How to Build Your Cash Reserves to Succeed for the Long Haul

By: Sean M. Lyden - Staff Writer
Posted: Apr 30th 2018

As an expedite owner-operator, you want the freedom to be your own boss, earn a good living, and provide for your family.

But with that freedom comes responsibility.

That's because it can be easy-especially if you're new to expedited trucking-to fall into the trap of spending money as quickly as you take it in, driving your business toward a financial cliff.

How can you avoid that trap and put your business on a smoother road to long-term success?

Here are three factors to keep in mind.

#1. Goals
What are your reasons for building your cash reserves?

This question will help you make sure you're covering all your bases. For example, your list might look something like this:

Working capital-to smooth out cash flow and cover bills during slow periods
Truck maintenance and repairs
Insurance premiums and deductibles
Medical expenses
Personal emergencies-such as airfare to travel home in case of a death in the family
Down payment on a new truck.

Then determine how many cents per mile you should be putting away to ensure you have the funds to cover these items when needed.

How do you figure out what savings amount would work best for you, at your stage in the business?

Speak with other successful owner-operators and industry experts to learn more about the "rules of thumb" they recommend for setting savings amounts.

For example, when it comes to building up a truck maintenance fund for used trucks, Bobby Snyder, sales representative at Fyda Freightliner Columbus, recommends putting away 10-cents per mile, and as the truck gets older, raise that amount.

(See article, "6 Mistakes to Avoid When Purchasing a Used Expediter Truck.")

The important takeaway here is to commit to developing a system to consistently put money away for emergencies, even when things feel tight. This way, you'll have the cash you need, when you need it-to cover your bills, get your truck repaired, and keep your business running smoothly.

#2. Mindset
One of the keys to breaking poor money habits is to learn what habits to adopt that can help put you on a clear path for building your cash reserves. Here are three books that can guide you through that process.

"Margin: Restoring Emotional, Physical, Financial, and Time Reserves to Overloaded Lives" by Richard Swenson.
Takeaway: If you're going to succeed as an owner-operator, you must build in some margin-with your schedule and your money. This book helps you reevaluate your priorities, determine the value of rest and simplicity in your life, and learn new strategies for achieving good health and financial stability.

"Profit First: Transform Your Business from a Cash-Eating Monster to a Money-Making Machine" by Mike Michalowicz.
Takeaway: You became an expedite owner-operator to set your schedule, get paid to travel the country, and take charge of your financial future. But if you don't have tight controls on your cash flow, you could be putting your business dream at risk. This book will teach you how to cultivate good habits that help you take charge of your finances-and your business.

"I Will Teach You to Be Rich" by Ramit Sethi.
So, you've developed a strategy for saving money. Now, what do you do with the money you've put away? How can you put it to work so that it grows for you until you need to use it? How can you protect yourself from losing money? In this book, Ramit Sethi provides a 6-week personal finance program based on the four pillars of personal finance-banking, saving, budgeting, and investing-and the wealth-building ideas of entrepreneurship. Although the book is geared to 20-to-35-year-olds, the personal finance strategies are easy to understand and apply to any of us, no matter our age.

#3. Accountability
It's one thing to know what to do; it's entirely another thing to follow through-especially when it comes to our finances. And that's where accountability comes in.

Find someone you trust, who has financial expertise, to help hold you accountable. This person could be your accountant or a mentor.

During your home time, you may also want to reach out to your local Small Business Development Center (SBDC), a service from the Small Business Administration that's paid for by our tax dollars. The SBDC is staffed by experienced business consultants who will meet with you-for free-for one-on-one coaching and accountability.

The Bottom Line
When it comes to your business, cash is your oxygen. Without it, your business can't survive for long. So, commit today to building your cash reserves at a level that your business can thrive in even the most challenging market conditions.