Business Plan For A Logistics Company

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Table of Contents

1. Executive Summary Business Opportunity Product/Service Description 2. Company Background Business Description Company History 3. Business Plan For A Logistics Company

4. Services

5. The Industry, Competition, and Market Market Definition Primary Competitors Customer Profile 6. Marketing Plan

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7. Financial Plan Investment Plan Break-even Analysis Liquidity Plan Earnings Plan Risk Analysis 8. Conclusion

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Business Plan For A Logistics Company

1. Executive Summary
A worldwide logistics service is one concept that lately showed significant growth potential. For the United States and Canada, the industry expects significant growth rates to persist in the near future, so that investments in that segment are very profitable. The expected profitability is about 15% and the growth rate about 8%, depending on the specific services that will be offered. The goal of this start-up is the operation of a logistics company that offers a selected range of logistics, planning and transportation services. Services will be offered worldwide, but with a focus on the United States markets. In addition to this core business, the company provides a storehouse and technical services to increase revenues. 1.1 Business Opportunity The logistics industry currently shows a strong growth marked by a higher demand, but also growing costs. The development of new business strategies and solutions seems critical for new industry players to get market shares and survive in this highly competitive industry. The choice of services, as well as the development of applications, can be one strategy in this field of business. Additionally, sound cost management is of critical importance for a solid stream of revenues. Big industry players have shown that, even in a competitive market, growth rates of more than 20% can be sustained. The operation of a logistics company that offers the following services is the core of this start-up: general logistics services transportation services planning services distribution planning just-in-time delivery A strong focus of this business will be placed on the development of new and innovative strategies for the customers that deliver a significant value. As an add-on, a broad range of customized services will be offered, which will help utilize company and employee capacity. The range of products is selected to provide solid growth potentials. The operation of this business requires a good knowledge of the markets, as well as a competitive logistics service concept, to increase customer satisfaction. However, it is critical that this service is offered with a strong focus on cost management. One central goal of the proposed business strategy is the development of a unique corporate identity. Such identity will create customer loyalty and help gain a competitive advantage. Therefore, it is planned that, in addition to the selection of new and interesting services, a company design is developed. For this reason, the service around the offered applications and the additional businesses is very extensive.

Business Plan For A Logistics Company

The required investment for the proposed business is moderate compared to other companies in the industry. Labor is expected to be the main cost driver, whereas no other substantial investment in fixed assets is required. Depending upon the location, the minimum required investment amount ranges between $50,000 and $60,000 in the start-up phase, based on a 7-10% average revenue margin. This amount is well within the financial requirements observed for other comparable companies. 1.2 Product/Service Description The business will operate in the logistics and transportation industry with several services. An additional source of revenues is the development of new services. This can range from computer planning systems to distribution services. Cross selling is planned to be one of the prime strategies in this business, since all products are targeted to serve a similar need and can easily be combined. Synergy in selling product across business segments is likely to boost earning further. Net earnings are expected to be at least 3% above traditional trading businesses with only one sales segments. Figure 1.1 shows the revenue mix across segments in the start-up phase. This projection is based on the expected strategic direction, investment amount and business environment. As the core business, the logistics segment is expected to generate the largest share in revenues. The sale of planning and transportation services is expected to be another important generator of revenues which also helps utilize invested capacity. The sale of consulting services is expected to be intensified.

