Non-Emergency Transportation

Dr.Porn

Rising Star
BGOL Investor
I've worked oil and gas now for 7 years, and I'm sick of it. Great pay, but it's very cyclical; that in addition to all the other various issues has me ready to go the self-employed route. I've got a lot of responsibilities such as a family, mortgage, car payments that won't allow me to quit cold turkey but I've got this idea that, perhaps in as little as 2 years can have me well on my way to financial flexibility. I looking at non-emergency transport, either for veterans, elderly, or the handicapped. I've got a line on a few busses in decent shape to pick from, I've got info on getting the biz registered and insured, the last piece of the puzzle is sales. How the hell do I get these contracts. The few ppl I've spoken to told me to just canvass nursing homes and rehab facilities, but I have in my mind that most of those places have their own personal shuttle to alleviate costs associated with transportation.
Any info would be greatly appreciated.
 

Mixd

Duppy Maker
BGOL Investor
You're asking that here in an area in what sounds like you have to carve out that niche.
I used to work EMS in NYC. I've seen many of the type of nonemergent med transports you're speaking on. I'm sure the best way is to do the groundwork.

Depending on where you live, you have to go solicit those businesses to call you for the transport. I don't know specifically that industry, but my take is most of those places, when I was in NY wouldn't want to maintain their own vehicles or staff for daily trips, I'd think it's easier for them to call services to do that.

You'd also have to have the means to strap down wheelchairs along with ramps/lifts if you are transporting those type of patients.

Best to go beat the pavement, talk to these companies/biznesses. Maybe make some brochures/biz cards to leave with them as well.

Also keep in mind you're dealing with probably Medicare and/or insurance. So billing and receivables could take months. I have two friends who actually used to own nursing homes. Lost their business many years ago because of the red tape in dealing with Medicare. One friend had 4 facilities and sold it. He was millions behind in billables because they had no intentions of paying him.
 

Dr.Porn

Rising Star
BGOL Investor
You're asking that here in an area in what sounds like you have to carve out that niche.
I used to work EMS in NYC. I've seen many of the type of nonemergent med transports you're speaking on. I'm sure the best way is to do the groundwork.

Depending on where you live, you have to go solicit those businesses to call you for the transport. I don't know specifically that industry, but my take is most of those places, when I was in NY wouldn't want to maintain their own vehicles or staff for daily trips, I'd think it's easier for them to call services to do that.

You'd also have to have the means to strap down wheelchairs along with ramps/lifts if you are transporting those type of patients.

Best to go beat the pavement, talk to these companies/biznesses. Maybe make some brochures/biz cards to leave with them as well.

Also keep in mind you're dealing with probably Medicare and/or insurance. So billing and receivables could take months. I have two friends who actually used to own nursing homes. Lost their business many years ago because of the red tape in dealing with Medicare. One friend had 4 facilities and sold it. He was millions behind in billables because they had no intentions of paying him.
Wow, I assumed the red tape would be a probability when dealing with Medicare but didn't expect to never get paid. I located a wheelchair accessible van, and based on what you said basically I need to have the infrastructure ready and then go shop my services.
Thanks for the feedback.
 
Top