There are a lot of ways to make money with a truck and trailer. In fact, many people use their truck and trailer as a side hustle to make some extra cash. If you have your own truck and trailer and want to use it to earn some more income on the side, we’ll help you get started with this handy guide and list of money-making ideas. Before you get started, there are a few key things you need to consider. This article will walk you through the process of setting up your side business and provide a comprehensive list of the different options when it comes to how to make money with a truck and trailer.
Why You Should Learn To Make Money With A Truck And Trailer
If you own a truck and trailer, you have a valuable asset that you can use to make some extra money. Whether you’re looking to supplement your income with a side hustle or start a new small business, there are many ways you can use your truck and trailer to earn money. One of the best benefits is that you can set your own hours and dedicate as much or as little time as you want to a side hustle with your truck and trailer, depending on your needs and goals. With a little creativity and elbow grease, you can start earning an income with your truck and trailer in no time.
How To Get Started Making Money With A Truck And Trailer
While you can dive straight in and start making money right away, it’s a good idea to spend a bit of time planning before you get started. By putting a plan in place and making sure you approach your side business the right way, you’re more likely to succeed. There are a few key things you need to do before you can start making money with your truck and trailer. We’ll walk you through the key steps to getting started the right way below:
1. Figure Out What You Want To Do
The first step is to figure out what you want to do with your truck and trailer. There are many different ways you can make money with a truck and trailer, so it’s important to choose the option that best suits your skill set and interests. Do you want to start a food truck business? Use your truck and trailer to deliver goods? Provide a mobile service? There are many different options to choose from, so it’s important to spend some time thinking about what you want to do before you get started.
If you’re not sure how you want to make money with your truck and trailer, we have some great ideas below to get you started.
2. Research Your Business Idea
Once you’ve decided on a business idea, it’s important to do your research. This step is crucial to ensuring your side business is successful. You need to make sure there is a market for your product or service and that you have a solid plan in place. This research will also help you determine what you need to do to get started and how much it will cost to get your business up and running.
If you’re not sure where to start with your research, we’ve put together a list of resources to help you get started:
- Your local library: A great place to start your research.
- The Small Business Administration (SBA): The SBA offers a wealth of information and resources for small businesses.
- Your local Chamber of Commerce: A good place to get information on starting a business in your area.
- SCORE: SCORE is a nonprofit association that offers free business counseling and mentorship for small businesses.
- Your local Small Business Development Center (SBDS): SBDCs offer free or low-cost business counseling and training for small businesses.
3. Create A Business Plan
After you’ve done your research and decided on a business idea, it’s time to create a business plan. This document will outline your business goals, strategies, and how you plan on making money. Your business plan should be thorough and cover all the bases, but it doesn’t have to be long or complicated. If you’re not sure where to start, there are many templates and resources available online to help you create a business plan.
4. Set Up Your Finances
The next step is to set up your finances. This includes opening a business bank account and setting up a system to properly track your income and expenses. This will save you a major headache at tax time as you’ll have a thorough record of all of your business-related expenses.
If you’re not sure where to start, we’ve put together a list of resources to help you set up your finances:
- Your local bank: A great place to start when looking for a business bank account.
- QuickBooks: QuickBooks is a popular accounting software that can help you track your income and expenses.
- FreshBooks: FreshBooks is another popular accounting software that offers a free trial for small businesses.
- Wave Accounting: Wave Accounting is a free accounting software product for small businesses.
- Xero: Xero is an online accounting software that offers a free trial for small businesses.
You also need to make sure you have enough capital to get your business up and running. This step is crucial to ensuring your business is legal and set up correctly from the start.
You can raise capital by:
- Asking family and friends for investment
- Applying for small business loans
- Using personal savings
- Crowdfunding
5. Get The Right Licenses And Permits
The next step is to get the right licenses and permits for your business. This varies depending on what type of business you’re starting, but there are some common licenses and permits you’ll need to obtain.
Some of the most common licenses and permits for small businesses include:
- Business license
- Sales tax permit
- Employer identification number (EIN)
You can find out more about the licenses and permits you’ll need for your specific business by contacting your local Chamber of Commerce or Small Business Development Center.
