1. Service and market
Define what you will move, who will buy the service, where you will operate and why a customer would call you instead of using its current option.
2. Customer profile
Name specific niches and build a real prospect list. Industrial supply, auto parts, HVAC/electrical supply, print/signage, wholesalers and manufacturers are examples where urgent delivery can create measurable value.
3. Work sources
List the first three realistic sources of paid work and explain how each one fits the week. Include direct customer acquisition rather than relying entirely on apps or load boards.
4. Vehicle and equipment
Write the minimum payload, cargo dimensions and equipment required by the target work. This prevents the vehicle decision from becoming emotional.
5. Startup budget
Use actual quotes for insurance and vehicle costs, then add equipment, registrations, maintenance reserve, fuel reserve and working capital.
6. Unit economics
Calculate fixed cost per mile, variable cost per mile, deadhead assumptions, owner-pay requirement and business profit target. Set a minimum acceptable job using total miles and time.
7. Sales plan
Define how many prospects you will contact each business day, the offer you will lead with, and what you will ask after a successful first delivery.
8. 90-day execution
Days 1-30 validate. Days 31-60 launch with controlled risk. Days 61-90 improve the customer mix and compare actual performance with the original assumptions.