Business Plan For A Logistics Company

2. Company Background
The goal of this start-up is the operation of a logistics business with different services and similar offers. Additionally, the sale of planning and consulting services is planned to reach an optimal utilization of personnel and company capacity. An initial investment amount of at least $50,000 to $60,000 is required, which will allow the operation of a small business with 4 to 5 employees. Sales revenues are expected to range between $550,000 and $600,000 in the start-up phase and the operation is expected to generate profits starting in the first or second business year. 2.1 Business Description Management is expected to have a solid knowledge of the markets and the offered services to influence the customers. The goal is to create an innovative business in which the customer experiences competent service. A well chosen and targeted selection of offerings will complement this strategy. Both aspects are core requirements to build customer loyalty. Repeat customers are expected to generate revenues of 40% and more. Although this strategy is likely to require additional investments, it is expected that revenues per customer will increase significantly and range above industry average. Furthermore, this strategy will provide a clear entrance barrier for prospective competitors. The development and promotion of a corporate identity is another central task for management. Given the homogeneity of businesses in this industry, the development of a corporate identity will markedly increase sales revenues and build a customer base. Furthermore, a corporate identity will support expanding the business to a larger international target market. 2.2 Company History In the start-up phase, the business is operated as a one-person-business. This set up carries a certain risk potential because of the high equity stake the manager bears and the personal and statutory liability assumed. However, this set-up preserves a high degree of flexibility in managerial decision making. The number of personnel to be employed depends on the structural complexity of the operations and the desired size. Figure 2.1 shows a break up of costs in the industry. It is expected that the target employee earns a monthly salary of $4,500 to $6,000 based on 42 hours per week. The sales and service area requires 1 to 2 employees on average working in 2 shifts. Due to illness and vacation times, in the long run an average of 4 permanent employees will be required after the start-up phase. With increasing sales and better utilization of employee work time, revenue margins will increase and thus, costs per employee will decrease on average. With revenues ranging around $500,000, capacity utilization is expected to be around 85%. During the start-up phase, a single person will attend to all necessary management task, coordinate employees and provide strategic direction to the developing business. Accounting, administrative and machine maintenance will be outsourced to an external

Business Plan For A Logistics Company partner, since those tasks can typically be provided at better rates externally. Sourcing and marketing will require one employee.

Finding the optimal location for a business is one of the success factors in the short and long run. This is also important for international businesses because taxes, employees and additional costs are crucial for all businesses. The following analysis is based on 10 businesses in the logistics industry. Since a small company is recruiting its customers typically from the home country and later from a worldwide area, a national location is considered as the core market. For the location with a core market in the selected region, the following factors are relevant: The taxes and other administration costs are low. Administrative costs are expected to be comparably small given the expected revenues. The possibility to recruit additional personnel is favorable. Public institutions are expected to provide additional sponsoring. It is easy to find appropriate employees. Because of the favorable growth perspectives in the chosen market and growing investment activities, we expect to realize yearly growth rates in revenues of 15-20% given a 4% economic growth rate.

Business Plan For A Logistics Company

3. Business Plan For A Logistics Company

One of the key elements of a successful business in the logistics industry is the selection of services that are as profitable as possible. One key element of a profit maximization strategy is to minimize the costs and to increase the sales volume. The following services show the highest demand and the best profitability, depending on input costs on the one hand and sales revenues on the other hand: general logistics services international transportation just-in-time delivery distribution cost optimization The specific selection of services and applications offered will be monitored constantly and vary according to business needs. This strategy provides a competitive edge against other companies in the environment and is expected to generate an additional demand and the possibility for a price mark-up.

The development of warehouse and a storage system are two key elements of a successful logistics and transportation business. The following services will be offered in this segment: storage capacity transportation services international distribution All services will be monitored to find out an optimal combination of services.

Business Plan For A Logistics Company

4. Services
Additional service offerings related to the core business provide other fields of business. The available competence will be used for further business activities that will generate additional revenues. While this is not a core business segment, this concept has growth potential because the demand for planning and consulting services is rising. Initially, the investment in inventory, technical equipment and personnel capacity of this segment is limited. Especially, the supply of complex logistics planning with a higher priced range will require extensive service. This strategy will help utilize the capacity in personnel, since it allows for an optimal coordination of employees. All employees will be trained to cover all aspects of individual services for the customer.