6. Make Sure Your Truck And Trailer Is Task-Ready
Now that you’ve got your business all set up, it’s time to make sure your truck and trailer are task-ready. This includes making sure your truck is properly maintained and that your trailer is in good condition. You should set up a maintenance schedule for your equipment to make sure that it’s always kept in good condition and running smoothly.
You should also create a list of the supplies and equipment you need to properly complete each job. This will ensure that you’re always prepared and have everything you need on hand.
Some of the supplies and equipment you may need include:
- Tarpaulins
- Work gloves
- Safety gear
- First-aid kit
- Toolbox
- Tie-downs
- Cargo net
- Extension cord
- Flashlight
7. Get The Right Insurance
You should also make sure you have the right insurance for your business. This includes liability insurance, which will protect you in the event that someone is injured while using your truck or trailer.
You can find out more about the different types of insurance you need for your business by contacting your local Chamber of Commerce or Small Business Development Center.
8. Market Your Business
The final step before finding your first customers is to market your business. This includes creating a website, social media accounts, and print materials like business cards and flyers. You should also consider creating a marketing plan to help you define your target market and the best way to reach them.
Some of the most effective marketing channels for truck and trailer businesses include:
- Online directories
- Google My Business
- Yelp
- Trucks.com
- Angie’s List
- Nextdoor
- Craigslist
9. Secure Your First Customers
Now that you’ve started marketing your business, it’s time to start securing customers. The best way to do this is by creating a strong portfolio of your previous work. You can also offer discounts or promotions to first-time customers to help you get started.
You can find potential customers by:
- Asking for referrals from family and friends
- Searching online directories
- Attending local business events
- Joining relevant online groups and forums
- Making cold calls
Once you’ve secured a customer, be sure to deliver on your promises and exceed their expectations. This will help you build a strong reputation and secure repeat business.
10. Gather Feedback And Improve
After you’ve completed a few jobs, it’s important to gather feedback from your customers. This will help you identify areas where you can improve and make changes to your business.
You can collect feedback by:
- Asking customers for their thoughts after each job
- Sending out surveys
- Checking online reviews
Use this feedback to make changes to your business and improve the quality of your services. This will help you attract more customers and grow your business.
23 Ideas For How To Make Money With A Truck And Trailer
1. Transport Cars Or Other Large Items
This is one of the most common ways to make money with a truck and trailer. You can find work transporting cars or other large items by searching online directories or contacting local businesses.
Some things to keep in mind when transporting cars or other large items:
- Make sure your truck and trailer are properly maintained
- Secure all items using tie-downs or a cargo net
- Follow all safety regulations
2. Start A Moving Service
Another common way to make money with a truck and trailer is by starting a moving service. This can be a great option if you have experience driving large vehicles and are physically strong. You’ll probably need to hire at least one other person to help you out with moving large and heavy items if you plan on starting a moving service. It’s also a good idea to make sure that you have some tools and equipment, like a hand truck or furniture dolly to make your life easier and help prevent injury.
3. Join An Established Moving Service
If you don’t want to start your own moving service, you can also join an established company. This can be a great option if you’re looking for regular work and don’t mind working nights or weekends. It can also be an easy way to get started if you don’t have the time or budget to market your own small business.
Some of the benefits of joining an established moving service are:
- You’ll have access to a larger customer base
- You’ll have support from an experienced team
- You can get discounts on supplies and equipment
4. Rent Out Your Truck Or Trailer
If you don’t want to use your truck or trailer for moving, you can also rent it out. This can be a great option if you live in a high-demand area or have a unique vehicle.
To get started, list your truck or trailer on an online rental marketplace like Turo or Fluid Truck. Make sure to include photos, a description of your vehicle, and your rental rates. You should also consider offering discounts for long-term rentals.
Many of these platforms offer insurance to protect your vehicle, but you should always double-check the policy before you start renting out your vehicle and make sure that the coverage is adequate. In some cases, you may want to purchase additional insurance.
