’ll be running a business involving multiple vehicles, keeping track of them is important.
Fleet management software can also help you manage your vehicle’s maintenance schedule, which is vital to avoiding accidents and issues. It will also aid in monitoring the expenses involved in the repairs and maintenance of your trucks.
With the additional data you get from your fleet management software, you’ll have more opportunities to make data-driven decisions.
Conclusion
Taking advantage of technology has become one of the most popular strategies for business growth regardless of your company’s industry. This includes the trucking business you’re running and seeking to grow. Doing so will certainly aid you in growing your business and gaining a competitive advantage over other companies.
Hopefully, with this list of tools, your trucking business will meet the goals that you wish to accomplish and bring more customers to your doorstep.
