What exactly is it that you think a trucking company has to do ...

[Michael Ludwig]

I'm curious ... I'm always curious ...

I have a suspicion that there is a big disconnect between what carrier owners have to do and what carrier owners think they have to do in order to operate a successful business.

So, I'm asking, what is it that you think you have to do in order to get paid?

 

[XPORTIN]

Be smart with your money in / money out... but that doesn't mean not pay your staff/drivers

 

[artmax]

 

[chica123]

I truly believe this depends on what your definition of successful is, Michael. Each person will have a different interpretation of this. Some will define this as being profitable. Others will define it as being profitable and having x number of trucks. Some will define it as earning enough to live their lives, etc.

 

[Igor Galanter]

You must be realistcly optimistic when you meet another problem or situation you have to deal with..
Acting on a hunch ain't helping...
On the side note..
It's about time you become curious about it, @Michael Ludwig, eh..

 

[loaders]

Not sure the question is worded correctly. It seems to ask on one hand “what do you think you have to do to operate a successful business” and on the other hand, “what is it you have to do in order to get paid”. Well certainly the latter is extremely critical to the former. Regardless of what your business plan is, if you continually provide your services to poor payers, you won’t be long for this world. Properly vetting each and every client will go a long way to preventing that from happening, but still not guaranteed. A wise man told me once, “operate your business as if you have no money”. Following that advice will force you to watch and control your overhead like a hawk, which on its own will greatly assist in operating a successful business. All that said, it might just be that Mr Ludwig has his Riddler costume on this Friday afternoon and his question may have some completely different meaning all together. It wouldn’t be the first time!

 

[MLCAR]

A wise man told me once, “operate your business as if you have no money”.

best advice ever.

I would say like most others, manage your cash flow and look at creative ways to limit and lower your overhead. Too many companies look at growth as the ultimate goal, how many staff you have hired, X amount of equipment etc etc. when in reality some of this largest in the business started out small and have taken growth gradually. On the question of getting paid, CONSISTENCY and PERSISTENCE is the key, sometimes you have to be relentless with your pursuit in getting answers on invoices but the squeaky wheel always get the grease first.