Owner-Operator full-size coach hire business

Tour companies, schools, sporting and community groups, event organisers, cruise and travel agents, and larger coach operators needing extra capacity.

Charter rates by the hour, day or kilometre, plus subcontract work paid by the job. Strong utilisation across weekdays and weekends is what covers the high fixed costs.

• Confident heavy vehicle driving
• Route and schedule planning
• Customer service with groups
• Basic vehicle maintenance knowledge
• Quoting and managing a business

• A heavy vehicle licence and operator accreditation are likely needed, so check your state requirements
• Purchase, finance and maintenance costs are high, so test demand before buying
• Driving hours, fatigue management and safety compliance rules may apply, so check them
• Public liability and passenger insurance are essential, so confirm cover
• Workers compensation insurance is needed once you hire drivers, under your state scheme
• One breakdown can cancel work and cost you the booking, so plan for backup options

Startup costs are typically around $120,000 to $450,000, depending on the coach you buy, how you finance it and maintenance needs. Because costs are high, the idea suggests testing demand before you buy a coach.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated around $10,000 to $40,000, depending on how much charter and subcontract work you win. That is revenue, not profit, so finance, maintenance and other running costs come out of it.

A heavy vehicle licence and operator accreditation are likely needed, so check your state requirements. Also check driving hours, fatigue management and safety compliance rules, and confirm you have public liability and passenger insurance before taking bookings.