You’ve seen truckers who swear their vehicle is the most important thing in their lives. What is it about a truck that inspires enough passion to create songs and makes their hefty cost so worthwhile?
As a truck owner, you know its value. But did you know that you can offset much of the expense of your vehicle by taking advantage of the many potential uses it provides?
Ready to start making your truck work for you? Check out these nine easy ways to turn your personal car payment into a professional vehicle.
1. Get Into Hauling
How often have your friends and family asked you to help them move furniture because they don’t have a truck? Spoiler: They’re not the only ones who need help. You might not charge them because you’re just doing them a favor, but plenty of people out there are willing to pay you to haul their stuff.
Factor in your truck’s size, how much your fuel will cost to get to and from the destination, and whether you’re moving or hauling big stuff away. Then, come up with a rate that is in line with your competitors and nets you a profit. You might even be able to resell the “junk” your customers ask you to eliminate.
2. Flipping Goods
Speaking of the “junk” you’ll see in the course of your job, your truck allows you to start flipping goods. As you get familiar with your local consignment and thrift stores, the marketplaces in your area, and other places to shop cheap or free, you’ll see things you could fix up and resell.
A garage sale can land you a $5 dresser that you can sell with a little handy work for a hefty profit. Flipping is an easy way to earn an extra income, as long as you have some basic skills and a truck.
3. Construction
Getting into the construction business is simpler when you have a vehicle that can haul heavy loads. You might need a handyman or construction license to get started, or you can apply for jobs you see listed in your area.
4. Start a Lawn Care Job
With a truck, a lawn mower, and some other basic lawn maintenance tools, you can work on your schedule, taking care of yard work. This is an ideal career for anyone in climates where the grass is green most of the year.
5. Open a Moving Company
No one wants to deal with packing and moving their possessions, but they don’t want to pay for an overpriced moving company. If your truck is large enough, you can be an in-between solution.
Check into the rates charged by professional movers in your area, then figure out how you can make a profit but beat their prices.
6. Tow Other Vehicles
Your truck is more impressive and powerful than many of the other vehicles on the road. Why not make money off of that horsepower and get paid to tow broken-down cars and trucks or haul boats and vehicles to their new owners? You’ll need to check with your local government to see what kind of license and insurance they require, but it’s a quick way to start bringing in cash and helping others in a pinch.
7. Start Delivering Big Items
Anyone can deliver groceries and food, but with the supply chain and employee shortage, it can be hard to find someone to deliver big items. You can be the jack of all trades, delivering food, packages, and large appliances or furniture. Find your niche, such as delivering international truck parts, and advertise your new services.
8. Sign Up for Rideshare Driving
Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare companies are everywhere. Most of their drivers have cars, but trucks are in-demand, as well. As long as you have a valid driver’s license and can pass a background screening, you can use your truck to deliver passengers on your schedule.
9. Start Renting Your Truck
Services like Turo are turning the rental car industry upside down. Turo is like Airbnb for vehicles. Customers who need to rent a vehicle can shop the app and choose the one that fits their needs. As a vehicle provider, you’re covered by Turo’s policies, so your truck is safe, and you’re making money.