Business Plan For A Logistics Company

5. The Industry, Competition, and Market

A careful analysis of the market and competitive forces in this industry is a key element in assessing the business potential of our project. This analysis will provide marketing and sales data that are indispensable to develop the business potential optimally. The main competitors are comparably-sized medium and large logistics companies in the international environment with a similar selection of products and services. Since the planned project is of international scope with a single headquarter, the competitive analysis will have to focus on the international and local market. The market and competition analysis will be based on the entire market. 5.1 Market Definition Figure 5.1 shows average growth figures in revenues of typical logistics companies during the past 10 years. A lot of companies in this industry have experienced constant growth rates of more than 15% to 20% since 1999. For 2005, a growth of 17% is expected with a strong development in the third and last quarter. Despite slowing economic growth and decreasing customer demand, the international logistics industry underwent a relatively favorable development. New and innovative business concepts in the sector still show high growth potentials, while growth rates of traditional businesses in that industry were below average. The significant growth of new business concepts is primarily due to sharp cost control and more efficient business strategies that accounted for higher revenue and earning figures. According to industry estimates, 30% of such innovative businesses gained from cross-selling activities between their business segments. Sinking prices of input products and service costs have allowed the industry to partially compensate for slowing demand. Savings in input costs were also due to decreased labor costs. However, starting in 2006, this trend is expected to reverse and growth rates will pick up markedly, despite the uncertainty in the development of input prices and worldwide economic developments.

5.2 Primary Competitors The competitive environment is primarily determined by the choice of item groups, but also the regional location. But, regardless of the selection of items, high mark-ups are not

Business Plan For A Logistics Company

feasible in the long run, since this will attract competitors who compete away any rents. With a high density of businesses in one location, businesses with the highest marginal cost will be driven out of the market. Such locations will yield a return of 12-14% on average. This is the expected equilibrium return in a saturated market. To further analyze the competitive environment, it is necessary to define the players in that environment. A firm that generates $300,000 to $1,000,000 in revenues and employs 5 to 10 people should regard a firm with revenues and personnel 3 times this figures as a viable competitor. On the product and service side, businesses with a comparable selection of offers are regarded as competing in the same market segment. Figure 5.4 shows the size of businesses in this market segment, which also includes different products and services that will be sold worldwide. The numbers are based on average revenues of companies that run their business more than five years.

5.3 Customer Profile The specialized way of distribution and offerings are primarily targeting large international companies. A possible segmentation to identify different customer groups is by segmentation of different lines of business. Figure 5.2 shows the demand for logistics services from different lines of business. Numbers are based on averages per company of a particular group multiplied by the number of companies in the respective group. This gives total demand share per group. As can be seen, companies in the industry segment, like car manufacturers, have a high demand for logistics services like just-in-time delivery and international distribution. Also, other industries, like telecommunication and information technology, have a growing demand, especially in the field of transportation. Figure 5.3 shows revenues by yearly revenues of potential customers. The figure shows revenues generated per profit group. Numbers are based on the average profit per customer and the number of customers per profit group. As can be seen, customers in the middle income bracket generate the highest revenue streams. High frequented low income groups, such as small and medium companies, generate relatively low revenue streams.

