{"id":2548,"date":"2020-11-11T18:59:22","date_gmt":"2020-11-11T18:59:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/quicktransportsolutions.com\/blog\/?p=2548"},"modified":"2020-11-11T18:59:23","modified_gmt":"2020-11-11T18:59:23","slug":"top-tips-for-setting-up-your-own-mobile-trucking-repair-shop-part-i","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/quicktransportsolutions.com\/blog\/top-tips-for-setting-up-your-own-mobile-trucking-repair-shop-part-i\/","title":{"rendered":"Top Tips for Setting Up Your Own Mobile Trucking Repair Shop \u2013 Part I"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

We talk a lot about those who run their own trucking companies<\/a>, but fleets are not the only cog in the supply chain wheel. That\u2019s why more recently we have discussed freight brokers, telematics, logistics, OEMs; we touch on all topics here at the QuickTSI Blog<\/a>! Today, we continue that trend with a look at mobile tech shops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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With technology creating all sorts of new ways to do\nbusiness in the trucking sector, innovation is happening at a rapid clip.\nToday, we see the rise of mobile techs like never before. And for those who\nwant to operate in a potentially lucrative career and get out of the shop and\nonto the road, consider opening your own field operation!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Consider that the average cost to tow a broken-down big rig\nruns in the thousands of dollars. For heavily damaged rigs or rigs involved in\naccidents, you may be looking at tends of thousands of dollars in unexpected\ncosts. No fleet operator or owner wants to be stuck with that kind of bill,\nespecially if they will already have an accident on their hands to deal with. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And while preventative maintenance is so important \u2013 we\u2019ve\ntalked about it quite a bit \u2013 there will inevitably be a day when a breakdown\noccurs and one of your rigs requires assistance out on the road. Unfortunate\nthings happen and sometimes a mechanic is just what\u2019s needed. Fortunately, we\nlive in an era when a mechanic can come to a broken-down truck, rather than the\ntruck requiring a tow back to the yard. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yet, starting a new business is never easy, no matter what\nbusiness you are getting into. Starting a business at the cutting edge of\nindustry \u2013 that seems even more daunting. But you can do it! We\u2019ve got your\ninsider scoop on how to start your own mobile repair shop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Start with the Legal Stuff<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Obviously, when you want to start a new company or\noperation, you must make sure you have the proper licenses in place. You need\nto make sure you are legal. This is the boring stuff, but it is also the stuff\nthat can get you put out of business if you do not pay close attention to it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We understand it may seem daunting, but all you must do is\nensure you have the right paperwork in order. And if you are already a shop\nowner it is very likely you already do have much of what you need in order. But\nstill, you may be missing something. Mobile repair shops have specific\nlicensing requirements. And while it does vary by city and state, much of it is\npretty uniform across regulatory agencies. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Generally, when opening a mobile repair shop, you must make\nsure you get whatever business license or business tax form your municipality\nor state agency requires. You will also need to obtain an EIN number from the\nIRS, which is free and only takes a couple of minutes on their website to\nobtain. You should also need to obtain a reseller\u2019s permit from your state,\nwhich you can use to buy bulk parts at wholesale prices. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Obviously, the huge topic here is insurance. What you wind\nup paying in insurance costs will largely depend on the size of your company\nand the types of vehicles you use to get the job done. Either way, insurance is\nmandatory, so make sure you do your research before choosing an insurance\nprovider. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s Talk Location<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to setting up your own mobile repair business, the old adage \u201clocation, location, location\u201d still applies. After all, you must determine your range. How far do you want to go to reach your customers? Most mobile repair shops choose something around 50 or 100 miles or somewhere in between. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Distance is important because it influences how much you\nspend on fuel, insurance, and general wear and tear on your vehicles. You will\nneed to make an important decision on location. You might think it is okay to\noperate out of your current location, and you may be right, but you must make\nother considerations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Take weather as one example. Heavy snowstorms might make it\nnear impossible to reach a stranded rig. The climate of the territory you plan\nto service is important. There are areas in Nevada and Southern California\nwhere trucks can easily overheat. Winters cause fuel lines to freeze and oil to\nthicken. Weather and location go together when setting up a business plan. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also consider employment when deciding where to set up your\nmobile repair shop. There has been an ongoing diesel technician shortage in the\ntrucking industry. Where will your competition be stationed? Will you be\ncompeting with guys nearby for the same pool of technicians? You may want to\nset up in a rural area where you are the only provider around. Wouldn\u2019t it be\nnice to keep this business to yourself?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Consider How You Run It<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sure, it sounds great to start a new business, grow something\nfor your legacy, and maybe make some money along the way \u2013 but there is a lot\nto it. To be a business owner, you must operate with certain ethical\nguidelines. You must police yourself and your organization when it comes to\ndoing a good job. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Always remember that when it comes to making a profit in any\nbusiness, you must consider three important things. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

  1. Do the job right and never cut corners<\/li>
  2. Run your business in an ethical fashion<\/li>
  3. Choose an open market<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Completing the first two factors is easy. They are\ncompletely within your control. As long as you and your employees do good,\nethical work and treat your customers well, you will already be ahead of the\ngame. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    But an even more important consideration is the market you\nset up in. You must make sure you are not offering a product or service in and\nsaturated market. Consider the thousands of miles of empty roads and highways\nacross the country and pick your market wisely!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    What Are the Costs?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Obviously, the number one question facing anyone who wants\nto start their own business is how much it is going to cost. And while it\nvaries with almost any business you create, there are at least some definite expenditures\nyou can prepare for. For example, you will need to plan for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n