Refrigerated truck runs for wholesalers and producers

Wholesalers, growers, food manufacturers, distributors and supermarket suppliers who pay per load or on a contract rate.

Per pallet, per load or per kilometre on regular contract runs, often agreed weekly. Steady contracts bring predictable income, while spot loads can add extra.

• Heavy vehicle driving experience
• Route and load planning
• Handling paperwork and delivery documents
• Negotiating rates and building contacts

• Heavy vehicle licence class and medical requirements, so check with your state road authority
• Chain of responsibility and fatigue rules apply to heavy vehicle operators, so check with the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator or your state body, as arrangements vary by state
• Heavy vehicle registration, road user charges and insurance costs can be high
• Food safety and temperature record requirements for carrying food, so check with your state food authority
• Late payment from larger customers can strain cash flow, so check payment terms before accepting work
• Workers compensation insurance if you hire drivers

Startup costs are typically around $60,000 to $250,000, depending on the truck, its refrigeration and your insurance. Monthly revenue is estimated at around $12,000 to $50,000, depending on your contracts, loads and rates. Registration, road user charges and insurance costs can be high.

Check the heavy vehicle licence class and medical requirements with your state road authority. Check chain of responsibility and fatigue rules with the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator or your state body. Also check food safety and temperature record requirements with your state food authority.

Estimates suggest at least around 40 hours a week, depending on your contracts. Useful skills include heavy vehicle driving experience, route and load planning, handling delivery paperwork, and negotiating rates. Check customer payment terms before accepting work, as late payment can strain cash flow.