Own business: truck service station

The majority of businessmen invest money and labour in the development of passenger car repair service stations. However, servicing of lorries can become no less profitable. Let's take a look at what it takes to open a truck service station and what the nuances of this business are.

Stages of organising a truck service station

When deciding to open an enterprise to repair trucks, it is necessary to carry out a number of measures to eliminate organisational, technical, legal issues. Below we will consider the most relevant of them.

Economic and time components

The amount of profit largely depends on the type and quantity of services provided. In the segment of truck maintenance  locksmith work is in the first place and accounts for 27%, another 19% is accounted for bodywork and 18% – for painting. The average monthly revenue of authorised centres will be $150,000, independent workshops – about $50,000, private workshops – up to $10,000.

Maximum load of service stations on repair of trucks is noted in November-December and noticeably goes down in the summer period. However, there are also all-season services, such as body straightening, battery charging and others.

Business plan for a lorry service station

When making a business plan, study your possible competitors: their strengths and weaknesses. This way you can more accurately predict the speed of development of your own business. Calculate how much you are willing to spend on renting/buying/building a truck repair shop, purchasing the necessary equipment, paying salaries, and other fixed and temporary expenses.

Selecting a location

A huge plus for service stations is the location on busy highways, proximity to gas stations, garage areas, transport companies, warehouse buildings.

When considering non-residential premises, consider not only their area, exterior and interior, but also the distance from residential complexes and water bodies, which should be at least 50 metres.

Address the location of the service station, which should be at least 50 metres.

Also do not neglect the presence of centralised sewerage and water supply, without which you will not be allowed to work legally. And it will be too costly, both financially and time-wise, to correct the previous owner's deficiencies on your own.

Documentation

To open a truck repair shop, you need to collect/provide a number of official papers, namely:

1. Agreement to purchase or lease the premises.
2. Enterprise plan.
3. Permission to conduct activities from the Federal Labour Inspectorate, Sanitary and Epidemiological Facility and fire inspection.
4. Certificate of registration with the Federal Tax Service.
5. Service agreements with utility companies.
6. Licences and certificates.

Equipment

The type, quantity of equipment and special tools for a cargo service station depend on the type and volume of services provided. Usually the list of necessary items is formed from the following items:

1. Lifting mechanisms.
2. Systems for repair of internal combustion engines.
3. Stands for changing oil and other technical liquids.
4. Assembly and disassembly complexes.
5. Lubrication equipment.
6. Tire repair stands.
7. Balancing equipment.

Washing stations, diagnostic benches for checking electrical equipment, etc. may be needed in addition. Also, don't forget wrench sets, vise grips, screwdrivers and other handy tools.

Additional tools may be needed.

Personnel

When recruiting a staff of auto locksmiths, offer written tests and hands-on assignments. This way you can assess the candidate's general education level and professionalism.

After a few months of responsible labour activity, incentivise employees with bonuses and bonuses for quality, fast, overtime work. This will not only enhance your credibility, but also increase your profits.

After a few months of responsible labour, incentivise your employees with bonuses and bonuses for quality, fast, overtime work.

Advertising

To promote a truck service, there are several ways to go about it. One of them – distributing promotional products about your organisation to businesses involved in the use or maintenance of trucks. These can include distribution companies, regional and international delivery services, banks, shopping centres, petrol stations, parts outlets and so on.

Also don't forget about eye-catching signage, banner advertising, loyalty programmes for new and regular customers.

Summing up, we note that «go to zero» and start earning on the repair of cargo transport most businessmen manage within 2-3 years. It all depends on how competently you approach the task at hand and what means apply to achieve the goal. In the future, the annual income will be 20-40%.