Smart Ways to Make Money with a Pickup Truck
If you own a pickup truck, you’re sitting on a serious opportunity to earn extra cash — or even start your own business!
Today, we’ll break down eight practical ways you can make money with a pickup truck, plus tips to help you get started fast.
1. Help People Move Locally
Moving can be expensive and stressful. Not everyone wants to hire a big moving company — sometimes they just need a pickup truck and a helping hand.
How it works:
You can offer local moving services to people who are moving apartments, buying furniture, or relocating office spaces. This could be a weekend gig or even something you do after work hours.
Where to find jobs:
- Sign up on apps like Dolly, Bellhop, and TaskRabbit.
- Post ads on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or Nextdoor.
- Partner with furniture stores that don’t offer delivery.
Extra tip:
Invest in basic equipment like moving blankets, ratchet straps, a dolly, and gloves. You’ll work more efficiently, protect customers’ belongings, and charge higher rates.
2. Start a Junk Removal Service
Everyone has junk they need to get rid of — old furniture, yard debris, construction waste, and more. Many people don’t have the vehicle to haul it away. That’s where your pickup truck comes in.
How it works:
Offer to pick up junk and take it to a recycling center, donation shop, or landfill.
Potential customers:
- Homeowners cleaning out garages or basements
- Realtors clearing out homes for sale
- Contractors who have leftover building materials
Pricing tip:
Charge based on the load size (half truckload, full truckload, etc.) and distance to the dump.
Extra tip:
- Some junk (like scrap metal) can be sold instead of dumped — double earnings!
- Always check local regulations for dumping or recycling fees.
3. Haul Supplies for Contractors
Contractors, landscapers, and builders constantly need heavy materials transported to job sites — but they don’t always have time (or trucks) to do it.
How it works:
You can offer to pick up and deliver supplies like:
- Lumber and plywood
- Landscaping mulch, rocks, or plants
- Tools, equipment, or appliances
How to find clients:
- Reach out directly to local businesses like hardware stores, garden centers, or construction companies.
- List your services on platforms like Thumbtack or Bark.
Extra tip:
Charge per load, and offer “rush delivery” options for extra fees.
4. Deliver Big Items
When someone buys a sofa, fridge, or even a BBQ grill, they often need help getting it home — fast.
How it works:
Offer a large-item delivery service. Many people don’t want to pay the high delivery fees from big-box stores, and you can step in to help.
Where to find gigs:
- Apps like GoShare and Roadie specialize in on-demand deliveries.
- Build relationships with local furniture or appliance stores that don’t have their own delivery trucks.
Pricing idea:
Charge based on distance traveled and item size. Some people even tip extra for helping unload and set up.
5. Rent Out Your Truck
If you’re not using your pickup truck every day, why not let it make money for you?
How it works:
Rent your truck out to individuals, small businesses, or contractors who need it temporarily.
Best rental platforms:
- Turo (like Airbnb for cars and trucks)
- Fetch (specifically for trucks, vans, and trailers)
Extra tip:
- Keep your truck clean and well-maintained to attract better renters.
- Always understand the insurance terms — most rental platforms offer coverage, but double-check.
Earning potential:
Depending on your location and truck type, you could make anywhere from $30 to $100+ per day.
6. Offer Towing Services
If your truck is built for towing, you have another high-demand service you can offer.
How it works:
You can tow:
- Boats
- Trailers
- Campers
- Broken-down vehicles
- Equipment for landscaping or construction companies
What you’ll need:
- A strong hitch and towing straps
- A heavy-duty license (if towing heavier loads — check your state laws)
- Towing insurance, just in case
Where to find jobs:
- Post on local Facebook groups
- Partner with boat dealerships or RV shops
Extra tip:
Emergency towing services (like helping people move a broken-down car) often pay premium rates.
7. Snow Plowing in the Winter
If you live in a snowy state, you could turn your pickup truck into a snow plowing business every winter.
How it works:
Attach a snow plow blade to the front of your truck and offer to clear:
- Driveways
- Parking lots
- Private roads
- Sidewalks and pathways
Startup costs:
A snow plow attachment might cost $2,000 to $5,000 — but you can earn that back quickly during a few snowstorms.
Where to find clients:
- Neighborhood HOAs
- Local businesses
- Schools and churches
- Private home driveways
Extra tip:
Offer seasonal contracts at a flat rate, so you guarantee steady income all winter.
8. Wrap Your Truck with Ads
Want passive income without doing anything extra?
Consider turning your truck into a moving advertisement.
How it works:
Companies will pay you to put a vinyl wrap on your truck advertising their brand. You just drive around like normal.
Best platforms to get started:
- Wrapify
- Carvertise
Earning potential:
Depending on how much you drive and where you live, you could make $100 to $500 a month.
Important:
Make sure the company is legit — never pay to join a program.
For You
Your pickup truck isn’t just a way to get from point A to B — it’s a real asset that can help you make serious money with pickup truck.
Whether you want to hustle full-time, earn some weekend cash, or create a passive income stream, there’s an option out there that fits your lifestyle.
So next time you’re looking at your truck, see it for what it really is: an opportunity on wheels.
Ready to hit the road and start earning?
Grow with Moneyculator.