Business Plan For A Logistics Company

Business Plan For A Logistics Company

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6. Marketing Plan
In the start-up phase, it is a central task of the marketing concept to establish name recognition and a unique trade mark. Later on, the strategy will primarily be targeted to gain new customers and create customer loyalty of repeat customers. Several marketing and sales promotion strategies are available in the logistics industry. Figure 6.1 shows different marketing elements and their use in marketing strategies, as well as their estimated potential success factor. The figure can serve as a direction for the planning of a marketing and sales promotion strategy. The numbers are based on typical businesses in the logistics and transportation industry. As can be seen, printed advertisements target a large potential customer group, but at a relatively high cost. Printed advertisements in international newspapers and magazines are regarded as very beneficial in the start-up phase to attract a large group of potential customers and draw attention to the range of articles offered. 49% of businesses in the trade industry use printed advertisements and about 60% of this group regard this as the most beneficial form of marketing. Sales promotion strategies have temporary effects only. They are used at business openings primarily and offer special discounts. 49% of businesses use sales promotion strategies frequently and 81% of the users responded that this instrument is successful. Marketing alliances with other trading businesses to generate cost savings and increase efficiency are used rarely. Such strategies include mutual use of marketing and web promotion events and joint promotion arrangements. Only 45% of businesses have used these elements and 55% of these regard this instrument as beneficial. Web and e-mail marketing is used frequently in the industry, although this would be a relatively inexpensive additional effort. Direct mailings are a very efficient strategy that sends mailings to selected customers or business groups. Since spreading costs of such mailings are very low, this marketing element provides a useful tool for special offer promotions. The use of marketing and sales promotions proceeds as follows: as a broad base to attract new customers, the strategy will include a combination of printed advertisements and special offers with opening discounts. Furthermore, a group of customers will be selected for direct mailings. This strategy is expected to continue for 3-4 months, after which the effort will turn towards creating customer loyalty for regular customers. This strategy is supplemented by a regular marketing strategy and direct mailings to regular customers. A marketing alliance and online advertisements will also come to use.

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Business Plan For A Logistics Company

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7. Financial Plan
A sound financial plan is the key factor for the success of a business start-up. Investors and banks will base their funding decision on the information given in this plan. Besides a plan of the financial needs, this plan must insure that the business is always liquid and ultimately profitable. Since the sales and earnings projections in the business plan are based on expectations, the financial plan has to be revised and refined on a constant basis so that discrepancies can be uncovered and solved instantly. The inputs for this financial plan are based on 22 businesses of different size and market segments in the national and international logistics industry, which serve as a group of comparable firms, as well as own estimates based on the planned business environment. Revenue estimates are conservative and expense projections include a cushion for unforeseen contingencies. The initial capital requirement is estimated to be $50,000 to $60,000. The sales margin is expected to be 7-10%, whereby each business segment contributes differently to sales and earnings. The classical logistics segment, of all segments, will have an average contribution to sales in relative terms (6.5%), but given the high sales volume, the largest in absolute terms. Revenues from transportation services can be differentiated into those from low priced single services to comprehensive and long-term transportation. The sale of services is expected to generate a 12% to 15% sales margin, while the margin from sales of services is expected to be closer to about 10%. Figure 7.1 shows the source of revenues by segment during the start-up phase. Depending on the initial investment sum, cost and revenue estimates vary. Figure 7.2 shows the expected relationship of cost and revenues. As can be seen, the relationship is not linear everywhere, but costs decrease relative to sales at an initial investment of $50,000. This effect is due to the better utilization of capacities in personnel at rising revenues at constant cost. If capacity is fully utilized, additional personnel must be recruited. At an investment sum of $100,000, administrative costs are expected to return to a linear relationship of sales. At sales levels between $1,000,000 to $2,000,000, costs increase by the factor 1.85. The cost revenue relationship is important, not only during the start-up phase, but also for planned further expansion. Often such expansion strategies are based on this relationship. Other industries are able to generate cost savings of 30-50% during expansion periods, while for the logistics industry, this factor is close to 15%. At a specific size, this relationship reverses because administrative costs rise sharply. This affects small businesses between 10 and 20 employees most severely. The details of the financial plan are laid out in more detail as follows: Section 7.1 gives an investments schedule. This includes all investments necessary during the start-up phase. Section 7.2 gives a break-even analysis that shows revenues at the break-even point. Every additional sales revenue adds to profit and vice versa. Section 7.3 gives a liquidity plan. This plan is based on current cost and revenue estimates

Business Plan For A Logistics Company from Section 7.2. Liquidity must always be positive.

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Section 7.4 contains a long-term profit projection for the first 4 years of business. The projection shows the critical amount of revenues at which the business is profitable and how profit develops over time. Section 7.5 provides a risk analysis. The risk analysis contains critical factors that may impact the financial numbers presented in this plan.

