If you’ve landed on this article page, you’re probably searching for a
good business idea—an idea that’s light on the pocket but heavy on
returns, promising both a fulfilling journey and potential profit.
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How to Start a Profitable Haulage Business in Nigeria
Trucking business can also be called haulage business. It
involves the moving of goods from one place to another with
large vehicles like trucks, tippers, trailers e.t.c. Starting a
haulage business is a very good one because it is one of the
most needed businesses in Nigeria. Transportation is a very
essential factor in any economy, Nigeria’s transport system have
grown worse in the past few years, the rail way networks are
damaged, and we are left with no option but to transport goods
through vehicles.
Starting this business is also good because you will definitely
find a place in the market. No matter the number of players in
the market, if you can make your business unique and focus on
your strength, there is surely a place for you. You might be
thinking there are many haulage businesses in Nigeria and you
don’t have any need to meet again. But I tell you that there are
still some needs that are not satisfied that you can satisfy if
you eventually start the business.
Employees; You have to think about the drivers first because use
they are the life wires of haulage business? It professional
drivers who would be interested in working with you to promote
the business, because your
driver can make or mar your business. After the drivers,
you must think of the marketing and administrative staff too. If
your plan is to start a small – sized haulage business, you may
be able to handle the administrative and marketing functions
yourself but for a larger sized comparies, you may have to
employ staff to support with administrative and clerical duties
as well as marketing and promoting the business
Maintenance:
Maintenance issues will always arise, and when they do, you
would need the right maintenance services to put the vehicle
back in order again. You would need a very good mechanic to
handle repairs of your vehicle.
Fleet Managers
Fleet Managers or Haulage Agents are owners of registered
haulage company who specializes in handling other peoples fleets
in addition to their own. While some really does it as addition
to their own fleets, others specialize exclusively in handling
other peoples trucks.
It is the same as running your own haulage transport company and
comes with almost the same level of risks. The major difference
is that the cost of acquiring those trucks is passed over to the
truck owners while the maintenance most times goes to the agent
who manage and maintain the vehicles and pay agreed commission
to the truck owners on monthly basis.
Leasing Out Trucks
This is the aspect some investors finds more convenient. All you
need to do is to acquire the trucks, starting from one to as
many as you can afford. Get a reputable haulage company who will
manage it and pay you monthly revenue per truck.
No stress of managing the truck, no drivers troubles, no fueling
cost; just get your money at the end of the month. Imagine you
have 10 40ft truck under good management that pays you N1M
monthly each, you will be making N1M x 10 = N10M
monthly without
management stress?
Conduct Research
The first step to starting a haulage business in Nigeria is to
conduct thorough research. This will help you to understand the
industry, identify potential competitors, and determine the
demand for haulage services in your area. You can start by
researching online, attending trade shows, and speaking with
industry experts.
You will also need to determine the type of haulage business you
want to start. Some of the most common types of haulage
businesses in Nigeria include
Dry cargo haulage - This involves the transportation of goods
such as cement, flour, and other dry materials.
Liquid
cargo haulage - This involves the transportation of liquids such
as petrol, diesel, and other petroleum products.
Container haulage - This involves the transportation of goods in
containers, such as shipping containers.
Heavy
equipment haulage - This involves the transportation of heavy
equipment such as bulldozers, cranes, and excavators.
Refrigerated cargo haulage - This involves the transportation of
goods that require refrigeration, such as frozen food and
pharmaceuticals
The return on investment on operating a haulage business ranges
from 40% – 60% per month as this depends on the number of trips
that you are able to make per week and subsequently per month
this is based on making at least 2 trips per week and 8 in a
month minimum.
Invest in fleet management software
Finding the best fleet management software will help you ensure
the success of your business. A good fleet management software
will help you optimise routes, track truck drivers and cargo,
ensure your fleet is compliant, help you manage fleet-related
costs, protect you from fuel fraud and ensure you keep your
truck drivers safe.
The logistic/haulage business is a very profitable business with
great potentials for growth. It’s advisable for one to venture
into it if one has the interest and is well equipped with the
necessary information peculiar to the haulage business and is
well prepared to launch into and function well in the industry
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