Starting a trucking company in Guwahati is a very practical way to enter Assam’s growing logistics sector, due to its location and steady demand for road transport services. This guide will outline the key steps that are required, and discuss potentially improvements such as if you use a time tracker for teams to allow remote work, or other ideas aside from time-tracking software.
1. Decide on the Business Structure
Before registering the company, it is important to define its structure. Is the company going to focus on local city delivery within the Guwahati metro area? Or is it going to involve intra-state transport, full-truck-load, or specialized segments?
This choice will affect the type of vehicles, capital, and permits required to operate the business.
2. Register the Company
It is best to start registering a company early, as it will take time to gather the documents required and for the registration itself to be processed. The basic steps that need to be taken are:
- Select a name and follow the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) rules regarding them.
- Obtain the mandatory Digital Signature Certification and Director Identification Number for each director.
- File the incorporation application and check you include the required documents (i.e. PAN and Aadhaar of all directors, Memorandum of Association, Articles of Association, and so on).
Expect to have to wait anything from 7 to 10 days before the company is approved – assuming everything is in order.
3. Apply for Permits, Licenses, Registrations, Insurance, and Other Mandatory Requirements
To operate a trucking company, there are several mandatory transport authorizations that need to be obtained. For example:
- Goods carrier permit from Assam Transport Department of the right type based on whether the operations are inter-state, within Assam, or a dedicated fleet.
- Vehicle registrations under the company name for each vehicle, with different types for trucks under 12-tons or above 12-tons.
- Pollution under control and fitness certificates which are mandatory for each truck.
- Goods and Service Tax (GST) registration if the company turnover exceeds ₹40 lakh.
- Third-party motor insurance for each truck.
- Driver’s providence fund and employee state insurance if the company has more than 10 employees.
- Professional tax registration for Assam.
- Current account in a bank that is under the company name.
There may be other permits, licenses, or miscellaneous requirements that are necessary depending on the business structure of the company.
4. Set Up Operations Base
Every trucking company needs a base of operations. Most companies operating out of Guwahati choose locations that are strategic and close to the Changsari Logistics Park, Amingaon Truck Terminus or NH-27 Bypass.
The exact size of the yard required for an operations base will depend on the size of the company fleet. Larger yards in locations close to key transportation arteries may cost more to rent.
5. Hire Staff
To operate a trucking company, drivers will need to be hired and each will need to hold a valid HMV license as well as obtain a ‘Driver Badge’ from DTO Guwahati after going through a medical test and police verification. Additional training may be required as well to keep drivers up to date on traffic laws and safety protocols.
Aside from drivers, trucking companies require back-office staff for administrative, marketing, and sales teams. If necessary these teams can work remotely, and time-tracking software such as Controlio or Hubstaff can be used to manage them.
Conclusion
Starting a trucking company in Guwahati does require planning and coordination. It may help to hire a local transportation consultant that is familiar with DTO Guwahati practices and who is able to provide advice on setting up and staffing the company. Be sure to ask them about potential improvements, including remote work and using time-tracking software such as Controlio.