December 13, 2017
A New Year, a New You, a New Trucking Company
Becoming a trucker takes a unique individual with the right qualities. In fact, there are many who just don’t have the grit and resolve to do what truckers do all day every day. When on the road, truckers can choose their own schedule, provide for their family, and travel the states, all while making good money.
Being a trucker is not easy, and it can sometimes feel unfulfilling. You may find yourself working for a company where you’re just another number waiting for a paycheck, ruled by logs and policies, and hauling loads wherever you’re told to. Are you ready to make some changes?
If you’re unsatisfied with where you are right now, it’s time to make a change. You could go with something good, like eating healthier, exercising more, or losing weight, or you could go for something great, like starting your own trucking company.
“The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret of getting started is breaking your complex overwhelming tasks into small manageable tasks, and starting on the first one.”
-Mark Twain
How to Write a Good New Year’s Resolution
Don’t make this year like any other, where you make big dreams and don’t follow them. Instead, follow these tips to make your big goals achievable this year:
1. Be Honest With Yourself
Just like the trucking industry takes a certain type of person, it’s important that you know what you are likely to do when trying to make and achieve a goal. Ask yourself these questions to decide how big of a goal you want to make:
- Are you someone who loves to take on a challenge and make big changes right away?
- Are you someone who thrives in taking little steps at a time to achieve big goals?
- Are you going to do whatever you can to achieve your goals?
- Do you have the motivation and discipline to take the first steps?
- Do you have people to support you in trying to achieve your new goals?
- Are you ready to take control of your own business?
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, it may be time to set your goals high this coming year.
2. Make It Doable
Once you’ve determined the type of person you are, it’s important to make the goal doable for you. If starting a trucking company is your new goal, create a series of smaller goals that ends with a successful new company. Some of these goals might be:
- Choosing a business structure
- Getting your operating authority
- Choosing to lease or buy your truck
Take the time to plan how you will get your business to grow. Decide early on how you will get the resources you need to make your dreams a reality.
3. Make It Specific
Many people make a goal similar to “I’m going to lose weight.” However, this goal is not effective. How much weight are you planning to lose? How fast? How long will it take?
The more specific the goal, the easier it is to measure and see when you’ve succeeded.
A big goal like starting your own trucking company takes a lot of planning. Determine what you need to get started and when you want your company up and running. Make a list, and create a timeline.
Cross off each item as you get it done. Answer as many questions as you can think to ask, such as how you’ll manage your company’s cash flow or where to find loads your company can haul. The more specific the goals, the easier it is to measure your successes.
4. Plan for Failure
Chances are, you’re not going to succeed 100% on your goal the first time. There are sure to be a few roadblocks and bumps along the way. It may take more time than you planned to get everything you need to get started. Even after you get started, you may still run into problems.
If starting a new trucking company is your goal, you may find that your company doesn’t make a profit right away. Don’t get discouraged. Keep going. Don’t let immediate failures stop your chance for greater success later.
5. Take the Leap
Some people need to take action immediately or else they never start their goal. There’s always those thoughts in the back of the mind of, “Oh, I’ll do it tomorrow,” or “I don’t have time right now.” Just like jumping into a cold swimming pool, it’s better to take the leap. Don’t dip a toe in the pool and stop. Dive right in. Once you get started, you’ll find it harder to stop.
How to Start Your Own Trucking Company This Year
If you’re ready to go big on your New Year’s Resolution this year, make starting a new trucking company your resolution. Imagine how great it will be to finally become your own boss! You can set your own schedule, choose what you want to haul and where you want to haul, and decide where the money you earn goes.
You can use these resources as your guide to get started:
- What You Need to Start Your Own Trucking Company
- How to Start a Trucking Company With Progressive Reporting
- How Much Money Do You Need to Start a Trucking Company?
- Our free trucking guide
Get the Support You Need
One of the best ways to meet your goals is to get the support you need. Don’t start your trucking company alone. Instead, give Progressive Reporting a call at (866) 736-6507. Not only can we help you achieve your goal of starting your own trucking company, we can help keep your company on the road. Don’t let paperwork slow you down! You can read more about the advantages of owning your own trucking company below.
Choose Your Own Schedule
Truckers must be independent. They must have the self-discipline to choose when to get driving, decide when to take breaks, and plan out the route to find a good place to stop, even if faced with potential hazards, like construction, heavy traffic, or a long wait at the shipper. Many truckers can face weeks away from home, but with your own trucking company, you can choose where and when you haul. You have more control over your hours and where you work.
Make Money
While trucking is a lot of work, it can make a decent pay. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay in 2017 for truck drivers was $42,480 per year. Some truck drivers are reported to be making up to $73,000 per year! If these sound like numbers you would like to earn, it may be time to become a trucker or the owner of your own trucking company.
As the owner of your own business, you can choose what you earn and decide where the money you earn goes. You are your own boss.
Travel the States
While it depends on the person, some truckers love seeing the states as they work over the road. As a trucker, you can travel to different states, check out all the different truck stops, and just love the drive. The lifestyle of a trucker isn’t for everyone, but if you love what you do, why not love it even more by taking control of what you earn?
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