Thinking of starting your own moving business? Becoming an entrepreneur is appealing for many reasons, including more control over your schedule. Whether it’s a family moving or an office relocating, there always seems to be a demand for moving companies, making it an appealing industry to jump into. You may have some idea of what tasks you need to do before taking clients, but figuring out what tasks to handle first can seem daunting. Below is a non-exhaustive list of some of the items you will likely need to take your moving company from an idea to a reality.
When forming any new business, it is often a good idea to consult with a qualified attorney to discuss considerations and various options for forming your new business.
Different types of moving companies serve different needs. Below are some common examples of different types of businesses in the moving industry.
Doing research before you decide what type of moving business you should start can be a smart move. For example, you may find that your area already has several residential moving companies, and that there will be less competition if you start a commercial moving business. You may want to start a long distance moving company, but find that there are more legal regulations than what you would like to handle. Ultimately, the choice on what type of moving company you would like to start is up to you.
Before you start helping clients, it is crucial to make sure that you have completed the necessary filing and paperwork requirements. You will need to check with your state’s laws to determine if you need any licenses or registrations. You may need to register your moving truck with the US Department of Transportation. Consider consulting with a qualified attorney to discuss what paperwork will need to be filed for the area you operate in and the services you will offer.
A key piece of equipment to any moving company is a vehicle. If you already own a van or truck that you would like to use for this purpose, consider getting a commercial auto policy as they generally have higher limits than personal policies. In addition to a vehicle, some other equipment to purchase could include furniture belts, packing and wrapping materials, rope, boxes in various sizes, and a dolly. Keep in mind that it is also a good idea to set aside funds from your budget for vehicle maintenance, fuel, and any technology purchases you will need to make. While technology may not seem like a priority when starting a moving business, consider if you will need a website, how you will accept payments and invoice, and if you will need a dedicated phone to accept business calls.
Obtaining commercial insurance coverage for your moving business is a step that should not be ignored. As careful as you plan to be when transporting belongings from one place to another, mistakes happen and can end up seriously affecting your bottom line. To see what policies you should consider for your moving company, you should call your local insurance agent to discuss the different aspects of your business. Some common coverage types for a moving business are:
The first step in marketing your moving business is to decide on a name and logo. Be sure that your business name is unique, but also easy to spell- you want people to find you easily when they do an online search. How will people find your business when they do an online search? Take your time developing a website that details your services and contact information. By adding your logo to the side of your moving vehicle, you will be advertising your brand wherever the vehicle is parked. Consider picking a few social media sites and creating business pages on them. When your business is new and growing, it can be difficult to establish trust with new customers. Try to solicit reviews from your clients and use these on your website and social media pages to build credibility.
Once your moving business begins taking clients, there are a few things you can do to mitigate mistakes at the start of your business. Establish how you will set up accounting for your business to keep track of costs. If you have employees, you will need to provide job training for them. As your moving business continues to grow, keep in touch with your commercial insurance agent to make sure you are still within appropriate coverage limits.
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This article is for general informational purposes only and is not to be relied upon or used for any particular purpose. Cross Insurance shall not be held responsible in any way for, and specifically disclaims any liability arising out of or in any way connected to, reliance on or use of any of the information contained in this article. The information contained or referenced in this article is not intended to constitute and should not be considered legal, insurance, accounting or other professional advice, nor shall it serve as a substitute for the recipient obtaining such advice. The views expressed in this article are that of its author and do not necessarily represent the views of Cross Financial Corp. and its subsidiaries and affiliates (“Cross Insurance”) or Cross Insurance’s management or shareholders.
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