ARE YOU A CARRIER? 4 TIPS TO INCREASE YOUR INCOME
Keeping your margins healthy isn’t always easy, especially with rising costs and unpredictable demand. But there are practical ways to make the most of every trip and boost your bottom line. We’ve gathered tips from the Teleroute community of transport professionals to help you do just that.
#1 – Choose the right partners to reduce your operating costs
Lower your fuel expenses
Before worrying about your trucks running empty, it’s essential to assess your fuel costs. This is an area where savings can be easily made using three strategies:
- Negotiate a partnership with fuel stations or suppliers to get discounts or preferential rates.
- Use fuel cards for better tracking and management of fuel expenses.
- Encourage your drivers to practice eco-driving – efficient, economical driving techniques.
Optimize your truck insurance costs
Insurance is another major expense linked to your fleet. So how can you reduce it?
- Do thorough research on various insurance companies. This will help you choose the best rate, select the most suitable coverage for your operations, and avoid unnecessary guarantees.
- Invest in safety devices for your vehicles (GPS tracking, anti-theft systems, etc.). These can lower your insurance premiums.
- If you’re prepared to cover part of the costs in the event of a claim, choose a higher deductible. You’ll benefit from lower premiums.
Buying or leasing? Weigh your options
Not sure whether to buy or lease your next truck? It’s worth comparing the long-term costs of both options—and factoring in how long you plan to use the vehicle.
Leasing can be a smart way to stay competitive. It offers more flexibility to update your fleet, lowers upfront costs, and helps you avoid taking out loans.
But it’s not without drawbacks. Contracts can be difficult (or costly) to exit early, so it’s important to read the fine print and understand the terms before you commit.
#2 – Make every trip profitable by avoiding empty runs
With margins between 1% and 2%, every kilometer driven without a load costs you money. By reducing empty trips by just 5%, you can save significantly over the course of a year.
Here are a few concrete examples:
- 1 truck driving 100,000 km: up to €3,916 saved
- 2 trucks: up to €7,833 saved
- 10 trucks: up to €39,166 saved
Want to know your potential savings? Try the Teleroute Profit Calculator for free here: Profit Calculator.
To avoid empty trips, count on an efficient solution: the Teleroute freight exchange. It helps you quickly and securely find loads to fill your trucks.
#3 – Find new customers
Ensure income stability with a freight exchange
Seasonal shifts and changing market conditions can make your income unpredictable. Demand goes up and down, but your profitability targets stay the same. That’s why finding ways to keep revenue steady throughout the year is so important.
Freight exchanges can help by connecting you with a wider network of shippers and brokers, both for one-off jobs and ongoing partnerships. With more reliable work, your business stays on track, even when the market isn’t.
Increase your profit margin with a freight exchange
Freight exchanges offer two big advantages:
- Centralized freight offers: Find available loads in one place, quickly and in real time.
- Fast access to freight brokers: Connect with potential partners without delays.
They’re also a powerful tool for growing your business. Use them to expand your network, adjust your rates to match market demand, and increase your revenue.
Plus, freight exchanges can support your long-term strategy, helping you secure higher-paying jobs and build relationships that let you raise your rates over time.
The result? You maximize profitability
“A freight exchange is a bit like a dating app for the transport market. It connects carriers with brokers. Once you’ve been introduced, you can continue working together without necessarily going back through the platform.”
#4 – Monitor your invoices and protect yourself against unpaid bills
Boosting your margins depends on proper cash flow management. Unfortunately, in road transport, late or missed payments are all too common.
Chasing down unpaid invoices takes time, energy, and money—resources that could be better spent elsewhere.
That’s where freight exchanges can help. Teleroute, for example, offers a financial safety net with payment guarantees and a mediation service in case of disputes. It’s an extra layer of protection that helps keep your cash flow (and your business) more secure.
In the end, a freight exchange can help you increase revenue in many ways. It helps you make the most of every trip, reduce costly empty runs, and connect with new customers. At the same time, it supports your cash flow with vital financial protections. The result? A more stable, profitable business.