Euro Truck Simulator 2 - Business Starter Guide

This guide provides a step-by-step approach to building a profitable trucking business from scratch in Euro Truck Simulator 2. Learn how to select the best starter truck, manage early finances, maximize earnings with strategic job choices, and expand your fleet with effective upgrades and hiring tips. Perfect for beginners aiming to grow a strong, income-generating company in ETS2.

Table of Contents

• Step 1: Choosing Your First Truck
  
• Step 2: Building Income Quickly
  
• Step 3: Expanding Your Fleet Strategically
  
• Step 4: Upgrading Truck Performance
  
• Step 5: Efficient Route Planning
  
• Step 6: Exploring the Map and DLC Recommendations
  
• Bonus Tips for Success

Step 1: Choosing Your First Truck

Choosing the right truck at the beginning is essential for efficient hauling and cost management. Start with an affordable truck that offers good fuel efficiency and decent power for beginner-level cargo. Here are some recommended models to get your company rolling:

• Iveco Stralis - Low-cost, around €97,000. Great for short distances and tight budgets, this truck is ideal for basic contracts while you gain initial experience and income.
  
• DAF XF or MAN TGX - Mid-tier options that offer a balance of power and price, these trucks handle upgrades well, making them suitable for early growth.
  
• Volvo FH or Scania S - Although pricier, these trucks are highly efficient for long-hauls and heavy loads, with powerful engines (up to 730 hp). Consider these models when you’re ready for bigger contracts.

Step 2: Building Income Quickly

To grow your business rapidly, it’s crucial to make the most of your early funds and opportunities for income. Here’s how to maximize your initial earnings:

1. Quick Jobs: While saving up to buy your first truck, focus on “Quick Jobs” provided by companies. These jobs offer a risk-free way to earn money and familiarize yourself with the controls and routes.
   
2. Loan Tips: If you need extra cash to buy a truck, consider taking a small bank loan. Keep repayments manageable, and only borrow what you can pay back comfortably as you grow your income.
   
3. Focus on High-Pay Jobs: Once you own a truck, choose contracts that offer higher per-kilometer pay. Heavy cargo and long-distance hauls usually bring in more, but be sure your truck is upgraded enough to handle these loads.

Step 3: Expanding Your Fleet Strategically

Expanding your fleet allows you to generate passive income through hired drivers and larger garages, creating a solid foundation for long-term success.

Once you’ve stabilized your income and have a reliable truck, consider expanding your business by acquiring new trucks and hiring AI drivers.

• Hire AI Drivers: After buying your second truck, start hiring drivers to earn passive income. Choose drivers with high productivity stats and pair them with reliable trucks.
  
• Garages: Invest in garages in areas with high job density, like Central Europe, to reduce downtime and increase earnings. Expand or upgrade garages to house more trucks and drivers.
  
• Truck Upgrades: As your income grows, upgrade your trucks with more powerful engines and better fuel efficiency. These upgrades make long-distance and high-pay jobs more accessible.

Step 4: Upgrading Truck Performance

Once you’ve got a steady income and your fleet is growing, consider upgrading your trucks for better performance and profitability. Prioritize these upgrades to get the most out of each truck:

• Engine Power: Boost your truck's horsepower to handle heavier loads and longer distances. This will allow you to accept high-paying jobs that require more power.
  
• Fuel Efficiency Upgrades: Invest in fuel-saving upgrades. A more fuel-efficient truck will save you money on longer hauls, especially as fuel prices vary across regions.
  
• Transmission and Tires: Consider upgrading to better transmissions and durable tires, which improve handling and reduce wear over time.

Step 5: Efficient Route Planning

Strategic route planning can increase your profits by minimizing expenses and optimizing job selection. Here are some tips for effective planning:

• Use GPS Efficiently: Choose routes with less traffic and fewer tolls to save on time and toll expenses. Avoid detours unless absolutely necessary.
  
• Fuel Price Awareness: Fuel prices fluctuate across regions. Check prices in your route’s cities and refuel where it’s cheapest to reduce operating costs.
  
• Plan for Multiple Jobs: If possible, chain shorter jobs in the same area to maximize earnings without long return trips. This minimizes downtime and fuel usage.

Step 6: Exploring the Map and DLC Recommendations

Exploring new regions can unlock higher-paying contracts and unique job types. Here are some benefits of exploring the map and using DLCs to expand your reach:

• Unlocking New Contracts: Different regions offer unique cargo and contract types. Exploring new areas not only boosts your experience but also increases your potential for profit.
  
• Investing in DLCs: Consider map expansion DLCs like Road to the Black Sea or Iberia. These add new regions with high-paying jobs and picturesque routes that enhance

Bonus Tips for Success

Beyond basic strategies, here are a few additional tips that can help you navigate the game and maximize earnings:

• Learn the Map: Familiarize yourself with routes and city layouts. Knowing the shortest and safest paths will save time and fuel, especially on recurring routes.
  
• Seasonal Events: Watch out for in-game events and promotions, where you can earn extra income or buy discounted trucks and upgrades.
  
• Fuel Management: Always keep an eye on fuel prices in different regions. Refill in areas where fuel is cheapest to keep operational costs low.

Conclusion

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