Believe it or not, you're on a team. A big, big team.

Think of your team as a combination of all the people, companies, and organizations required to help your freight trucking service run smoothly. Many owner/managers think only the employees who are working for them are members of their trucking teams. But you know better...

Your team is much larger than that. Your truck drivers and dispatchers are major players in this team effort, but as a small freight carrier, you have many others who contribute to the success of your trucking company as well.

There’s the banker, your accountant, a factoring company, the diesel shop where you have your trucks maintained and repaired, and a tire shop. Equally as vital to your winning team are your customers, the freight brokers and shippers, and moreover—believe it or not—your load board.

Developing Your Team

Now that you see the huge size your lineup, how can you help your team develop? It starts by working in lockstep with your customers, drivers, and employees, concentrating on common goals which will benefit everyone.

Think about any team sport in which you have multiple members. While those on the field get all the glory and recognition, they wouldn’t be a success without the folks on the sideline. From the coach to the general manager, from the water boy to the team doctor, each and every person helps drive the team's success.

For your trucking team, you can recruit the finest truckers in the country, but unless they have top-notch support, you won’t keep them.

Meet Your Team

The Banker: They help you get the necessary financing so you can have the best equipment for your drivers.

The Accountant: They are there to help you understand costs and capital needs, which determine how much revenue is required to sustain and grow your freight trucking operation.

The Factoring Company: They insure that you’re hauling for customers who will actually pay you, and they keep you on top of your cash flow so drivers, fuel, and other related expenses are paid on a set schedule.

The Diesel/Tire Shop: Your truck maintenance and repair professionals are there to keep your trucks running and out of the crosshairs of the DOT and FMCSA. The same can be said for the tire shop you use.

The Shippers and Brokers: You'd be deadheading without them. They work for the benefit of your customers and create the needed profit to sustain and grow your operation. This becomes a winning combination that can only occur when everyone works together. Having customers, whether shippers or brokers, where you’re as interested in them achieving their goals as they are in you attaining yours is what truly grows both companies.

The Load Board: A good, quality Internet load board is more than just a place to find freight when needed or in an emergency. It’s also a great resource for seeing developing trends, doing market research and adding to your customer base.

As you can see, even if you’re a one-truck operation, you can have a sizable team working together for your collective benefit. But as the owner and captain of your team, it requires your diligence in selecting those who join you on your winning team.

Profitable trucking is no game. As a serious businessperson, make sure you choose who’s on your team wisely.

Drive long and prosper.

Timothy D. Brady is a speaker, business coach, and trucking industry guru. He provides training and educational presentations for small to large trucking companies, logistics organizations, and community groups. Learn more about Tim at www.timothybrady.com