Marketing plan help !

**stonedoc** · 06.05.2012

Hello all , I'm starting business in 3 months or so I have a well exp driver and we are going to be hauling produce from Calif. To S.C. or anywhere really . Can anyone help with info on marketing my new company to potential customers who already have service with a larger company ? Any info on good lanes for me would be great Thanks very much we are in middle of S.C. Thanks Again !

**Frank Drebin** · 06.05.2012

You do not need a marketing plan for a one truck and trailer operation. Yoiu cannot offer a customer capacity.

**CondoCruiser** · 06.06.2012

You have the state farmers market on the south end of town. Maybe you can find some connections there. Even a grocery DC. Then you need your outbound freight from a certain company.

Like Frank said, companies will want you to handle multiple loads. You would be better off signing on with an established company. There are plenty that run I-20/I-10

**stonedoc** · 06.06.2012

Thanks for the tip I've been meaning to get by there .... So I did today thanks for stoking the fire ! I got a verbal commitment from a farmer no promises of course but that sure

does ease my mind a bit ! Even better if its true he said with 1 truck I don't have to comply with the california carb laws ! Does anyone know if that's correct ? Thanks Again

**Frank Drebin** · 06.06.2012

Even one truck operations have to comply with CARB rules.

Originally Posted by stonedoc

Thanks for the tip I've been meaning to get by there .... So I did today thanks for stoking the fire ! I got a verbal commitment from a farmer no promises of course but that sure

does ease my mind a bit ! Even better if its true he said with 1 truck I don't have to comply with the california carb laws ! Does anyone know if that's correct ? Thanks Again

**stonedoc** · 06.18.2012

Ok so I'm getting stuck on how to fill out 1 and 2 year projections can anyone help with some current market rates and how they may change in the future I don't want to just call the brokers b/c I'm afraid I will get on that cheap hauler list , Thanks

**Mr. PlumCrazy** · 06.18.2012

Ok let me get this straight. So in 3 months you are planning on running a one truck outfit want to do marketing and taking advise from someone telling you one truck operations dont have to abide by the law. Bad Ideal It will take you more than 3 month to learn

**Frank Drebin** · 06.18.2012

And wants to forecast freight rates 2 years from now !!!

Originally Posted by Mr. PlumCrazy

Ok let me get this straight. So in 3 months you are planning on running a one truck outfit want to do marketing and taking advise from someone telling you one truck operations dont have to abide by the law. Bad Ideal It will take you more than 3 month to learn

**Guntoter** · 06.18.2012

Total Quality Logistics treated me well.

You have to teach them how to treat you. NEVER EVER take the load for the price they say is "all we have in it"... They always have at least 25% more than they are telling you. The best thing you can do to not get on the cheap list is ALWAYS BE ON TIME!!! 3PL companies keep a log of your rates, performance, complaints, and compliments from customers.

Every produce load I ever did I heard "we arent making anything on this" but they always called me back because I ALWAYS DELIVERED ON TIME!!!

Be the go to guy and word of mouth will travel at 3PL companies.

**stonedoc** · 06.19.2012

I might be slow but I'm not stupid I guess I should have said I had confirmed the fact about the carb laws and I've been researching this for 3 months now ! I know I still have tons to learn that's why I'm on this forum I really do appreciate the many good tips from the truly helpful truckers on here Thanks again guys I can definitely use the help !