A livery business or service provides transportation to the public for a fee. A livery company can consist of limousines, vans or town cars as the mode of transportation. The service is billed to the customer at an hourly rate and is available 24 hours per day. Drivers must be licensed and insured in order to operate vehicles. Some livery companies specialize in special events such as weddings, proms, parties or funerals. Other companies provide services for daily activities: getting to and from the airport or the office.

Things You Will Need

  • Livery vehicles

  • Telephones

  • Office equipment

Obtain the proper license, permit and insurance from federal and state agencies. A license or permit to operate a livery business is required in most states. Insurance is required but also beneficial to manage the potential risk of doing business.

Register the business and business name with the state agency in which the business will operate. Both must be registered in order for the government to track the business’ conduct. This enables the business to be located by consumers or other corporations.

File the proper tax forms with federal and state agencies. All businesses are required to pay various taxes for conducting business and retaining employees.

Purchase livery vehicles. The vehicles that will be used depend on the services to be offered.

Hire employees. A livery business requires chauffeurs and personnel to answer phones and schedule reservations.

Create a pricing matrix. Having a list of rates is important when customers call for reservations or information.

Generate customers. Placing advertisements in local papers, phone books and the Internet notifies the public of your services.

Tip

Check with your local government for specifics in running a business in their state.