Workers Comp & Transportation
Navigating Slow Seasons in NEMT: Effective Strategies to Boost Your Business
If you’ve been in the Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) business for any length of time, you know the slow season is real. Appointments dry up, weather gets funky, and suddenly your drivers have more time to talk about football than transport patients. But here’s the deal — slow times don’t have to mean slow money. With the right game plan, you can actually grow your business while everyone else is panicking. Let’s break it down in a way that’s easy, a little funny, and actually helpful 😎.
The “Why Is My Phone Not Ringing?” Season
Every business has its ups and downs, and NEMT is no different. Whether it’s the holiday season, summer vacations, or icy roads making patients cancel, those empty trip logs can be a little nerve-wracking. But instead of pacing the garage or rechecking your dispatch board every 5 minutes, you can turn that quiet into opportunity.
Get Seen — Even When It’s Slow 🧐
Think about it — when everyone else goes quiet, that’s your chance to speak up. Use this time to update your website, post on social media, and remind people you’re still rolling. Google loves fresh content, and so do potential clients.
Write a quick blog post about winter ride safety or how your drivers always show up — rain or shine. Not only does this help with SEO (aka showing up on Google), but it keeps your brand alive and well in the community.
Make Friends in High Places 👩⚕️🏥
If you haven’t been talking to local dialysis clinics, therapy offices, or adult daycares — what are you waiting for? Slow times are perfect for building those relationships.
Call them up. Drop off flyers. Bring donuts. Be the reliable, friendly option they remember when their regular driver flakes out. Long-term contracts or recurring rides can keep your wheels spinning even when everything else slows down.
Use the Slow Time to Get Smarter 📊
Now’s a great time to clean up the back end of your business. Not sexy, but definitely necessary. Update your driver files. Schedule maintenance on your vans. Make sure everyone is trained up and knows what to do in an emergency.
Also — take a peek at your data. Which days are your slowest? What neighborhoods cancel the most? What months do things always drop off? That kind of info helps you plan better next time.
Do a Tech Check ✅
If you’ve been dragging your feet on upgrading your dispatch system or billing software, now’s the moment. When things are slow, it’s easier to learn new tools without messing up live trips. The right system can save you hours of phone calls and paperwork later on. Plus, it makes your business look more professional.
Think Outside the Ride 🤔
Who says you only have to do medical transportation? If your vans are sitting, why not offer rides to church services, senior centers, or even airport runs for people with mobility needs?
Some NEMT companies also partner with insurance brokers, home care agencies, or veterans’ programs to fill in the gaps. You’re already insured and trained — why not put that to good use?
Turn Drivers Into Ambassadors 😁
Your drivers aren’t just behind the wheel. They’re your best marketers. Teach them to be friendly, reliable, and maybe even hand out business cards (or magnets — everybody loves a fridge magnet). A good driver earns trust, and trust earns repeat business.
Wrap-Up: Don’t Let Slow Times Stop You 🚦
Downtime doesn’t mean shutdown. It just means it’s time to work on your business instead of in your business. Whether it’s networking, tightening up your systems, or trying something new — there’s always something you can do to stay ahead of the curve.
Running a NEMT business in Jacksonville or anywhere else is all about consistency, creativity, and keeping your wheels moving — even when the calls slow down. So take a deep breath, put on your entrepreneur hat, and remember: quiet times are when smart companies level up 🚀.