5 Steps to Opening Your Own Food Truck Trailer

Food trucks are more popular than ever before. Maybe you’ve considered getting in on the action by opening your own food truck. If that’s you, getting your new food truck trailer ready for business doesn’t have to be complicated. If you want to launch your food truck business, follow these five simple steps.

Step 1: Select the Trailer Style

When it comes to food trucks, there are two basic options: a food truck or a food truck trailer. If you’re not sure which option is right for you, consider the benefits of starting small. Not only are food truck concession trailers more cost effective, but they also requires less maintenance. When choosing a food trailer, you also need to choose a style. If you have minimal needs, then a concession trailer can do the trick. You may need to prepare your food elsewhere (like in a commercial kitchen space). Then, you can attach the concession trailer to your vehicle and tow it to your designated area. Find out what each one is used for, so you can be sure that you’re getting the right fit.

Step 2: Make It Legal

It’s very important to research your city’s ordinances related to food trucks. Make sure you understand where you are allowed to legally park and serve customers from your truck. Your vehicle and food truck trailer both need to comply with state laws and regulations, including registration and insurance. You may also need permits in order to sell food out of the food trailer. Some areas may prohibit food trucks from operating within a certain vicinity of restaurants, so it’s important to do your research in advance.

Step 3: Figure Out Your Food Transport Strategy

Depending on what’s on your menu, you may have the option of preparing your food elsewhere and simply selling it from the truck. It’s important to decide what type of food and beverages you’re going to serve before buy your trailer. Then, you can determine if you have enough space for food prep or storage for transport. Also, some cities have health laws against food trucks preparing and storing food in them. The type of food will also have a significant influence on the customization you need for the trailer. It will also determine what equipment you need inside the trailer.

Step 4: Make Your Food Truck Trailer Stand Out

The way your trailer looks will directly impact the effect it has on attracting customers. You have two options for getting the design for your truck. Vinyl wrap is the most durable option but is also costlier. Your other option is painting. Painting is a great option for those with lower budgets or those who just want a simple design. Wraps allow for more intricate detail which covers the entire trailer. Wraps will wear well for several years without any worry of paint chipping. Depending on your design, you can also use a combination of paint and partial wraps to help lower costs.

Step 5: Find the Right Locations to Do Business

The best places to do business are places where there are lots of people. If you’re not sure where to begin, start with events coming up in your area. You can also seek permission from landlords of large office buildings to serve their employees and customers in the parking lot. Other ideas to explore include music festivals, sports venues, and outside nightlife locations. It’s also a great idea to network with other food trucks and local businesses. Introduce yourself to business owners to build rapport and gather possible locations to serve food at.

Starting a mobile food business is an exciting process, but it all begins with buying your food truck trailer. Do your research and use these five steps to get started.