hey everyone as some of u guys know I haven't been able to find a job in a while with this economy. Well I've been doing side work helping friends move in to different houses. I gotta admit i like the job loading furniture and unloading. Well what i wanted to ask some of u guys is that.
1. What would someone have to do to turn this in to an actual business?
2. What kind of insurance is needed to become a household mover?
3. Would it be possible to start with let's say a 1 ton dually flatbed with a decent size enclosed trailer.
4. Also I'd like to start just doing local moves with in the state of Florida at first and then with growth extend further out, is that possible?
I pretty much wanna start out small and work my way up. I already have a few people that said they would lump for starting # $10 an hour no driving. So i would have help and not do it all myself.
So the main question that i'm asking u guys is that would be even possible and/or worth it to try with all the big movers and how can i forget Uhaul and the other truck rental companies?
And before i get all kinds of flack I'm not saying im gonna do it i just wanna research and go from there. so thanx in advance guys I look forward to see what y'all have to say
moving company question
Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by fisher guy, Jul 30, 2009.
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Some things to consider. Insurance, advertising, hired help, vehicles, equipment, customers, capability, scheduling, etc. Do your employees get paid for doing nothing while waiting for a customer? Could you handle a move with a grand piano? Damage is a big problem in the moving industry. Can you do 3 large moves in the same day? You would need to start your business to co-incide with the new yellow pages book. Would you have storage available? I've been a mover and the biggest problem is scheduling. Showing up at the customers house at 8 am as agreed upon, and the customer is just waking up and has not begun to pack anything, really messes things up. Or arriving at his new residence and they don't have the key, so you are sitting there, knowing you still have another move scheduled.
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The customer not being ready when scheduled messes things up, but, you are on the clock, so you are getting paid. But, like I said, if you have an afternoon move scheduled, and it is the last day of the month, you absolutely have to get that afternoon move completed. One of the biggest gliches I noticed when I hauled furniture was failure of the agent to follow up with the customer prior to moving day. The agent took the reservation, then dropped the ball. The driver shows up and the customer hasen't even started to pack. A good agent will visit the customer the day before and make sure he understands the importance of being packed and ready and also how to pack. Sometimes, the mover will pack for the customer( extra$$$).
Yeah, you can sub the storage out, but be advised anytime you handle the customers goods, there is a chance of breakage/damage. Less handling, less chance,right?
Part time help works, that's the norm in this business. Make sure you get and keep a good reputation. Do follow-ups with all customers. Word of mouth advertising is the best. And those people will be moving again someday,right? So you want them to remember you and give you their business. Do like real estate agents do and send out little calendars every year with your company name on it and lastly, be available for any customer complaints that may arise.
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I haven't been involved in moving for quite awhile, but, in Ca, All movers need a PUC permit which allows moving companies to charge a certain hourly rate if local. Long distance is charged by the weight/mileage. What is long distance? Not sure, could be over 200 miles or ? If you do long distance, you need to get paid for returning to home base empty. Use to be an overtime charge for Sunday/holiday moves, but it's up to you whether to charge it or not. So, you going to do it? Got a name picked out?
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Well, just sit down with pen and pad and write down everything you will need to start. Vehicle, phone, permits/insurance, forms, equipment(pads, dollys, boxes,straps, ramps, etc.) Get buddy buddy with the local ryder/u-haul people, so, if necessary, you can just pop in and grab a 24' rental van if needed. Sometimes, people will call and want to get moved that very minute, such as a wife splitting from her abusive hubby, while he's at work, or a renter ducking out from the landlord. If you operate from your house, you'll save from having to rent a storefront. Just keep in mind, moving companies are a dime a dozen, but, YOUR moving company is going to be a cut above the rest and go the extra mile,right? You could offer something like customer packs/loads for a discount, and all you do is drive the van. Be creative and innovative!
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