Trucking: Start up Costs and Capital Sources, startup business grants, venture capital sources

Question
QUESTION: I am in the preliminary stages of purchasing a used tractor and then reefer trailer to continue working in the expedited freight delivery niche of the trucking industry.  I am presently a co-driver for an independent owner operator.  I am looking for a detailed and comprehensive "outline check list" of the initial start up costs (fixed expenses) that one can be fairly certain of expecting and planning for.  Additionally I am looking for sources for startup business grants or alternatively independent venture capital sources.

ANSWER: Hi Robert.

Here is a great report on cost for Owner-Operators.  Take a look at the cost they state...

http://www.mountain-plains.org/pubs/pdf/MPC97-81.pdf

Check with the SBA (Small Business Administration) or your local bank for a small business loan.  Those are two good places to start.  Have a business plan ready, though.  That will be the first thing they ask for.

Good luck!

Bob Stephens

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION:  Mr.Stevens,  I am looking for a detailed and comprehensive "outline check list" of the initial start up costs (fixed expenses) that one can be fairly certain of expecting and planning for.  Additionally I am looking for sources for startup business grants or alternatively independent venture capital sources.

The Mountain-Plains publication was grossly out of date and irrelevant to the request.  It is my understanding and experience that the SBA facilitates "loans" not grants, primarily to those persons with a credit history and FICO score that precludes the need for assistance.

Answer
My day job is trucking, which I might add, I have a lot more experience than you.  Also, the road you are about to travel, I have been there and have built a successful trucking company along the way.  Start up costs vary, if you want a detailed list, buy a software program, or contact an accountant specializing in trucking.  I led you to one such program and a you tell me to "not give up my day job"?  Your arrogance is only surpassed by your ignorance in trucking.

If you don't want free help, then don't log on to this site!

Bob Stephens