Online businesses are becoming increasingly popular due to the ease and convenience they provide.
Every online marketer is looking for a third party who can deliver their products to their customers, so delivery services are essential.
Luckily, you only need a medium-duty vehicle and a non-commercial driver’s license to start a delivery service.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the requirements of a non-CDL box truck and how you can start a profitable business with box truck.
What are Legal Requirements To Start Non CDL Box Trucking?
Creating and registering your business name is one of the first and most important legal requirements.
This ensures that you are not operating your non-CDL business under the same name as another fully registered business.
After you’ve decided on a business name, you can check its availability on state or federal trademark records.
Setting up your business structure is another legal requirement that must be met before you begin operations.
There are a variety of business structures to choose from, including sole proprietorship, limited liability companies, collaborations, and so on.
If you’re not sure which structure is best for you, you should consult with your attorney before making a decision.
Furthermore, trademarking your company’s name and logo will be useful. This is not mandatory, but it is strongly suggested.
A registered trademark allows you to take legal action against anyone who attempts to use the same name as you.
It also grants you the exclusive right to your business name, so you don’t have to worry about anyone else using it.
How Do I Start Non CDL Business Delivery Service?
Starting a Non CDL delivery service may not be as challenging as you might have thought. We’ve broken down the procedure you need to follow into seven easy steps.
- Decide On Your Niche
This is the first step in launching a non-CDL business. For various businesses, there are numerous courier services available.
You can work as a courier for furniture, packages, food, or medical supplies. By focusing your efforts on a specific niche, you can become well-known in that niche.
Investigate the various non-CDL courier services to see which ones you can run efficiently.
It is also beneficial in that it allows you to concentrate your advertising and marketing efforts.
As a startup, this benefits you because it will reduce the financial burden on advertisements. You should only consider expanding into other areas after you’ve established yourself in your chosen niche.
- Select The Right Business Name
Choose a customer-friendly business name that is easy to remember and spell.
This ensures that your company’s name sticks with people and makes it easier for your customers to spread the word about your company to potential customers.
Note it is mandatory that you check your local Secretary of State’s website to ensure that the name you’ve chosen is still available. You don’t want to deal with the legal impacts of using an already existing name.
- Register Your Business
After conducting a thorough analysis of your business model and deciding on a brand name, the next step is to legally register your company.
Before your business can be approved for operations, you must first decide on its legal structure (PLC, sole proprietorship, etc.) and complete all necessary paperwork.
The basic steps involved in registering your business are as follows:
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Your tax identification number assists you in filing your tax payments and opening a business bank account.
It is required in various registrations for state permits and an essential requirement to acquire business loans.
- Purchase Your Box Truck
After you’ve completed the necessary registration procedures, you’ll need to buy a box truck to carry out your courier services if you don’t have one.
The type of truck you choose is determined by the services you select, so make the best choices possible.
Transporting files, food, or packages will necessitate the use of a light-duty class truck, which costs between $25,000 and $45,000.
And, transporting furniture and cargo will necessitate the use of a heavy-duty class truck, which costs between $50,000 and $90,000.
You can get a good deal on a used box truck for between $10,000 and $20,000, depending on your preferences.
If you are concerned about your financial situation, you can easily apply for a loan or leasing program to purchase your box truck.
- Cover Your Business With An Insurance Plan
We strongly advise you to obtain insurance for your delivery business to help cover potential losses such as accidents and damage to goods.
Customers will also feel more at ease entrusting their cargo to you if they know your company is fully insured with commercial liability insurance that covers both your vehicle and their cargo.
- Advertise Your Business
Following the hassles of paperwork and the purchase of a vehicle for operation, the next step is to advertise your business.
Customizing your company name and contact information on your vehicle is a good place to start. Approach businesses or individuals in need of courier services and inform them of your services and rates.
You could also use social media, which is an excellent tool for advertising because it allows you to reach thousands of people across the country.
Do I Need A DOT Regulations for Non CDL Drivers?
This varies, depending on your specific state of business operation. One common misconception is that as a non-CDL driver, you are not subject to DOT regulations. DOT regulations apply to non-CDL drivers as well.
Non-CDL box truck drivers must keep a driver qualification file (DQF) that is determinant on GVWR rating.
The average gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) that necessitates a non-CDL and DOT compliance ranges from 10,000 to 26,000 pounds. A box truck has a GVWR of 25,999 lbs, and so must be fully DOT compliant.
Any Peculiar Qualifications in USA Major States?
Each state has its own set of requirements to determine if drivers are eligible for a Non-CDL truck business and to conduct the necessary checks.
It is advised that you consult your state laws before making any business proposals. The following are some common qualifications from major states:
| STATES | Driver’s License | Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) Checks | Gross Commercial Weight Rating (GCWR) | USDOT Number | Medical Screening |
| New York | Required | Required, accessible through State’s Department | Between 10,000 to 26,000 pounds | Required | Required. Drivers with Impairment must obtain a “Variance” document |
| Florida | Required | Required | Maximum of 26,000 pounds | Required | Required |
| Georgia | Requiredwith DQF File | Valid, Standard Release form with strict checks | 26,001 pounds and below | Required | Medical exam and certificate of exam |
| Texas | Required | Required, online access to personal records | Between 10,000 to 26,000 pounds | Required | National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners certification |
| California | Required with DQF File | Valid, Standard Release Form | 26,001 pounds and below | Required | Medical exam and certificate of exam |
Note that these are not general requirements, you should thoroughly review your state laws to be properly informed of all necessary qualifications.
FAQ About Starting Trucking Business for Delivery!
How to start a cargo van transport business in California, Texas, Tennessee?
Starting a cargo van transport business in these states involves similar procedures such as developing a plan for your cargo van transport business, acquiring a cargo van, calculating expenses, sourcing funds, and advertising.
However, starting a cargo van transport business in these states may differ due to differences in trucking policies, taxes, and permits.
To learn about the paperwork requirements for a cargo van transport company, contact your state’s Secretary of State.
How do I start a trucking business with one truck?
Starting a trucking business with just one truck is feasible if the necessary steps are taken.
You can transition from being a truck driver to owning your own business by drafting a business plan and registering your business and obtaining all necessary paperwork, such as a license, permits, and insurance.
You will also have to find the truck that best fits your business niche and lastly, find startup funding to get your business up and running.
How to start a trucking company without CDL?
You can start a trucking company without CDL either as an owner-operator which does not require CDL checks or you can hire qualified CDL drivers instead of working alone.
There are drawbacks to this so it’s not a good long-term investment.
Conclusion
Starting a non-CDL trucking business is simple once you know what steps to take, from deciding on a niche to selecting a business name, purchasing a box truck, obtaining all necessary permits, and conducting public advertising for your business.
If you keep these checklists in mind, you are one step closer to owning a successful trucking business.
