Every driver who decides to start their own business faces numerous challenges at the beginning of their journey, with the most crucial being the acquisition of as many clients as possible. Until they build their infrastructure, consisting of a qualified team supported by sales representatives, it is worth considering partnering as a subcontractor with a reliable and stable partner.
Thomas C. Corley, a researcher of millionaire habits, observed based on numerous interviews and conversations with the world’s wealthiest business people that ’finding a good partner is one of the methods to accelerate success and wealth […] Choosing the wrong partner can bring chaos to both your financial and personal life.’ A business partnership significantly reduces the costs of running a business, especially if our potential partner has long-standing experience in the industry.
In Poland, about a million people work in the transportation sector. This industry generates as much as 10% of the country’s GDP. It is one of the most rapidly and successfully developing branches of Polish industry. Observing the opportunities and the rising market demand for transportation services, more and more experienced drivers are deciding to start their own business by becoming carriers. However, the responsibility associated with running one’s own business comes with many challenges and complex procedures, not to mention acquiring clients. A very advantageous solution is to collaborate with a freight and transport company as a subcontractor. In this case, a significant portion of the formalities and the issues of acquiring clients are handled by the partner.
Our Fleet Contract Coordinator at EURO24 Sp. z o.o. Sp. k coordinates a dedicated program specifically aimed at carriers/drivers who are just starting their adventure in transport on their own business: ’Each transport and freight forwarding company operates according to its own rules and procedures. I serve as a helping hand for our subcontractors, tasked with guiding the carrier through the beginning of this collaboration.’ The extent to which a transport company supports carriers depends on the company’s standards. In such cases, building relationships, patience, and a willingness to support partners and share knowledge are important.
Can a beginner carrier count on understanding and help in starting their business? ’Of course, yes. Contrary to what might seem, new subcontractors are reliable, punctual, and dependable. For such individuals, help often begins sometimes even at the stage of selecting the fleet. I frequently receive calls from carriers who are just ordering vehicles and want advice on which vehicle to choose to get more work or work at a better rate. I always advise based on the current needs of our company.’
Companies offer carriers a wide variety of cooperation conditions. EURO24 has designed a dedicated program that includes a comprehensive benefit package for drivers operating their own businesses. The Fleet Contract Coordinator from Euro24 elaborated on the details of the benefits, ’For all carriers, we have prepared a fleet package that both new subcontractors and those who have been in business for many years can benefit from. Our package includes solutions such as the Civil Liability Insurance (OCP) package.’ A new carrier benefits from the OCP insurance package, but is there any benefit for a subcontractor who has been in the business for many years? ’Of course, there is. I often see policies that are very poor in additional clauses or are for very low amounts. Mainly because a broader insurance package would cost the carrier significantly more, so they opt not to go for it. Our packages include a wide range from basic clauses such as cabotage for the European Union, Germany, or the UK, to additional ones including unguarded parking, high-risk goods such as electronics, appliances, tobacco, alcohol, late positioning for loading, delivery to an unauthorized person, gross negligence of employees, loading/unloading clause, subcontractors, damage in pallets/containers, cleanup and disposal after damage, as well as for tractor units, including the lifting/retrieval of the transport vehicle in the package.’
The previously mentioned EURO24 carrier package also includes Fuel Cards, which allow for cashless payment for fuel across Europe at a favorable price, as it benefits from discounts negotiated by the entire capital group. The fuel card is an excellent solution that simplifies the accounting of costs within the company. Every fuel purchase is recorded in the system, which allows for the collection of data concerning the place and time of refueling, the amount and type of fuel purchased. ’The carrier does not have to prepay anything, does not need to have a business history, and is 100% certain to receive a fuel card, as we guarantee the fuel company’s invoice payments for the fuel.’ This product is also intended for transport companies with many years of experience, already using their own fuel purchasing solutions, as it can help reduce fuel purchase costs. For young carriers without a financial buffer, it is a significant relief when they do not have to worry about funds for fuel, and during the trip, there will be no situation where the vehicle is idle due to delays with the transfer.
The EURO24 team, in designing the fleet package, focused on creating a place where every partner can do what they do best, namely transport goods. EURO24 will take care of the rest. Bearing in mind that nothing evokes as much emotion among entrepreneurs as tax issues, the company has collaborated with qualified accountants and tax advisors who specialize in VAT refund.
Another advantage included in the EURO24 package is representation in terms of advocacy across the EU and legal defense against fines. It happens that during road inspections, language barriers can lead to the imposition of high fines. To avoid such stressful situations, the carrier receives contact information for a company that represents EURO24 drivers in European Union countries. In the event of an inspection, representatives offer assistance in preparing documents, serving also as translators, and if necessary, help in drafting an appeal against the fine.
To ensure that carriers do not have to worry about additional aspects of their operation, EURO24 handles all formalities related to customs clearances and booking ferries and tunnels.
Every carrier with a good OCP insurance package and a fuel card, which allows them to refuel at better rates, and having all the necessary representations, can be confident about their work and their market presence. Certainly, for many drivers who have decided to switch to running their own business and working independently as carriers, all additional fleet product packages will allow them to spread their wings – under the EURO24 brand. ’I am very proud of every carrier that has emerged and grown under our wings and I hope there will be more and more of them,’ recalls the Fleet Contract Coordinator from EURO24.
The pandemic has severely tested many collaborations and the ability to manage business, employees, and strategy during a deep crisis. EURO24 is a prime example of how good management and the dedication of a team of qualified specialists can steer a company through uncertain times towards growth. Just before the pandemic outbreak in Europe, every company, including EURO24, based its business on plans, calculations, and forecasts that looked several years ahead. The Covid-19 epidemic forced governments of all countries to implement economic restrictions. From April 2020, the survival of every business depended on extremely dynamic decisions that considered the most unpredictable scenarios. Watching global events very closely, EURO24 retained its entire workforce, and thanks to their commitment and skills, opened a second Polish branch in Katowice. Determination and new collaborations led to an expanded client base, fleet, and number of employees. Less than a year later, a third branch was established in Wrocław. A circle of new clients and partners recognized EURO24 as a stable and trustworthy business partner.
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