5. Provide Construction Clean Up Services
If you have experience with construction, you can also make money by providing services like hauling away debris or delivering materials. You can find work by contacting local businesses or searching online directories. If you can find a local construction company willing to pay for your service this could be one of the best ways to earn a steady ongoing income with your truck and trailer as these companies often have a steady flow of construction work and a need for removal services from their contruction sites.
6. Sell Goods Or Services At Trade Shows Or Flea Markets
Another option is to sell goods or services at trade shows or flea markets. You can use your truck and trailer to help you transport your goods to the market. This can be a great way to make money on the weekends or during the summer. To get started, you’ll need to find a market or event that’s relevant to your business.
Once you’ve found a market or event, you’ll need to set up your booth. Make sure to have plenty of products on hand and a sign that’s visible from a distance. You should also have a system in place for taking payments.
7. Offer Delivery Services At Trade Shows Or Flea Markets
If you don’t want to sell goods at trade shows or flea markets, you can also offer delivery services. This can be a great option if you have a large vehicle and are physically fit. To get started, you’ll need to find a market or event that’s looking for delivery services.
Once you’ve found a market or event, you’ll need to sign up with the organizers. You should also create flyers or business cards to promote your services.
Make sure to include your contact information and rates. You can also offer discounts for larger deliveries.
8. Tow Cars Or Trailers
If you have a truck with a good towing capacity, you can make money by towing cars or trailers for a fee. You can offer a towing service for cars that have broken down, are parked illegally, or need to be moved to a new location.
To get started with your towing business, you’ll need to contact your local police department or sheriff’s office to see if there are any regulations you need to follow. You should also create a flyer or business card to promote your services.
You can find work by contacting local businesses or searching online directories. You can also place an ad in some local newspapers or online advertising your service.
9. Transport Horses Or Other Livestock
If you have a truck with a trailer, you can also make money by transporting horses or other livestock. If you’re interested in doing this, you’ll need to take some time to learn about how to safely transport live cargo as it can be a bit different to transporting a static load.
You may need to learn the basics about caring for the animals that you plan to transport if you don’t have this knowledge already. Often, livestock like horses need to have breaks during transport so you will need to be willing and able to load and unload the horses from the trailer for rest stops.
You’ll also want to make sure that your insurance policy covers you for this type of work.
10. Provide A Mobile Car Repair Service
Another option is to use your truck and trailer to provide mobile services, such as car repairs or oil changes. This can be a great way to make some extra money, especially if you’re already familiar with car maintenance.
You may need to spend a bit of money when starting your business to make sure that you have all of the tools and equipment that you need to complete the repairs, but you can start with basic services that don’t require a lot and then scale up from there.
11. Trash Collection And Transport
If you have a large truck, you can make money by collecting and transporting trash for a fee. You can offer this service to individuals or find companies that are willing to pay for your services. A good example is businesses that manage large apartment complexes. These complexes generate a lot of waste and often need their skip bins emptied multiple times per week. If you have a truck capable of moving these large containers it can be a good way to make some extra money.
12. Provide A Snow Plowing Service
Another option is to provide a snow plowing service in the winter months. This can be a great way to make some extra money, especially if you live in an area that gets a lot of snow.
To get started, you’ll need to purchase a snow plow attachment and have it mounted on your truck. Once you have the appropriate equipment, you’ll need to advertise your services so that people will know to reach out to you the next time it snows.
You can create flyers and business cards to promote your services. You can also place ads in local newspapers or online.
If you have a dual-cab truck, you can also make money by driving for a rideshare service. This is a great way to make some extra money without using your trailer.
To get started, you’ll need to sign up with a rideshare service and complete their onboarding process. Once you’re approved, you’ll be able to start picking up passengers.
Be sure to read the terms and conditions of your rideshare service so that you understand their rules and requirements.
14. Offer Independent Shipping Services
If you’re willing to do longer trips and carry unconventional items, you could become an independent shipper and bid for jobs on sites like uShip.
You’ll need to create a profile on the site and list the types of items you’re willing to ship. Once you’ve been approved, you’ll be able to start bidding on jobs.
