How to Make Money with a Pickup Truck

Jobs like Uber Eats and Doordash driving are becoming more common. In 2022, Uber had 3.5 million drivers working for their platform. It’s a great way to earn extra income, but not all vehicles are a good option for these side hustles.

Trucks are big and don’t usually have great gas mileage. Driving people to and from the airport is not the best way to make money with your truck. Instead, you probably need to think about more truck-centric jobs.

Is it Worth Trying to Make Money With Your Truck?

While using your pickup truck's towing power and bed space creates a lot of opportunities to make some extra money, owners can expect a couple of drawbacks. Some people might not like the idea of having to cover overhead costs like gas and truck repairs, but there is also a lot of flexibility in scheduling and pay.

It all depends on your ability to earn more money than you’re paying for gas and repairs. That’s why it’s important to find jobs that are geared toward trucks. Here are some pros and cons when considering making side money with your truck. 

Pros

• You have a lot of different job opportunities
• You can set your schedule
• Depending on what jobs you’re offering, you can set your pay

Cons 

• You have to use your own truck
• You have to cover overhead
• Some jobs will require lifting heavy objects

Job Options for Pickup Truck Drivers

Truck drivers still have plenty of options to make money with their vehicle. Most of these are side hustles or offer flexibility in scheduling.

Obviously, all of these jobs require a valid driver's license, and for some, you should have a CDL. Whatever you’re looking for, chances are there’s a side job for you.

Large-Item Delivery Driver

Buying a new piece of furniture is exciting, but getting it home isn’t always a walk in the park. People often need help moving furniture, appliances, and DIY construction materials. You can fill that need while earning money with your truck.

Local businesses may need your assistance moving large items. Ask around and see if anyone needs help. 

Rent out your truck driving skills with delivery services like Dolly or Bungii. If you’re in a location that doesn’t have an app like this, post your services on Facebook groups and get to work!

Plow Snow

The winter months can be brutal in some areas of the country, and there’s currently a shortage of snowplow drivers. This makes offering snow plowing services a very lucrative seasonal job.

Pay for this job will depend on location. If you’re living in Arizona, it’s about $20-$30 an hour. That’s roughly the national average, but some east coast cities are so desperate they’re willing to pay up to $300/hr. 

Junk Removal

There are so many ways to offer your services to people who do not have a truck. Removing large amounts of junk like scrap metals or landscaping debris is one of them.

Offering junk removal probably won't be your full-time job. There are some options for services to find jobs on, but posting on Facebook pages and forums might be the best way. 

Help People Move

Moving a single piece of furniture without a truck is hard enough. Moving your whole house without a truck? Impossible.

Truck drivers can offer their work as independent contractors to help people move. Offer moving services by offering your skills to help people during their moves. Look for any local services that connect drivers to movers.

Become an LTL Shipper

Finally, if you’re looking to bring your trucking game to the next level. Make money with your pickup truck and trailer by becoming an LTL (less than truckload) driver.

LTL drivers are often called hotshot truckers. They ship different loads of smaller freight that don't fill a traditional semi truck trailer. These drivers haul cargo whenever they are needed, but they’re paid well and typically set their schedules. 

Construction companies and other industries are always looking for quick shipping jobs. LTL shipping helps fill that gap and bring cargo to customers quickly. You’ll probably need a trailer to be successful, but LTL shipping is a great way to start your trucking journey.

Start Driving with Open Road

Open Road is changing the way LTL shipping happens. We’re a shipping marketplace connecting small businesses with hotshot truck drivers to fulfill those final-mile deliveries. Drivers can set their schedules, see what they’ll make before the job, and choose which jobs they want to take. 

Open Road drivers also get paid as soon as they finish a job. If you’re interested in becoming an LTL shipper, contact Open Road to learn more.