It is not easy to run a transport business. It is a very hard job, as everyone knows, especially for long-distance transport. Although everyone understands the truth, only those who have experienced it can understand how much bitterness and pain it contains. Now there are more and more friends who drive semi-trailers to run the transport industry. The following are some personal experiences compiled by the author. I hope it will be helpful to those who are new to the industry or those who are preparing to enter the industry.
1. Be familiar with the entire process of transportation and be good at driving
If you plan to join the transport army, you must first be familiar with the truck operation process, especially long-distance transport. Find some familiar friends, follow the car to be familiar with the entire process, how to distribute goods, load and unload goods, and how to calculate freight. You can drive well by yourself, so that you can have a personal experience of road conditions, accumulate driving experience, and learn simple repairs and maintenance. Now you can look at Hubei Dali, which was absolutely impossible back then.
2. Work hard to become a truck master. Consider second-hand cars when entering the industry
Many people may object, but for most friends who start from scratch, the funds in their hands mean all the property. The reliability of mainstream models in China is much higher than ten years ago, and second-hand cars are not necessarily in poor condition. Newcomers should leave room for themselves and do what they can. Don't worry about the age of the vehicle. The car is not important, the source of goods determines everything.
3. Good partner, work experience and driving experience are equally important
Operating a truck is like a micro-enterprise. You don't have time to familiarize yourself with the market in each city one by one. That's impossible. You need a helper! Newcomers, find a master to take you. Not only driving, but also road familiarity, understanding of logistics conditions and locations in various places are more important. An experienced partner is half the success of your business. Finally, there are personality and a stable family, which all affect the safety of the vehicle.
4. Don't be stingy with food and accommodation, and strive for a little freight is better than anything else
For sports cars from all over the world, the body is very important. You must have enough nutrition, eat less instant noodles, drink less beverages, and drink more water. It's hot in summer, and air-conditioned rooms ensure comfortable sleep. The room may not be luxurious, but it must be clean. Prepare more clothes for changing and strive for a little freight, which is more practical than saving dozens of dollars.
5. Treat fines as fixed costs and have a good attitude
It is a science to reasonably avoid fines and keep losses to a small range. Try not to exceed the tonnage when loading. It is better to load LTL with appropriate freight to find a balance between income and expenditure. For familiar routes, fines should be calculated as fixed costs, and the location and amount of fines should be known. Try not to run in unfamiliar areas.
6. Keep yourself clean and stay away from gambling
Drivers gather together all year round, and bad habits are easily contagious. Everyone knows the disadvantages. Think about your relatives who are thousands of miles away. You must have a minimum sense of responsibility. People who are not restrained enough will not manage a good car. It doesn't matter if you suffer a little, but for your own children to have a promising future, pay more.
7. Buy full insurance for your vehicle and be responsible to the society
Although there is no mandatory requirement for full insurance, don't be confident that your skills can avoid all accidents. As the saying goes, "If you walk by the river, you will get your shoes wet." Some accidents cannot be avoided. Even if the car is destroyed, people must be avoided. With insurance, you still have a chance to start over. Society is fair to everyone.
Since you have chosen to work in this industry, you must maintain a good attitude and great psychological pressure. Pay attention to safety and reduce the occurrence of accidents.