In the world of logistics, there’s a lot of business to be earned. This makes sense since you could essentially become the backbone or supporting pillar behind a multitude of industries. Of course, everyone will be looking for logistics business ideas so you need to make sure you’re already ahead of your competitors.
Moving logistics, freight forwarding, warehousing, and distribution have become standard services offered by many leading logistics providers. However, there are lots of ways to run these kinds of businesses, and designing an efficient supply chain for specific products is vital to success.
Are you looking for a logistics business idea but don’t know where to begin? Here are some logistics business ideas to consider.
1. Freight Forwarding
When people start businesses, they are looking for ways to make money from the rise in e-commerce and other package delivery services. Logistics business ideas are becoming a popular choice. Freight forwarding is a logistics service that moves goods between locations. Shipping a small or large number of boxes can be an expensive undertaking.
Freight forwarders are people who see a need for this type of service, and they also experience the tough side of shipping: high rates, long lines, and extra costs. If you want to create a business that helps companies transfer their products and services throughout the world, freight forwarding can be a good option.
This business is simple, easy to manage, and usually doesn’t require any large upfront expenditures. With lower barriers to entry, this idea is an option for many small businesses looking to break into logistics. Freight forwarders provide you with the information, support, and expertise needed to successfully execute shipments.
2. Warehousing And Distribution Services
Have you considered starting a business that offers warehousing and distribution services? This type of business is useful to individuals and companies that have products to transport that need an extra level of care.
Warehousing and distribution services are available to consumers when they pick up their items or have the items transported to a store. Warehousing and distribution services may be a good business idea for you if you want to work for yourself yet want the structure of a company. You’ll need to own a company that offers warehousing facilities.
Furthermore, you can outsource some deliveries if you don’t have enough freight to keep your own truck busy. Warehouse businesses can include materials handling, storing, packing, shipping, and receiving products.
SEE: Read a guide on how to successfully start a dropshipping business
3. Trucking Business
The most profitable logistics businesses involve shipping products and raw materials over long distances. If you are interested in finding logistics business ideas, consider starting a trucking company. By buying or leasing the right equipment, you can efficiently manage inventory transportation between factories and retail locations.
The trucking business is one of the few businesses that never goes out of fashion. As long as people need raw materials, finished products, and other necessities delivered, it’s a business worth looking at. It needs only a truck and maybe some software, so you can start easily.
It’s always safe to start with one vehicle and use it to find clients. The benefits are quite obvious – you have a steady income and your profit depends on how much you charge for a single delivery or transportation.
SEE: Discover tips to make money driving
4. Travel Management Service For Corporates
In a world rife with travel-related business scandals and with the way the industry works now, many businessmen are looking for someone who can help them manage their corporate travel. Travel management services for corporates provide a variety of solutions to corporate clients.
You should aim to provide businesses with a single point of contact to complete all travel-related issues. Furthermore, you can make the travel experience easier, cheaper, and more efficient by addressing issues such as visas, hotel or plane bookings, baggage management, and much more.
You will be surprised to know, that travel management services are not limited to luxury travel and business travel. Travel managers look after the complete needs of any traveler out there. Travel professionals today offer a comprehensive range of services designed to satisfy the full range of travel needs of their clients.
5. Customized Logistics Solutions
Running a successful logistics business means integrating a variety of physical and virtual tools and resources. The right tools can act as extensions of your business, allowing you to more effectively manage your operations and make the most money as a logistics provider.
A customized logistics solution provides businesses with a tailor-made infrastructure that suits their specific needs. This can include everything from an acceptable distribution network to software and related machinery to carry out complex tasks. Choose this business idea if you can offer customized logistics solutions to each customer.
The key is getting information from your customers and building a network that covers all their needs. Customized logistics solutions have become the new normal for many companies, especially those that seek to streamline their supply chains. By offering customized logistics solutions, businesses will enjoy accelerated growth in the future.
SEE: Discover the best ways to make money with the logistics business
6. Airfreight Business
There is a lot of money to be made by transporting goods by air. Airfreight is one of the logistics business ideas that’s ready to go. When you start your own airfreight company, you’ll deliver everything from large machinery to live animals. An airfreight business refers to a company that ships goods by air.
While this may be something you do on your own, it is also possible to build an entire business around airfreight shipping. Many people don’t consider airfreight as a potential business option. They likely think it’s for people working for large companies. However, in reality, you can start this business and make money in so many ways that you may not need to go near an airport.
