What Is Involved In Running A Dump Truck Business?
 The owner of a dump truck business is typically a driver himself or herself. These professional motorists tour the country delivering a number of different materials such as rocks, sand, etc. to businesses, individuals, markets and manufactures.
Before beginning the day, dump truck drivers must thoroughly check their trucks to make sure the breaks work, engine oil is good to go, windshield wipers are working properly and the tank is full of gas. This is also the time to make sure all necessary tarps and straps are ready for work.
Most workdays involve travel, either locally or across the nation. In between stops on long trips, drivers will typically stop at rest areas or truck stops to fuel up, grab a bite to eat or catch up on some sleep.
A dump truck business works on a strict schedule that requires loads to be picked up and dropped off on time. In addition to pickup and delivery, some dump truck companies also provide spreading services for their customers.
Owners who do not do their own driving, typically spend the day taking orders from customers, securing materials and dispatching drivers. There is also a great deal of paperwork to maintain as well as other administrative duties.
Equipment Necessary To Run A Dump Truck Business:
- Dump truck(s)
- Tractor if you plan to include spreading service for your
- Two-way radios or cell phones
The Cons Of Running A Dump Truck Business:
- The majority of the work other than actual driving is done outside
- Can be a somewhat dirty job
- Can be expensive to start
The Pros Of Running A Dump Truck Business:
- The benefit of working for yourself on your own schedule
- Solitary work
Skills Necessary To Run A Dump Truck Business:
- Working knowledge and experience with dump trucks
- Ability to drive stick shift
- Ability to lift 50 to 70 lbs
- Ability to follow directions
Licenses Necessary For Running A Dump Truck Business:
You will need to obtain a business license and register properly for taxes in your area. In addition, all drivers in your company will need a valid commercial driver's license to operate the trucks in your fleet. Contact local ordinances for any additional licensing or training requirements for running a dump truck business in your area.
Associations:
American Trucking Association
Truckload Carriers Association
Employees & Job Requirements:
As your business grows and you expand your fleet, you will need additional drivers to transport materials. You will most likely want to hire someone to handle the paperwork, bankbook and all other administrative duties. Some dump truck business owners also hire dispatchers to stay in contact with the drivers. If you provide your own materials, you will need tractor operators to load your trucks.
Approximate Minimum Startup Cost:
The cost to get your dump truck business off the ground depends on the size of business you plan to run. A business with one dependable dump truck will cost you at least $50,000, a larger fleet and establishment could cost as much as $250,000.
12 Steps to starting A Dump Truck Business
Before You consider a Dump Truck Business, see 16 Questions to Consider Before Starting a Business
1. Ensure A Dump Truck Business is for You!
You have a choice as to what business you're going to start, so start one that's right for you. Getting into the right business can dramatically increase your success. Get into the wrong business and your success rate drops. Read Five Secrets to Getting into the Right Business for more information.
2. Understand How A Dump Truck Business Operates
How can you run a Dump Truck Business if you don't know much about the business? What if you run into an issue that you can't or won't deal with? Then what? You're in a business that you hate working in and that's a problem. See Understand How a Business Operates for more information.
3. Make Sure there is a Profitable Market for Your Business
What's the use of starting a Dump Truck Business that is not profitable? You'll be putting all your effort in something that can't support itself or you. There are a variety of issues when it comes to setting the stage for profitability. See Tips for Identifying a Profitable Market.
4. Create a Business Plan For Your Dump Truck Business
A business plan is a must for any size business because it helps you stay focused, see the big picture, and get funding. It's something that you create when you start your business and then update as your Dump Truck Business evolves. Read our free online guide on How to Write a Business Plan
5. Set up your Business Team
Setting up your team includes finding the right employees and professionals that will help you run your Dump Truck Business.
You don't need to employ everyone you work with, but you will need a team of people you can depend on, which could consist of a lawyer, accountant, banker, and consultant, as well as professionals in your industry. See Creating a Business Team for more on this subject.
6. Get a Small Business Loan if You Don't Have the Money to Start
If you don't have the money to get started, then you'll need the necessary financing or you won't have the opportunity to start your Dump Truck Business. This can be done as a small business loan, a personal loan, or other small business financing options.
For more on financing your Dump Truck Business see our guide on Financing Your Small Business
7. Legalize Your Dump Truck Business
In order to run your Dump Truck Business legally you'll need to abide by government rules and regulations on the state and local level.
You'll need to do your research, determine what type of business (sole proprietorship, corporation LLC, etc.) to register, create and register your business name, and register your Dump Truck Business with state and local authorities.
To go through the business registration process, see Chapter 6: Making Your Business Legitimate, starting with 6 Easy Steps to a Good Business Name.
8. Get Equipment for Your Dump Truck Business
In order to run your Dump Truck Business successfully and efficiently you'll need to acquire the right type of equipment. How can you run an online business without a computer? You can't! This is an important issue. See Acquiring Equipment for more on this topic.
9. Insure Your Dump Truck Business
Make sure you have the proper insurance for your Dump Truck Business. Without the right coverage you could lose everything you've worked for. For tips on insuring your Dump Truck Business, see our free online guide: Insuring Your Small Business.
10. Prepare To Accept Money
You'll need a way to accept money, you can't depend just on cash or checks. You'll need to accept plastic: Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. To do that you'll need to apply for a merchant account. See Setting Up a Merchant Account for more on this topic.
11. Set up Your Accounting System
Running a Dump Truck Business requires you to collect taxes, and report your earnings. So it's best to set up an accounting system in before you start your Dump Truck Business. See Setting Up Your Accounting System for more on this topic.
12. Acquire Customers for your Dump Truck Business
In order to exist, every business needs customers. Getting customers is one thing you'll need to be good at. If you can master the tasks of getting customers, it's just like turning on a cash machine almost any time you want. See Acquiring Customers for more on this topic
See Also: Our Free Online Guide to Starting A Business
Dump Truck Business Issues's:
Estimating Startup Costs - Find out if you're forgetting something
Business Location - Choosing A suitable one For Your Dump Truck Business
Build or Buy A Business? - Buying an existing Dump Truck Business
Dump Truck Business Research:
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Business Builders For Your Dump Truck Business:
Business cards for Your Dump Truck Business
Business Plan for Your Dump Truck Business
Business Insurance for Your Dump Truck Business
Small Business Loans: Finance Your Dump Truck Business
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