Regardless of the profession, starting a company requires a lot of dedication and without any doubt, it is a time-consuming process. Not only that you will have to make your business plan and target your customers but there are many licenses that you will have to obtain. And this is one of the most important things when starting a company. Just like with any other business, the process of starting a moving company is the same. You will have to follow the same steps and get permits in order for your company to be legal. Here are some tips on how to start a relocation business and what are the necessary permits for starting a moving company.
Make a good plan before you start obtaining permits for starting a moving company
In order to develop a good business, you will need time just to make a plan and organize the structure of the company. From choosing the company name to deciding on the company’s office location there are many things that you will have to think about. So before you start a moving company it is important to take your time and make a good plan on how you would like to conduct the business.
One of the most important things is to gather information about the licenses that you will need and what permits you will need to obtain. This way you will have peace of mind knowing that your company is working legally. For example, if you are in California you can notice that most of the top movers in San Francisco are registered. Because this is one of the most important factors for people when choosing a moving company.
Register for taxes and get a business insurance
First of all, you will have to register for different federal and state taxes. The taxes that you will have to pay will depend on the size of your business. Make sure to investigate carefully all this information as this is a very important step for your business. Also, be aware that state taxes may vary and that top movers in Minneapolis probably don’t pay the same as moving companies in the city that is in another state. If you are not sure about how registration for taxes works hire professionals and financial advisors as this is important for the future of your business.
On the other hand, your company should be insured as well. This way, not only that your moving business will operate according to the laws, but also it will operate in a safe manner. You will be more relaxed as your company will be protected from any unpredicted events. Types of business insurance include:
- General liability insurance
- Product liability insurance
- Professional liability insurance
- Commercial property insurance
- Home-based business insurance
Permits for starting a moving company
Apart from taxes and business insurance, there are other things that you will have to obtain for starting a moving company. If you check Verified Movers, you will find that most of the moving companies have registration numbers and DOT numbers. This is one of the permits that you should have. This way your company will be considered legal and reliable.
Apply for US DOT number
The first thing that you should obtain is the US Department of Transportation number. There are a couple of ways to obtain this, but one of the best ones is to get it directly from the US DOT website. Also, be aware that some companies might need MC (Motor Carrier) number. This is needed if your company is transporting cargo that is non-federally regulated. Typically, moving companies do not need this, but it is always good to be on the safe side and check.
Apply for FMCSA online processing
Once you get your US DOT number you will have to register with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. This is important because people that will want to check if your business is reliable and licensed will check that via the FMCSA website. Apart from having to do it legally, you will have a higher chance of getting hired. And the main reason is that people mostly choose companies that are registered here.
One of the permits for starting a moving company is safety assurance
As a new moving company, you will need to register with New Entrant Safety Assurance Program. This is a probation program of 18 months created for the new moving companies. The main goal is to ensure that you keep a safe transportation record. Regardless of your location, you will have to prove that you are reliable and safe. For example, most of the top movers in Tampa have satisfied this program, learned how to keep your belongings safe and today they maintain standards at the same level. And the good news is that once you pass this probation period you will get your permanent US DOT number.
Enroll for driver screening program
Lastly, your employees and movers will be the core of your company. For that reason, it is important that you have a team not only that has skills but that is trustworthy. By having an authorized driver audit program you will avoid failing any kind of inspection. This program will ensure that your employees get random drug tests to ensure the safety of your clients. But also to protect your company by taking care of their driving licenses and other paperwork needed for the job.
Starting a new company is certainly an exciting process, but it also takes a lot of time to obtain all the paperwork that is needed. To have a successful business and in order not to have any problems in the future make sure to take your time when it comes to organization. And most importantly, make sure to have a legal and licensed business by obtaining all necessary permits for starting a moving company.