How to Get Contracts as New Transport Company

As a new transport company building a new customer base is the biggest challenge. Acquiring new customers is the part of the trucking business that most truckers struggle with. Shipment agencies don’t just call new transport company, and even if they do, getting them in contact for a longer run is a task to do.

Research what carriers are in your area and what they ship to where. Then call the delivery person or knock on the door to get in touch. Plan meetings; Be prepared to ask questions about track requirements and respond. New opportunities may come in the future. Finding truckloads can be a bit of a numbers game, so hang in there. 

1. Create a Customer Lead List for your Transport Company

This is the first step of creating a potential customer list. If you’re a small transport company don’t go looking for big manufacturers or shipments, start with small freight, gain trust and market your services slowly to bigger clients. Find smaller companies which can use your specialized attention and help in building a foundation. Use Google to check potential customers, create a list, call them up randomly and build your profile. 

2. Develop Weekly Contacts with Customers

Keep checking up on your customers or potential customers by sending out emails/ messages/phone calls asking them about their feedback or any future orders. This will help you by being visible to your clients. Do not over-spam the customers by sending out emails or calls often. 

3. Make a Charming Online Presence

Maintaining an online presence is very important for any business. You can also find customers using online platforms such as Google. The online platform is also easy to use and inexpensive. In addition, you may upload images and videos to social media platforms such as Twitter, Instagram and Facebook to showcase your services. List your business on Google My Business and be found by people searching for ‘Trucking companies near me’.

4. Ask for Referrals and Promotions

You can ask your customers for references. Word-of-mouth is an effective marketing technique to attract new customers. For example, you can ask an existing customer to refer your shipping work to others they know in exchange for a good discount. Indirectly, you are asking them to advertise your services so that other potential customers can learn about you. Additionally, if you are an independent truck dispatcher, companies can recommend you. Ask them for feedback if they like your service. Word of mouth will make you popular in a short period of time. 

5. Collaborate with Independent Delivery Business

If you are new to the industry, it is smart to  work with owners and operators. Many e-businesses need truck dispatchers who can manage their work. This service includes connecting cargo for shipment, talking to brokers, negotiating with brokers, and planning delivery routes. So when you get in touch with them, you can also expect more clients and contracts.They can sign up for yearly or monthly contracts to ship their trucks. If nothing goes according to plan, you can reach out to other dispatchers who have previously worked or are already working in this industry. 

Once your transport company has gained a good momentum with a satisfactory number of clients it is very important to maintain that customer base for the longer run. The golden rule of customer service is that the customer is always right, and the transportation industry is no exception. When you get customers, treat them the way you would like to be treated and go the extra mile to satisfy their needs.