Operating A Successful Transportation Business In Orlando Florida

By Author: Tony Bardy
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With great air service, train service and miles of roadways, getting to Orlando and throughout the Central Florida area can feel overwhelming for travelers from around the country and around the world. So if you are interested in getting into the transportation business, there are many opportunities to do so.

People are making their way into Orlando every day by the thousands. More than 32 scheduled airlines and 11 charters provide nonstop service from 72 U.S. destinations and 13 international cities as well as direct service to more than 100 cities worldwide. Orlando International Airport is easily accessible and within 15 miles of major attractions, meeting facilities and downtown Orlando.

While Amtrak serves Orlando with two daily trains originating from New York and Miami with stops in downtown Orlando, Winter Park, Sanford and Kissimmee, as well as with a tri-weekly train originating from Los Angeles, many folks like the convenience of hiring a taxi or limousine service.

Then there are the people who live in Orlando and need transportation. These aren't the tourists but the everyday people trying ...
... to get around.

To operate a successful transportation business in Orlando, Florida, there are a few things to remember, or what we call Best Practices. Here is our list:

1. Clients - Before beginning any business, you of course need to establish who your clients are. In the transportation business this is important as it can determine what types of vehicles or accessories you may need. For instance, will you be transporting children, the elderly or the disabled? Because this type of clientele requires specialized equipment, there certainly is a demand. You can either serve as a subcontractor to a larger company or open an independent business. Consider which group you'd prefer and where the greater need is in your community. If the population of your local area is primarily older adults and there are a considerable number of senior housing facilities or senior resource centers in your area, you should focus on providing services for the elderly and the disabled. Don't forget to acquire the proper licenses as well from your state and local governments. You are also going to need liability insurance for your vehicles and passengers. Check with your insurance agent to determine the state and local requirements for insurance minimums.

2. Vans, Cars and Drivers - Now for your equipment, which is your vehicles. Depending on your clientele, you will have to purchase modified vans, vans, or cars. Work with a reputable dealer to secure vans that are in good condition, even if they are used, and that meet state and local safety requirements. You will probably also need at least one van that is wheelchair-accessible, depending on the type of clients you will be transporting. Finding drivers for your vehicles is the second challenge. To get only the best drivers, screen your new hires by conducting background checks into their criminal histories as well as their driving records. Most transportation providers require a clean driving record with no felony convictions and no more than two or three misdemeanors in the previous three to five years. Develop a training program for your new drivers, and prepare a safety manual for them that will address situations they may encounter while transporting clients. In your safety manual, stress the importance of securing all passengers with seat belts or wheelchair tie-downs before moving the vehicle. Also cover procedures for emergency situations, such as falls or heart attacks, in your safety manual.

3. Your Business Plan - For the business planning aspect of your transportation business, you can work with a small-business counselor to assist you. This counselor will not only show you how to write a business plan but also a marketing plan. They can also determine if your business qualifies for certification as an MWBE (Minority/Woman Owned Business Enterprise) or a DBE (Disadvantaged Business Enterprise). With this kind of certification, you may be able to secure contracts as a subcontractor to larger firms. Many larger firms have requirements to meet in regard to using disadvantaged or minority/women-owned businesses.

4. Marketing and Promotion - Now that you have your business up and going, marketing and promoting your company is to follow. If you provide transportation to the elderly or disabled, let local senior day cares or senior centers, know about you. If the government funds an institution, you will have to prepare a request for proposal and a bid in order to win that organization's contract. Add your name to the list of firms requesting requests for proposals (RFPs) issued by local or state government entities. You can find the information regarding government entity RFPs on the governments' websites, generally through the purchasing departments.

With this list, you can be on your way to discovering the joy of operating a transportation business in Orlando, Florida.
About Author:
CBC Transportation.com provides chauffeured orlando airport transportation and service. Our vehicle fleet includes limousines, luxury vans, SUVs, Town cars or Highway Coaches. Visit online for quotes and rates or to book your reservation.