Keep in mind that you’ll be competing against other shippers so you’ll need to offer a competitive price.
15. Deliver Packages Or Food
If you have a truck with a large bed, you can also make money by delivering packages or food. You can sign up with a company like Amazon Flex, InstaCart, or DoorDash and start delivering packages for them.
You can also start your own food delivery business. To do this, you’ll need to partner with a local restaurant or independent grocery stores and take orders from customers.
16. Haul Building Materials
Another option to make money with your truck and trailer is by hauling building materials. This is a great way to make money if you live near a construction site or if you have a truck and trailer that can accommodate large loads.
To get started, you’ll need to contact construction companies and ask if they need any materials delivered. Once you’ve established a relationship, you’ll be able to start hauling materials for them.
You can also your services for individuals doing DIY work – especially if they don’t own a truck or trailer themselves or need help loading and unloading their building materials.
17. Offer Large Appliance Disposal
Offring large appliance disposal services is a great way to make money if you have a truck with a large bed. With this service, you’ll be responsible for picking up and disposing of large appliances like refrigerators, ovens, and washing machines.
To get started, can contact local appliance stores and ask if they need any appliances disposed of. Once you’ve established a relationship, you’ll be able to start picking up and disposing of appliances for them. You can also offer your services to individuals looking to get rid of their appliances.
You can also advertise your services online or in local newspapers.
18. Provide Junk Removal Services
You can also make money by providing a junk removal service. This is a great way to make money if you have a truck with a large bed. With this service, you’ll be responsible for picking up and disposing of people’s junk. This could include anything from old furniture to electronics to green waste.
To get started, you can contact local businesses or individuals and ask if they need any junk removed. Once you’ve established a relationship, you’ll be able to start picking up and disposing of junk for them.
19. Become A Provider On Moving Help
If you have a truck and trailer, you can also become a provider on Moving Help. This is a great way to make money if you’re able to help people in your local area move their belongings. Moving Help Providers are responsible for loading and unloading people’s belongings, as well as driving the truck to and from the destination.
To get started, you’ll need to create a profile on the site and list the services that you’re able to provide. Once you’ve been approved, you’ll be able to set your rates and your work schedule.
Keep in mind that you’ll be competing against other providers so you’ll need to offer a competitive price.
20. Start A Landscaping Business
If you have a truck and trailer, you can also start your own landscaping business. With this business, you’ll be responsible for providing lawn care services to people in your community. This could include mowing lawns, trimming hedges, and leaf removal. You’ll need to buy or rent the required equipment, such as a lawn mower or hedge trimmer, to get started but then you’ll be able to transport your equipment from job to job with your truck and trailer.
21. Pick Up Odd Jobs On Craigslist
Another way to make money with your truck and trailer is by picking up odd side jobs on Craigslist. This could include anything from hauling away people’s junk to helping them move.
To get started, you’ll need to create a profile on Craigslist and start responding to people’s ads. You’ll need to be careful as there are a lot of scams on Craigslist so you’ll need to make sure that you only respond to legitimate ads.
22. Haul Scrap Metal
You can also make money by hauling scrap metal. This is a great way to make money if you have a truck with a large bed. With this service, you’ll be responsible for picking up and disposing of people’s scrap metal.
To get started, you can contact local businesses or individuals and ask if they need any scrap metal removed. Once you’ve established a relationship, you’ll be able to start picking up and disposing of scrap metal for them.
23. Offer Shipping For Furniture Stores
If you have a truck and trailer, you can also offer shipping services for furniture stores. With this service, you’ll most likely work as an independent contractor and you’ll be responsible for picking up and delivering furniture to customers.
To get started, you can contact local furniture stores and ask if they need any help with local deliveries. Once you’ve established a relationship, you’ll be able to start picking up and delivering furniture for them.
Final Thoughts
Making money with a truck and trailer is a great way to earn extra income. There are a number of different ways that you can do it and, with a little effort, you can easily find work and set your own schedule so it suits you. Just make sure to do your research before getting started and to always be safe when working with strangers.
If you’re looking for other ways to make money, we also recommend checking out the following posts for some more great ideas: