Choosing the right location for a transport business: way more strategic than it looks
When you launch or grow a transport business, the local is rarely the sexy topic. Trucks, contracts, fuel prices, clients… yeah, that’s what keeps you up at night. And yet, I’ve seen more transport companies struggle because of a bad location than because of a bad business idea. Too far, too small, too expensive, badly connected. It hurts, every single day. So yeah, choosing the right local isn’t just paperwork. It’s a real business decision, with real consequences.
Second thing, and people underestimate this all the time : the condition of the building itself. You might fall in love with a cheap warehouse on the outskirts, but then you walk inside… leaky roof, cracked concrete, electrical mess. Suddenly you’re calling contractors, losing weeks, burning cash. I’ve seen operators regret not checking renovation costs upfront, or not talking to specialists early. Sometimes, having a reference like https://euroservice-batiment-lyon.fr helps you understand what’s realistic, what’s urgent, and what’s going to explode your budget later. Because surprise costs ? They always show up when you least want them.
Business criteria first : size, layout, and future growth
Let’s start simple. How much space do you really need today ? And more importantly, how much will you need in two or three years ? That’s where many people mess up. They rent “just enough” space, because it’s cheaper, because it feels safe. Six months later, they’re stacking pallets in the yard and parking trucks wherever they can. Stressful, inefficient, not professional.
Think circulation. Can trucks enter, turn, load, and leave without blocking everything ? Sounds basic, but go visit some industrial zones at 8 a.m. It’s chaos. If your drivers lose 15 minutes every morning just to get out, that’s real money gone. Personally, I always prefer a slightly bigger, well-laid-out site than a cramped one with a low rent. Space gives you oxygen. And oxygen gives you flexibility.
Accessibility : if it’s painful to reach, it’s a problem
Accessibility is not a buzzword. It’s daily life. How close are you to highways ? Ring roads ? Main logistics axes ? A warehouse 10 minutes from the highway versus 35 minutes through traffic lights and roundabouts… do the math over a year. Fuel, time, driver fatigue. It adds up fast.
And don’t forget employees. Can they get there easily ? Public transport nearby ? Parking space ? I once visited a site that looked perfect on paper. Cheap, big, quiet. But zero bus, zero train, nothing. Drivers kept quitting. Coincidence ? Not really. A location that’s hard to reach becomes a HR issue, whether you like it or not.
The hidden costs nobody talks about (until it’s too late)
This is my favorite part. Hidden costs. They’re sneaky. Property taxes, maintenance, security, waste management, snow removal, lighting of large yards… it never stops. Some locals look affordable until you add everything. And boom, your “good deal” isn’t so good anymore.
Utilities are another classic trap. Heating a large warehouse ? Lighting a 2,000 m² space all winter ? Electricity bills can surprise you, and not in a good way. Same for internet connectivity. Sounds stupid, but some industrial areas still have terrible coverage. Try running dispatch software with unstable internet. Not fun.
Rent, ownership, or something in between ?
Should you rent or buy ? Honestly, there’s no universal answer. Renting gives flexibility. Buying gives stability and long-term value. I’ve seen companies regret buying too early, locking themselves into a location that no longer fits. I’ve also seen others regret renting for 10 years and leaving with nothing.
Ask yourself this : how stable is your activity ? How fast are you growing ? How mobile do you want to stay ? Sometimes, a well-negotiated lease with clear exit clauses is the smartest move. Not glamorous, but smart.
Final thought : visit, feel, project yourself
Spreadsheets are great. Maps too. But nothing replaces being there. Visit at different times. Morning rush. Late afternoon. Rainy day. Listen to the noise, watch the traffic, feel the place. Can you imagine running your operation here every day ?
Choosing a local for a transport business is not just about square meters and rent. It’s about flow, comfort, efficiency, and future headaches… or future peace of mind. Take your time. Ask uncomfortable questions. And trust your gut a little. It’s usually right.
