₦airaland Forum

I am planning to start a commercial transportation business with 2006 sienna from Lagos to Ghana.

I did some analysis with chatgpt but I want a human analysis also.

People around this business, what should I know?

I need hands on advice. Ground no level again.


Please make una help a brother.

Deerahone:
I am planning to start a commercial transportation business with 2006 sienna from Lagos to Ghana.

I did some analysis with chatgpt but I want a human analysis also.

People around this business, what should I know?

I need hands on advice. Ground no level again.


dominique, naijacutee, FOD, puskin

Please make una help a brother.

follow chatgpt analysis ooo

Cos nairalander don't have any good advice for you

This looks like something that will be profitable.

If it can get the frontpage, let see happiness

Cc NLFPMOD

I have also did some analysis with chatgpt but I want a human analysis also.

OP, you are seeking advice in the wrong place.

Go to Mile 2 Area (Action Base) and ask your questions.

That is where you currently have a make shift park for the Transport of people and goods from Lagos to Ghana. (The place is currently under government construction)

There are plenty of drivers there that will give you valuable insights into the business you are about to start

They will tell you for free what it takes to succeed in the business.

They will tell you how to navigate immigration hurdles as you start your business..

They will tell you the roads to avoid in your journey

And as usual, you will have to join their Union if there is one, so that you can be recognized as a member.

Go there and you will get the answers you seek.

Good Luck.

I know you'd need the Ecowas passport.
Have you gotten the amount you'll charge?

Front page worthy!

Seun said 25 more characters o.

Look for people who are already in that line of business, they alone can give you proper analysis.

Congratulations wishing you d best
Accident free in Jesus name

Ask Sonnobax15 he will give you all the analysis you need, he was into this kind of business before

Looks like a good business... Don't smuggle what's illegal Sha... Make everything wey u hustle for no go waste

It's a very good business. Just make sure your car for transportation are very sharp.

Deerahone:
I am planning to start a commercial transportation business with 2006 sienna from Lagos to Ghana.

I did some analysis with chatgpt but I want a human analysis also.

People around this business, what should I know?

I need hands on advice. Ground no level again.


Please make una help a brother.

go to the Lagos park where buses load and pally up with drivers over the course of two weeks to a month asking any relevant questions you have. They're the ones in the business and they know where the shoe pinches, social media should never replace actual market surveying

Go and seek advice from drivers running that route.
They are the best people you can seek such advice from.

First, do you have any experience driving commercially within lagos or Nigeria as a whole?

If your answer is yes, good for you,

Secondly, how well are you familiar with the route between Nigeria and Ghana, if your answer is "very well", then you are good to go.

My Advice;

As you register at a park either in mile 2 ( likely) try and have a good raport with the drivers you met there, so they can show you the hidden secrets on how to deal with law enforcement agencies enroute.

If you can convert to CNG it would help you save cost in the long run

[quote author=Deerahone post=136369381]I am planning to start a commercial transportation business with 2006 sienna from Lagos to Ghana.

I did some analysis with chatgpt but I want a human analysis also.

People around this business, what should I know?

I need hands on advice. Ground no level again.

How much do you want to sell that sienna chairman, I want to buy it now

@Deerahone

I think you should focus on Interstate travels within Nigeria. You will hardly get the answers you need on this forum.

International movements within the African subregion come with a lot of headaches... immigration, police, customs, etc. In fact, you need to have personnel in Benin, Togo and Aflao clearing your passengers.

That's what I think.

Go to garages.. go find out first hand info on their problems at loading, be vehicle, passengers. How to cross several states,

How much they charge, how much fuel to cover cost.. expected profits... Etc..

See, issues choke.. just go to garages and know first hand

Whoa! Are you a mind reader?? I have been planning something similar for the past 1 year but with a slight twist....importing the Greyhound Bus models (used here in the US for Coast to Coast passenger transport) to Nigeria to ply the Lagos to Abidjan route. These buses are extremely rugged decades-tested and proven bad ass workhorses. Equipped with the unkillable V-8 Detroit Diesel engines mated with the rock solid 8-speed/10-speed Allison Transmissions, they are guaranteed to run almost 1 million miles before needing an engine overhaul.

