In 2023, approximately 73.3 million Americans embraced independent contractor roles. This shift has been driven by the appeal of flexible hours, granting individuals the power to craft their own work schedules and adapt to life's demands.
Beyond that, the gig economy offers a unique chance for people to be their own boss, allowing workers to set their rates and leverage their skill set for increased earnings. Many independent contractors are leveraging their own resources to create income opportunities.
Looking to establish yourself as an independent contractor? Does being your own boss sound pretty nice? Read on to learn some helpful tips on what it takes to be a delivery service partner.
- Conduct research
As with any new business, it’s important to understand your market. Start by conducting thorough market research to identify the demand for delivery services in your target area.
Some questions to start you off:
- What industry are you looking to break into?
- Do you need to meet any legal requirements?
- What else will you need to get started?
- Build your fleet
It’s time for the exciting part! Once the admin tasks are taken care of, you can begin building your fleet! Save some coin and avoid the overhead costs of vehicle ownership by renting your vehicle, or even a whole fleet of vehicles.
Not only will you save money upfront, but you will also save money on maintenance, potential legal troubles, and idle vehicles over time. There’s many other benefits to renting, like flexible scheduling, pay-as-you-go, and varying sizes for the job.
- Recruit your team
It’s time to get some drivers for your fresh new fleet! Conduct thorough background checks and provide training on safety protocols, customer service, and your company's policies. Drivers are the face of your operation, so their professionalism is crucial.
Luckily, Fluid Truck has a background check system for every borrower, so we’ve got your back in ensuring your drivers are eligible. Resources like Indeed, ZipRecruiter, LinkedIn, and other job boards are the perfect place to start your search for your team.
- Find your clients
Build relationships with potential clients, including e-commerce companies, retailers, restaurants, and local businesses. Secure contracts or agreements with these partners to ensure a steady flow of deliveries. Networking, referrals, and online marketing are a great way to build your delivery business.
Consider using a platform like Openforce to connect with companies who hire independent contractors. Openforce streamlines the process of onboarding with a company and provides tons of resources to delivery professionals.
- Sign up a Fluid Truck Business Account
Manage your business at the tap of your mobile device with Fluid Truck’s business account and app. Assign drivers, routes, and view live locations of your vehicles with our app. It’s never been easier to run your own business with Fluid Truck!
Meet Fluid Truck: Your partner in gig delivery
Ready to venture into the world of gig delivery? We’re Fluid Truck, and we’re here to help! Fluid Truck has a wide array of vehicles perfect for any job – think cargo vans, box trucks, EVs, and more! We help small businesses scale their fleets quickly and seamlessly through our proprietary telematics and mobile app.
Rent your next gig vehicle today!