7.1 Investment Plan The investment plan comprises primary capital needs for the foundation and operation of an international logistics company with different products and services for sale. The plan also includes initial marketing and sales promotion expenses. The figures are based on a business with 3-5 employees and expected revenues of

Business Plan For A Logistics Company $950,000 in year 2-3.

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7.2 Break-even Analysis The break-even analysis shows how earnings rise as a function of sales. The break-even point is the point at which revenues from sales cover total costs (fix costs and costs rising with sales). This analysis is important for the development of the liquidity plan. If the break-even point is not achieved, in the long run the business loses liquidity and may become insolvent. This requires that a critical amount of revenues must be generated. At a sale revenue of $600,000 and given fixed costs, the business will generate a profit. Fixed costs are estimated at $120,000 to $130,000 and variable costs at $480,000. At a realizable revenue of $1,000,000, after 2-3 years profits will rise to $70,000 pre-tax. This represents an earnings margin of 10% pre-tax and 7% after-tax. These estimates are realistic in this market segment. Increasing sales volume will increase pre-tax earnings

Business Plan For A Logistics Company margins, but this development reverses when administrative costs begin to rise sharply. Up to a sales volume of $3,000,000, earnings margins rise to 12.5%, after which the margin decreases to constant 11.5%.

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Figure 7.3 shows at which critical sales volume the business generates a profit. This serves as a base for a pricing strategy. Additionally, the graph shows the amount of sales at which a marketing campaign can be run profitably.

7.3 Liquidity Plan The liquidity plan shows the amount of finances necessary to assure permanent liquidity of the business. The plan is based on 4 representative months of a typical business with 3 to 5 employees, annual sales of $1,300,000 and net profits of about $300,000. Revenue estimates are drawn from a standard normal distribution.

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7.4 Earnings Plan The earnings plan shows the results from ordinary operations. The plan is based on the first 4 years of business. Revenue estimates are drawn from a normal distribution with an estimated growth rate of 20 to 30%. Figure 7.4 shows profit over time.

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7.5 Risk Analysis The risk analysis considers critical factors that may lead to a failure of the business concept. Such factors can involve failures during the implementation phase, as well as during operations. Such potential factors are ordered according to the probability at which they can arise. Shown is the key factor that led to the failure only. Data are drawn from questionnaires of 10 logistics businesses with comparable product offerings and revenue- and cost structures that went bankrupt during the last 3 years, as well as analyses of different research institutes. 1. Insufficient demand: This is the most frequent reason that leads to business failure. This includes permanently low demand, as well as a temporary collapse in demand. Often demand estimates were too optimistic at the outset. Such failures might also come from external shocks instead of operating deficiencies. 19% of businesses with insufficient demand go bankrupt. 50% of these businesses report that, once demand slacked, they did not react accordingly, because they believed that this phenomenon was only temporary. Since the expected frequency of customers during the start-up phase is still low, a critical success factor is to focus promotional effort so as to generate customer loyalty early on,

Business Plan For A Logistics Company which will help minimize the effects of demand fluctuations. This is also important for the future development of the business. 2.

