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The fact remains that a back load (in numbers) can make up for many of the impending losses that tough times have brought about. However, there are a few things that independent haulers and courier drivers need to know in order to keep a back load beneficial to their businesses- like most things in life, too much of a good thing can be bad.
Here are a few tips and reminders from those in the know for those in the haulage industry regarding back loads. Keep these in mind, and you’ll be able to profit from the added business (and income!) that they can bring.
Take Them Seriously
Remember that motto, “no job too big or too small?” Or how about this one, “Everything worth doing is worth doing well”? The secret to being successful in business is accomplishing tasks with the same amount of painstaking detail, regardless of size or budget. This means that a back load, despite being considered somewhat akin to a side job, needs to be given the same amount of attention as regular (or main) loads. This means treating the customers and their goods as professionally as you can, taking the same amount of care and conscientiousness as you would a main load. After all, it’s probably better for you, your driving, your vehicle and most of all, your business. Who knows, today’s back load client could be tomorrow’s major client.
Don’t Sacrifice Your Main Delivery
If this seems contradictory to the earlier tip, it isn’t. Remember that a back load is meant to augment your business, make up for increasing costs and adding to your income. Counting on them for every trip however may, in the long run, cost you more if you focus on them entirely. Don’t forego or delay your main deliveries and don’t accept an unprofitable delivery just because you know there may be a back load available to take up the slack. This is not just bad for your business but for the entire industry as well. Don’t make the mistake of costing the main jobs as you would the return load just because it is there. And most of all, remember rule number one of taking on a back load – it needs to be on the same route back!
Take Care Of Your Contacts
This means your regular buddies, the ones that tip you off, the ones that text you, “Hey, man, estate furniture load just a corner from where you’re dropping off that panda,” or similar! Treating them to drinks once in a while is great, but they’d probably appreciate you doing a good job on their recommendations more – and of course, returning the favour on tips once in a while.
