Business models in road freight transport of goods are specific and are reflected through the strategy employed by the company, namely the company's mission and vision. Key resources such as the vehicle fleet, employees, and storage space, along with costs, play an important role, of which fuel expenses are by far the largest, a growing issue due to the conflict in Ukraine and the sanctions imposed by the European Union on Russia. In creating a value chain, the relationship with clients and the competitive advantages that companies strive to establish in the market are crucial. Therefore, the subject of this study is the analysis of business models of road freight transporters in Croatia, with the aim of determining the key determinants of the business model that enable success in this market. The primary research goal was to identify the most important factors of the business model that lead to success, as well as the components that have the greatest impact on the operations of small carriers in Croatia. Based on collected primary data, it was concluded that the sampled company models have their strengths and weaknesses, as well as opportunities and threats, and they adhere to the laws and use information systems for improved management. Customer and supplier relationships also vary, with a strong focus on providing services according to customer needs. This paper makes a professional contribution to the field of business models in road freight transport, with a specific emphasis on the Croatian market. Through a review of existing theoretical knowledge, the paper provides a compilation of important information about business models and analyzes their practical application. Additionally, the primary research conducted on the example of the company "Kos" provides a deeper insight into successful business models and identifies the major challenges that companies face in the Croatian market.