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Behavior of Competition: Due to low entry barriers, additional businesses can enter the market at low cost. Approximately 16% of insolvent businesses were driven out of the market by that competition. A better service concept, innovative ideas and concentration on core businesses are easy means for an entrant to gain a competitive edge. Personnel and capacity utilization: Often personnel capacity cannot be adjusted easily when demand slows down. Currently, business services have a capacity utilization rate of personnel of 70%, i.e. 70% of employee working hours can be directly credited to sales. At small businesses this value is often lower, which means that 30% of working hours arise without generating any further revenue. 13% of such businesses go bankrupt for this reason. Liquidity constraints: Another frequent reasons for bankruptcy is insufficient liquidity. In that case, it is possible that all liquid funds are used to cover losses or that liquidity needs were planned too tight. To be able to flexibly react to changing liquidity needs, it is important that sufficient funds be planned, even during the start-up phase. Thus, 5-10% of the investment sum should be held as liquidity reserve permanently. 13% of insolvent businesses reported liquidity as the reason for bankruptcy. Over-indebtedness: Many business are run on a small equity base. The majority of investments are funded by debt. If the business becomes unprofitable, debt obligations cannot be covered. Little more over 10% of insolvent firms reported over-indebtedness as the reason for going bankrupt. It is therefore important that a share of earnings is retained for debt service. Macroeconomic Conditions: In a cyclical downturn, revenue expectations may not come in according to expectation. Although this factor does not affect the business in itself, it does have an impact on profitability, liquidity and leverage. Costs remain constant during such periods, but revenues typically decrease which affects overall profitability. 10% of all insolvent businesses report that they went bankrupt due to macroeconomic conditions, although the relevant indicators of the business looked healthy. Location and market: The market of the business and the selection of the right potential customers is an important success factor and one of the fundamental decisions that has an impact on the future prosperity of the firm. Therefore, a careful analysis is necessary. More than 10% of insolvent businesses reported that they went bankrupt because of the wrong market selection. Often start-ups did not consider that, even when the choice of market may not be wrong at the outset, it may later become so when economic conditions worsen. This may be due to structural changes or different interest of customers. Wrong Business Decisions: Often wrong business decisions and difficult situations go unnoticed for some period, which can lead to a failure of the business. A critical and independent reflection of a decision are critical factors to determine the value of a management decision and evaluate the business' profitability. Studies have shown that

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many businesses fail in their start-up phase because of managements inability to make sound business decisions, while once a business is settled, such mistakes are very rare. A critical management instrument is the ability to detect potential failures and problems. Certain key figures can help measure this ability and objectively determine a decision's chance for success. Small businesses should use such indicator ratios to assess their business outlooks. Figure 7.5 shows the relative importance of each factor for businesses that went bankrupt. The numbers are based on the most relevant reason that triggered bankruptcy, but not the reason responsible for bankruptcy. External factors that changed the competitive environment and changing macroeconomic conditions were the most important reasons relative to internal factors.

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8. Conclusion
The international logistics segment is one of the most profitable within the business service industry, while almost any other segment, especially in the local markets currently lives through a difficult time. This situation is mostly driven by the competition of larger international companies. A business that successfully survives the current temporary slow down can be certain of increased profitability once the situation rebounds. The relatively modest investment requirements and running costs (compared to industry businesses) provide a favorable argument, since external funds from banks becomes more difficult given that the risk aversion to finance such ventures has risen. A company with specific knowledge and innovative ideas has good chances to move into profitable market niches and run a successful business. Market conditions change constantly, as do customer demands. This is the chance for businesses with innovative ideas and new offerings to secure a dependable customer basis. Service is a critical factor that can earn a competitive edge. This is also true for new trends in the industry to better control costs and increase efficiency. For a successful operation of an international logistics company, five factors are critical and central for the business strategy: In the international logistics industry, it is important that the customer experiences a comprehensive and competent logistics service. This will secure customer loyalty in a market that is very fast and competitive. The utilization of personnel capacity is critical for the long-term profitability because of changing margins and the constraints to flexibly reduce personnel. Therefore, the additional selling of transportation services is a further segment of the business that is integrated in the sale of the whole business process. A carefully selected assortment of services, as well as the selected choice of new technologies, has the potential to gain a competitive edge against competitors. Furthermore, a service that aims to give the customer an added value through new services can justify price mark-ups. A critical factor in the logistics industry is quality management. Better quality at lower cost increases customer satisfaction. Deficiencies in service quality can lower demand, while good service quality can help create customer loyalty. Cost management is a critical success factor for businesses in industries where margins are low. Computer aided planning is an integral part of cost management.