The logistics and delivery sector in India is growing rapidly due to e-commerce expansion, inter-city movement, and demand for same-day deliveries. Starting a Trucking & Delivery business requires proper planning, licensing, documentation, and a scalable operational model.
This guide covers the complete step-by-step process to help entrepreneurs launch a compliant and profitable transport service.

📝 Step 1: Business Planning & Model Selection

Before starting operations, determine how your trucking & delivery service will operate.

Choose Your Business Model:

✔ Local delivery services (within city)
✔ Intercity trucking
✔ B2B transport for manufacturers & wholesalers
✔ E-commerce delivery partner
✔ Specialized logistics (cold chain, fragile goods, bulk cargo)

Prepare a Business Plan:

Fleet size & type of vehicles
Expected order volume
Operational territories
Driver hiring model (contract/freelance/full-time)
Pricing and per-km rate
Technology requirements (GPS, CRM, apps, billing system)

🧾 Step 2: Register Your Company

Choose the right business structure:

Structure	Suitable For	Key Benefits
Proprietorship	Small delivery setups	Easy to start, low compliance
Partnership / LLP	Family partners / small fleet	Low cost, safer than proprietorship
Private Limited Company	Long-term scalable logistics	Investor-friendly, limited liability

Basic Registration Requirements:

PAN + Aadhaar
Address proof
Business name approval
Digital Signature Certificate (for LLP/PLC)
Partnership deed / MoA / AoA (as applicable)

🚛 Step 3: Vehicle Purchase & Registration (RTO)

For commercial trucks/vans, you must complete:

Mandatory RTO Requirements:

Commercial vehicle registration
Goods Carriage Permit
National Permit (if operating across states)
Fitness Certificate
Passenger/driver insurance
Pollution certificate (PUC)

📜 Step 4: Licenses & Compliance

✔ GST Registration

Required if turnover exceeds ₹20 lakh OR when supplying services to registered businesses.

✔ Trade License from Municipal Authority

Mandatory for operating a logistics office or warehouse.

✔ Professional Tax (State) – if applicable

✔ Driver Compliance

Commercial driving license (DL – Transport Category)
Background verification
Driving training certificate

🛡 Step 5: Insurance Requirements

To reduce operational risk, take:

Commercial Vehicle Insurance (mandatory)
Goods-in-Transit Insurance
Third-party liability insurance
Driver accidental coverage

Insurance protects your business from loss, theft, and damage during delivery operations.

🏗 Step 6: Set Up the Operations Workflow

Operational Setup Includes:

Dispatch center or office
Warehouse/storage (if required)
GPS-enabled vehicles
Route planning tools
Mobile app/CRM for order management
Tracking portal for clients
Delivery proof system (OTP/POD)

Staffing Needs:

Drivers
Delivery executives
Dispatch coordinators
Customer support
Mechanics (optional)

💰 Step 7: Pricing, Billing & Accounting Setup

Typical pricing models:

Per km charge
Per kg/ton rate
Fixed monthly logistics contracts
On-demand express delivery rate

Set Up Billing Systems:

GST invoicing
Recurring billing
Credit limit for corporate clients
Expense tracker for fuel, maintenance, tolls

📣 Step 8: Marketing & Scaling Your Delivery Business

Acquire Clients Through:

Google Maps listing
Collaborations with restaurants, wholesalers & e-commerce sellers
Website & webstore (Saving Mantra Integration)
Social media promotions
Corporate tie-ups for logistics outsourcing

Scale With Technology:

Fleet management system
AI-based route optimization
Predictive maintenance
Automated booking system

🧩 Step-by-Step Summary

Choose business model
Register entity (Proprietorship/LLP/Private Ltd)
Get commercial vehicle permits
Apply for GST, trade license, and driver compliance
Purchase vehicles + insurance
Set up delivery operations
Create pricing & invoicing system
Market and scale using tech

🔍 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How much investment is required to start a trucking & delivery business?

Between ₹5 lakh to ₹25 lakh depending on vehicle size, permits, and technology setup.

2. What is the minimum requirement for drivers?

A valid commercial driving license (DL), background verification, and transport training.

3. Can a startup operate without owning trucks?

Yes. You can run an asset-light model by onboarding partner drivers/vehicles.

4. Is GST mandatory for a trucking business?

GST is required once turnover exceeds ₹20 lakh OR if providing services to GST-registered clients.

⚠ Disclaimer

This blog provides general guidance for starting a Trucking & Delivery business in India. Compliance requirements may vary based on state laws, business structure, and operational model. It is advised to consult a professional or Saving Mantra expert before making any financial, compliance, or licensing decisions.

Step-by-Step Process for Starting a Trucking & Delivery Business in India