5 Point checklist for starting a business in Toronto
Starting a business? What could be easier? Yes, but here is a difference between easy and simple. Starting a haulage business is easy in that you could just get yourself a truck and have some business cards printed, but good, strong, sustainable businesses need a lot more than that. Simple means there may be many elements involved, but if you’ve got them covered, you’re in a good position.
Talk to people: Check out the particular requirements of the Toronto authorities
This is particularly important if you’re from out of town or perhaps another country. Canada has traditionally welcomed people from other places, with the understanding that they do things properly, and Toronto is no exception. It is important to do some research, much of it achievable online, but to really get a feel for what you’re taking on, there is nothing like talking to those in the know, and a good place to start is the Board of Trade.
They’re impartial and they see the bigger picture. If there is someone who may know more in logistics, they will point you in the right direction. There are issues such as the volume of traffic, and there are routes to learn. If you’re employing local drivers, they will know this sort of thing, but before you hire employees you need to learn it too, for your own benefit as much as theirs.
Check out the competition
Wherever you go, there are going to be people already doing what you’re doing. They might not be doing it in quite the same way, but in order to grow your small business you need to know what you’re up against. Toronto is the fourth largest city in North America for population and you will find there are people you can learn from, even if you have progressive ideas of your own.
Set yourself ahead of the pack with fleet management
Information is power and with a cutting-edge fleet management system you can keep tabs on everything from when a truck was last in the shop and what for to where it is right now, what route it has taken and how many hours the driver has done. This is important for driver safety and the welfare of other road users, which is exactly why there are rules and regulations and laws about it.
AI dash cams: Why you need them
It seems that dash cams are everywhere these days, and as artificial intelligence develops, so do the cams. There is the observation side of recording collisions, near-misses etc., which can help not just with safety but in dealing with insurance companies. Then there’s optional in-cab coaching, feeding the driver information they wouldn’t otherwise have.
What is the Spare Parts Situation for Your Trucks?
If you favour a particular maker, you’ll need parts and labor, not to mention expertise, now and then, so find out if this is going to be a breeze or a problem. Finding a good auto engineer won’t be difficult, but will they have the brand knowledge to be adept at maintaining your fleet? Maybe you should put a truck in for a service just to try them out.
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