If you own a pickup truck and trailer, you're sitting on a powerful opportunity to turn idle equipment into consistent income. While many people see their vehicles as just tools for personal hauling or the occasional favor for a friend, the truth is, these assets can become the backbone of a highly profitable side hustle—or even a full-time business.
This article explores realistic, proven, and scalable ways to make money with your pickup truck and trailer. From junk removal to power-only trucking, we’ll walk you through viable options, setup requirements, and strategies for long-term success.
One of the most accessible and in-demand services you can offer is junk removal. With a trailer and pickup, you’re already equipped to haul away bulky items that most people can’t manage on their own.
Begin by offering services in local Facebook groups, Craigslist, and neighborhood apps like Nextdoor. Consider registering on platforms like LoadUp to get matched with junk removal gigs.
Be sure to check local landfill rates and disposal rules before offering services so you can bake disposal fees into your pricing.
If you have a powerful pickup and the right kind of trailer—such as a flatbed or utility trailer—you can start towing and transporting vehicles, equipment, or heavy materials.
This is a form of freight hauling where smaller trucks and trailers deliver loads locally or regionally, usually with tight deadlines. It’s in demand for industries like construction and manufacturing.
You’ll need:
Learn more through resources like TruckFreighter.
If you're looking for recurring work, offer yard waste hauling or even minor landscaping support.
Yard waste pickup can be especially profitable in the spring and fall. You can also upsell additional services like tree trimming or gutter cleaning, depending on your skill set.
With a trailer, you can offer moving assistance without the overhead of operating a full moving company.
Sites like Bellhop and TaskRabbit allow you to sign up as a contractor and get moving gigs in your area.
Not using your trailer every day? Rent it out.
Always screen renters and protect yourself with insurance. Many of these platforms include insurance options or damage waivers.
In rural or colder regions, firewood is in high demand during fall and winter. If you have access to timber, or can buy split logs in bulk, you can make solid seasonal income by delivering firewood locally.
Check local regulations before harvesting firewood from public land.
Construction sites, farms, and ranches often need equipment or material moved short distances. Your truck and trailer can fill a crucial gap.
Start by networking locally and checking agricultural job boards like FarmJobSearch or Facebook farming groups.
Power-only trucking is when a shipper provides the trailer, and you provide just the truck and a driver. Many freight companies need backup drivers to haul their trailers across short or long distances.
Use load boards like:
You’ll still need appropriate credentials (DOT, MC numbers) and commercial insurance, but you won’t need to invest in your own trailer to get started.
If you live in a snowy climate, your truck can double as a snow plow in the winter.
Offer services to residential neighborhoods, small businesses, or property managers. Check out starter guidance on Snow Plow News.
Upgrading your trailer to a dump trailer, enclosed trailer, or flatbed can open up more revenue streams. Keep your equipment clean, safe, and well-maintained.
Use apps like Stride or Hurdlr to monitor mileage, fuel costs, maintenance, and income for tax purposes.
Whether you charge by the job or the hour, be upfront with clients. Pricing transparency helps avoid disputes and builds trust.
Create a basic website using platforms like Squarespace or Wix, and set up a Google Business Profile so locals can find you through Google Maps or Search.
Turning your pickup truck and trailer into a money-making machine is more feasible than ever. Whether you're aiming for a side hustle to pad your income or building a full-time operation, the opportunities are vast. With minimal startup costs and high demand across industries, this approach to entrepreneurship is practical, flexible, and scalable.