I already purchased the first fully air conditioned 55 passenger coach bus and plan to incrementally buy more. But I have no clue where and how to get trustworthy, level headed, honest, well experienced and God-fearing drivers to drive the buses. So I have suspended plans until I can get drivers with these qualities. I concluded that getting these type of drivers is the cornerstone pillar to success of this venture. Any thing less is courting disaster from Day 1. My plan is to pay each driver N1 million a month as an inducement and encouragement to incentivize them to give their moral and professional best to the job.

If anyone has any idea how to execute this project, please reach out.

Deerahone:
I am planning to start a commercial transportation business with 2006 sienna from Lagos to Ghana.

I did some analysis with chatgpt but I want a human analysis also.

People around this business, what should I know?

I need hands on advice. Ground no level again.


Please make una help a brother.

If you have done any kind of business before in Nigeria, you will see the failure in this approach of yours. Chatgpt will give you a European approach to a Lagos problem. Anyway if you need core insight into this problem of yours, ask the right people as someone suggested earlier.

Deerahone:
I am planning to start a commercial transportation business with 2006 sienna from Lagos to Ghana.

I did some analysis with chatgpt but I want a human analysis also.

People around this business, what should I know?

I need hands on advice. Ground no level again.


Please make una help a brother.

Good idea, but before you start, it is advisable you know or do a few things:
(1). Consult and attach yourself to some of the companies who are already into the business
(2). If possible, go on 2-3 trips with them to experience what happens on the road for practical experience.
(3). Make sure your car is in very good shape and the documents are always complete 100%. Also get very good extra tyres like 2.
(4). For a start, avoid passengers with contraband goods. Ensure you know what they are carrying in their luggage if you don't want to face problems. Most passengers smuggle goods but they may not tell you, so you have to be very careful.
(5). Get your passport, yellow card, ECOWAS travel document, international driving licence, etc. complete and always up-to-date. The French countries do not joke with documents.
(6). You have to always give something (tips, bribe) at the border and road blocks as you travel. Make sure you hold smaller currency denominations on your trip. The Nigerian officers collect more bribes than others.
(7). You have to be very current with the exchange rate between Naira, Cedi and CFA so that you don't make mistakes
8. Try and learn some French language. It will help you very well to communicate as you travel along the route
(9).Night journey is usually faster (less traffic) but you must know the terrain very well before you start. The journey is about 10-12 hours
(10). ALWAYS OBEY TRAFFIC RULES e.g. traffic light. They will seize your vehicle and penalize you HEAVILY if you violate traffic rules in Benin, Togo, Ghana. They are NOT like Nigeria.
(11). Be VERY POLITE and FRIENDLY when you talk to the immigration and police officers of those countries.
(12). The French immigration and police officers (especially Togo) are the strictest and most difficult to deal with. They don't listen or accept apology when you commit an offence and beg them.
(13). Get some connection with workers in the other big transport companies e.g. Chisco, GUO, GIGM etc. so they can be sending passengers to you.
(14). Make sure you are very reliable and keep to time. Most passengers want a driver that will keep to time.
(15). Be aware that petrol price is very expensive in those countries.
(16). ALWAYS be LAW ABIDING when you travel. Dont go to these countries with the Nigerian attitude of breaking the law and rude behaviour.

These are the few things that I can remember for now.
I wish you all the best.

SlavaUkraini:
OP, you are seeking advice in the wrong place.

Go to Mile 2 Area (Action Base) and ask your questions.

That is where you currently have a make shift park for the Transport of people and goods from Lagos to Ghana. (The place is currently under government construction)

There are plenty of drivers there that will give you valuable insights into the business you are about to start

They will tell you for free what it takes to succeed in the business.

They will tell you how to navigate immigration hurdles as you start your business..

They will tell you the roads to avoid in your journey

And as usual, you will have to join their Union if there is one, so that you can be recognized as a member.

Go there and you will get the answers you seek.

Good Luck.

Best response. Follow this advise. This is what you need no be chat GPT kankan!

