How to Make Money with a Pickup Truck

Allie Coutts
April 11, 2025
5 min read

How to Make Money with a Pickup Truck: 15 Real Ways to Turn Your Truck into Income

Owning a pickup truck can do more than haul gear and tackle weekend projects—it can be a powerful tool for earning extra cash or even launching a full-time business. Whether you want a flexible side hustle or are ready to go all-in, there are countless ways to make money with a pickup truck, many of which require little to no upfront investment beyond what you already drive.

In this guide, you’ll find the most popular (and profitable) ways truck owners are earning today—plus real-world tips, platforms to try, and what to consider before getting started.

Why a Pickup Truck is an Earning Machine

Trucks are built to haul, move, and work—and the demand for those services is higher than ever. From local deliveries to furniture removal, people need help with big, heavy, and awkward things they can’t move themselves.

Plus, with the rise of gig apps and DIY moving, pickup truck owners can now connect with customers easier than ever before. In fact, according to a 2023 report by Statista, over 36% of U.S. workers engage in gig work, and many of those gigs revolve around transportation.

1. Furniture and Appliance Delivery

Many people buy items from Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or local stores that don’t offer delivery. Offer to pick up and deliver these large items.

Try this:

You can charge $50–$150+ per trip depending on distance and item size.

2. Junk Removal

People are constantly cleaning out garages, attics, or moving. A truck and some muscle make junk removal one of the easiest ways to earn fast.

Tools you’ll need:

  • Heavy-duty gloves
  • Tarps or blankets
  • Access to a local dump or recycling center

Platforms to use:

  • LoadUp (pays you per job)
  • Thumbtack (builds local service business profiles)

3. Moving Services

If you don’t mind the physical work, offering small-scale moving services is a great way to make steady money.

Great for:

  • Apartment or dorm moves
  • In-town moves for single people
  • People with no truck

Pro Tip: Team up with a friend so you can lift heavier items and split the earnings.

4. Towing and Hauling for Side Jobs

Construction workers, landscapers, and DIYers often need help hauling materials or towing trailers.

You can:

  • Partner with contractors who don’t own trucks
  • Help haul gravel, mulch, or tools
  • Offer “by the hour” hauling services on weekends

Market yourself on Craigslist, Yelp, and local Facebook groups.

5. Snow Plowing (Seasonal)

If you live in a snowy climate and your truck can be equipped with a plow, you could make serious seasonal cash.

According to Angi, snow removal services earn $50–$150 per job.

You’ll need:

  • A plow attachment (can cost $1,500–$4,000)
  • A business license if you plan to go full-time

6. Landscaping Support

Landscaping companies often need trucks to haul equipment, mulch, or debris.

You can:

  • Rent out your truck by the day
  • Partner with solo landscapers or weekend warriors
  • Advertise at local hardware stores or garden centers

7. Offer Rental Services

Don’t want to drive? Rent out your pickup truck on peer-to-peer rental platforms.

Try:

  • Turo (rent to drivers, mostly for personal use)
  • Getaround
  • Fetch (rent your truck for hauling/moving)

Just make sure your insurance covers rentals or opt for platform insurance.

8. Become an Independent Courier

With same-day delivery services booming, many couriers now use trucks to move bulkier items that don’t fit in sedans.

Use platforms like:

  • Roadie (ideal for local and regional gigs)
  • GoShare (pays $42–$67/hour on average)
  • Amazon Flex (may be available in your area for pickup trucks)

9. Trash Bin Cleaning or Curbside Bin Service

It might sound niche, but trash bin cleaning is a growing service people love (and don’t want to do themselves). You can also offer curbside bin roll-outs for elderly or disabled clients.

Learn more at Bin Cleaners Network.

10. Deliver Firewood or Yard Waste

Offer local delivery of firewood, mulch, or yard waste removal. Many homeowners don’t have trucks and will gladly pay someone to handle it.

  • Partner with local tree service companies
  • Advertise seasonal bundles (“1 cord of wood delivered for $150”)

11. Mobile Advertising

Turn your truck into a rolling billboard with wrap advertising.

Try platforms like:

You can earn up to $450/month just by driving your normal route.

12. Farm and Feed Hauls

If you live in a rural area, offer transport for hay, grain, feed, or small livestock equipment. These services are often in demand but underserved.

Reach out to:

  • Local feed stores
  • Hobby farmers and 4-H families
  • Equine and livestock groups

13. Partner with Local Businesses

Small businesses may need deliveries but don’t want to buy their own truck. Approach:

  • Furniture stores
  • Florists with wedding gigs
  • Antique dealers
  • Boutique thrift stores

Negotiate by the hour, day, or per trip.

14. Scrap Metal Pickup

Collecting and reselling scrap metal can earn you cash—and help the environment.

Focus on:

  • Old appliances
  • Fencing, grills, AC units
  • Copper wiring (often left at job sites)

Check local scrap yard pricing via iScrap App.

15. Event Setup and Breakdown

Weddings, festivals, and community events always need setup help. Trucks are ideal for hauling:

  • Tents, tables, chairs
  • Décor and lighting
  • Sound equipment

Start by connecting with event rental companies or wedding planners.

What to Know Before You Start

Making money with your truck is legit—but smart prep matters. Here’s what to keep in mind:

✅ Insurance

Make sure your policy covers commercial use. Some platforms offer their own protection, but confirm before accepting jobs.

✅ Wear & Tear

Factor in gas, maintenance, tire wear, and depreciation into your pricing. Use a mileage tracker like Everlance or Stride for tax deductions.

✅ Business Setup

If you go beyond occasional work, consider forming an LLC and getting a business license. This can protect you legally and offer tax benefits.

Conclusion: Your Truck is More Than Transportation—It’s a Business Opportunity

You don’t need a fancy business plan or major investment to make money with a pickup truck. You just need creativity, consistency, and a willingness to show up and solve problems. From junk removal to delivery gigs to snow plowing in winter, there’s no shortage of people who need what you (and your truck) can offer.

Start with one simple service, build your local presence, and scale when you’re ready. You’ll be surprised how quickly your truck can pay for itself—and then some.

Written By

Allie Coutts

Content Specialist

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