Press release?

Interesting article in the Fridays newspaper. It seems Mr. Arthur Chukwuka is just trying to sell his trucks, but at the same time, it's a business plan worth considering - To anyone who is looking for a business to invest in. Why not check out the haulage business? As for me, I think I'll have to write a similar press release on my products... Hmmm That could work... :-)

Here's the article for anyone who's interested :

FOR people who understand the operation, transport business is a lucrative job. Its returns can be predictably instantaneous and abundant. Those in the business of transporting bulk materials testify that it is a money-spinner, if you master the skill well.
Currently, the business is taking the operators to the neighboring West African countries like Togo, Ghana Benin Republic, Senegal and Gambia.

E x p e r t s attribute the trend to the increase in the production capacity of companies operating in Nigeria.

According to Alhaji.Mohammed Nasiru, an Lagos-based truck owner, “With one or two sound trailers, you can find yourself in the millionaire club.” Recalling what he took into the business about two years ago, he says, “Do you know that I started with only N200,000? And I am now worth more than N60m.” But he says this is not automatic. “You have to be fully involved in the business, even if you employ drivers for your truck. They need to be constantly monitored, although you have to convince them too that you are genuinely concerned about their welfare. You have to keep the vehicles in perfect condition.” Nasiru says that it is much better to invest in it when you are ready to enough funds to plough into it. This will guarantee good profits and returns on investment.

To start the business, he says, “The first thing that anyone who wants to go into the business must do is to secure an open space. This will provide the parking for trucks before and after every trip.

“The space can also serve as the maintenance y a r d .

Maintenance yard, apart from the open space is vital for the cleaning and maintenance of the vehicles.

Office space can also be carved out of the open space, which is necessary, as you would have to deal with individual and corporate clients.

Nasiru also gives other things that are required for the business to thrive. He says, “The next most important thing you need to do if you are to succeed in the business is to get capable hands, with rich experience in the haulage business, using trucks and trailers.

“This, you can begin by recruiting a manager.

The manager must have a lot of experience, because he is the one that will assist you to recruit qualified and responsible drivers who are the next most important players in the haulage business.” The transporter says it will cost about N6-8m to have a functional truck. However, he adds that you may not pay the whole amount at once.

You can work out an arrangement with the importers of the vehicles, local dealers and some financiers. But he warns against rushing into any deal without fully understanding the conditions. he urges you to consult any trusted experts before signing any agreement.

Other experts note that some local dealers may not have the patience to wait for about one or years for the repayment.

The banks can also assist in making facilities available for the purchase of the trucks or trailers, when they are convinced about the viability of the investment.

Nasiru explains that a truck or trailer can make up to four to five trips a month to various parts of the country, especially from the southern part of the country to the northern part. Trips to neighboring countries are also picking up.

Corroborating the position of Nasiru on the profitability of the haulage business, Mr.

Yakubu Isyaku, an executive with a Lagosbased Izu Chukwu Transport says that it is possible for a truck to rake in more than N1m or in a month He says, “There are many companies that want to carry goods from one part of the country to the other. These include cement, flour, iron rod and other imported goods.

“A hard working driver can make up to four or five trips a month, and each of those trips can not be less than N300,000.” He says, despite the fact that a lot of the money is spent on the maintenance of the vehicle, the driver and his conductor, the company will still have a good portion of the money as profit at the end of the month, when accounts are reconciled, and salaries are paid.

“Indeed, the haulage business has never seen a better time than now, in terms of profitability,” says Arthur Chukwuka, a dealer and importer of new and used trucks in Lagos.

He adds, “Look at Alhaji Aliko Dangote, in spite of his numerous trailers and trucks running across the roads of Nigeria and West Africa, he still hires trucks to move his other products that his trucks can not carry.

Whichever way one looks at it, the business of haulage is expanding, and it is only wise investors that can invest in it.

Chikuka advises anybody going into the business to reserve some money for advertising and networking to get the right clients and sustain their interest.