There’s such a demand for businesses like this because there are so few logistics companies that are well-equipped to handle air freight. If you’ve got the guts to invest and set up your own airfreight business, it’s a great way to increase your income.
The best thing is that this type of business doesn’t involve much risk at all. All you need to do is to arrange for your cargo airline and airport building permits first before investing any money into the business. I wish you luck.
SEE: Learn how to make money with hot air balloon rides
7. Courier Service
Among the most popular logistics business ideas, a courier service fits somewhere at the center of the spectrum between pure delivery services and pure freight transportation. In essence, it’s all about getting something from point A to point B and doing it as fast as possible. The courier industry has become the backbone of business and commerce.
It keeps growing beyond our expectations in each corner of the planet. There has been a growing awareness among Americans that courier services are more affordable than traditional shipping and more convenient. It is not uncommon for a courier service to charge around $5 for each delivery, versus UPS or FedEx, which can cost close to $10 for each delivery.
Owning your own courier business allows you to work whenever and wherever you want, as long as you can find cargo to transport. Becoming a courier also gives you more freedom than other jobs while still allowing you to earn a good income.
8. Supply Chain Management
Supply chain management is the process of identifying, planning, and controlling the flow of goods and services within a business. A company’s supply chain might look very different depending on several factors, including the type of product or service being provided, targeted markets, sales channels, etc. To manage this flow, you must identify and monitor the status of each inventory location.
For example, you can achieve more efficiency by inspecting containers before they leave the factory or warehouse to detect freight damage. If you’re looking to make your logistics business work, good inventory management is a must. The right system ensures that the right items are in stock at the right place at the right time.
9. Car Rental Services
Car rental services can be profitable in the long run if you have the capital to purchase your fleet of cars and vans. It helps you to join hands with commercial vehicle insurance providers who will provide quality policies at affordable rates as per your risk profile.
A car rental service allows drivers to rent out their vehicles for an agreed-upon amount of time. Your old car can be sold for cash and can be a smart way to earn some extra cash. It can also be useful for business travelers who don’t want to give up their cars for every trip.
Running a business in the United States? You will get well-equipped car rental services. This business has earned a lot of money from many entrepreneurs across the country and also has a good reputation.
SEE: Explore tips to make money with car rental
10. Travel Agency
There are so many people in this world who love to travel. But do you know where they go? And how do they get there? Indeed, some of them prefer the traditional means of travel. However, more and more people go traveling abroad, which they enjoy because they can easily purchase foreign products.
The idea is to open a travel agency that assists people in visiting different countries by meeting their requests, booking tickets, etc. A travel agency can be a lucrative online business idea if done right. A travel agency links customers with airlines, hotels, and insurance companies.
Starting a travel agency might be the perfect business idea for you if you love to travel and want to make money from it. All you need to do is market your business to find some clients while still enjoying the luxury of traveling at the same time.
SEE: Here are tips to make money as a travel consultant
FAQs
What is the growth rate of the logistics industry?
The logistics industry is predicted to grow in the coming years as global business continues to grow. The logistics market is expected to rise at a CAGR of 7.25% through 2030. Industries such as e-commerce are creating further demand for logistics as more of us purchase goods via the internet.
Can you still start a logistics business if you don’t have any experience?
If you don’t have any experience, the answer is yes, of course! The truth is that anyone can start a logistics business. And no matter what your background is, or how you approach it, starting and running a logistics business is an attainable goal. It takes some dedication and effort to keep things running every day. But who says that anyone can do it…? The key question here is: “Are you ready?”
What kind of skills are needed for these logistics business ideas?
You will need leadership skills, good communication skills, organization skills, and the ability to work towards deadlines. All of these are learned skills and are not limited to being born with them. Whether you run freight or move people through the air, there are common skills that are important to have to succeed.
Final Thoughts
Coming up with a money-making business idea is like trying to find a rare and exotic gemstone in a sea of pebbles. You can try to separate the good business ideas from the bad ones, but most likely it will take a lot of time and effort to get exactly what you want. Logistics business ideas are everywhere, but finding a suitable one for your needs can be tricky.
Logistics companies can provide a lot of services, so decide which area of business you want to focus on and create a plan of action. Take into account that planning is vital to the success of your logistics business and make sure you have done everything in your power to set yourself up for success.
You can also read more about how to make money with the transportation business even with no capital.
Thanks for reading.