Holluwhakemmy:
Ask Sonnobax15 he will give you all the analysis you need, he was into this kind of business before

Sonnobax15 our own Nairaland former resident PROUD KEKE DRIVER route/ply his trade in Delta state not CR9SS BORDERS. He already resigned from his keke biz.May God bless his new biz

Documentation is very important, your vehicle papers must be up to date.
You will need appropriate stickers for commercial vehicle in Ghana
You will need agents at all the borders (NIgeria, Benin, Togo and Ghana)
You will need accomodation in Ghana
Knowledge of French language is an advantage because custom in Benin and Togo do not hide their bias against Nigeria
You must learn the art of patience and humour.....
Ghanaian Police dey collect Egunje at strategic points so long as your vehicle is with Nigerian number (you will need to disembark, go to them and roger at those points) or you will face serious gbege at the next check point.
All in all, its a worthy venture and you will learn as you go.
Learn from others who have been plying the route.
Join their union (very important).

MaziObinnaokija:
Sonnobax15 our own Nairaland former resident PROUD KEKE DRIVER route/ply his trade in Delta state not CR9SS BORDERS. He already resigned from his keke biz.May God bless his new biz

I knew I have congratulated him on his new business Thanks so much.. ...

SlavaUkraini:
OP, you are seeking advice in the wrong place.

Go to Mile 2 Area (Action Base) and ask your questions.

That is where you currently have a make shift park for the Transport of people and goods from Lagos to Ghana. (The place is currently under government construction)
This advice is what the OP should take.

Not enough original content
There are plenty of drivers there that will give you valuable insights into the business you are about to start

They will tell you for free what it takes to succeed in the business.

They will tell you how to navigate immigration hurdles as you start your business..

They will tell you the roads to avoid in your journey

And as usual, you will have to join their Union if there is one, so that you can be recognized as a member.

Go there and you will get the answers you seek.

Good Luck.

This advice is what the OP should take.

Not enough original content

Why not interstate. Lagos to Abuja route should be easier I believe

travelzcruix:
If you have done any kind of business before in Nigeria, you will see the failure in this approach of yours. Chatgpt will give you a European approach to a Lagos problem. Anyway if you need core insight into this problem of yours, ask the right people as someone suggested earlier.

ChatGPT doesn't give you an European approach. It gives you advice based on information/data available to it. If there's enough information about what you are asking for fed into it, you get good advice. Generative AI tools work leveraging the amount of trained data at their disposal.

DONT DO IT........SIMPLE ....if u go ahead u will come back to this comment years to come..... transport business only look good outside untill when u start it ...then u realize uve entered the zone where everything wants to work against u ......Go watch people playing draught u will see them missing opportunities but once u sit on that chair to play ...u now get to understand their nightmare.....once again don't ...

foodlum:
Whoa! Are you a mind reader?? I have been planning something similar for the past 1 year but with a slight twist....importing the Greyhound Bus models (used here in the US for Coast to Coast passenger transport) to Nigeria to ply the Lagos to Abidjan route. These buses are extremely rugged decades-tested and proven bad ass workhorses. Equipped with the unkillable V-8 Detroit Diesel engines mated with the rock solid 8-speed/10-speed Allison Transmissions, they are guaranteed to run almost 1 million miles before needing an engine overhaul.

I already purchased the first fully air conditioned 55 passenger coach bus and plan to incrementally buy more. But I have no clue where and how to get trustworthy, level headed, honest, well experienced and God-fearing drivers to drive the buses. So I have suspended plans until I can get drivers with these qualities. I concluded that getting these type of drivers is the cornerstone pillar to success of this venture. Any thing less is courting disaster from Day 1. My plan is to pay each driver N1 million a month as an inducement and encouragement to incentivize them to give their moral and professional best to the job.

If anyone has any idea how to execute this project, please reach out.

I advise you invest that money in mutual funds, commercial papers and Treasury bills. There's the dollar option, don't say I didn't warn you 🤷.

efemena5050:
DONT DO IT........SIMPLE ....if u go ahead u will come back to this comment years to come..... transport business only look good outside untill when u start it ...then u realize uve entered the zone where everything wants to work against u ......Go watch people playing draught u will see them missing opportunities but once u sit on that chair to play ...u now get to understand their nightmare.....once again don't ...

you did not mention why he should not engage. Tell why, we also want to learn