If you own a dually truck or are considering buying one, you're already ahead of the game when it comes to launching a profitable hauling business. These trucks—known for their dual rear wheels and impressive payload capacity—are built to handle serious weight. Whether you’re hauling machinery, construction materials, or offering junk removal services, dually trucks can power a flexible and lucrative operation. With the right tools, permits, and strategy, starting a hauling business with a dually truck can be one of the smartest moves for anyone looking to work independently or expand their income.
Let’s walk through how to launch this type of business, what equipment and licensing you’ll need, and how to find paying customers.
A dually truck—short for “dual rear wheel”—has four wheels in the rear instead of two. That extra set of wheels isn’t just for show. It gives the truck better weight distribution, greater towing stability, and the ability to carry heavier loads without compromising safety. Popular models like the Ram 3500 or Ford F-350 Super Duty are commonly used by hot shot drivers and local haulers alike. These trucks are especially suited for tasks that involve pulling gooseneck or flatbed trailers, moving heavy equipment, or transporting construction materials.
If you're already driving a dually, you’ve got one of the most important assets needed to enter the hauling business. These trucks are built for commercial-grade work and can support a wide range of services depending on your interests and market demand.
The type of work you pursue will shape everything from your equipment purchases to your licensing needs. Some of the most profitable hauling niches for dually trucks include hot shot trucking, equipment transport, junk removal, and material delivery.
Hot shot trucking is one of the most common entry points for dually truck owners. It typically involves time-sensitive loads that are too small for a semi-truck but too large for a standard pickup. Hot shot drivers often transport construction supplies, generators, or agricultural gear—jobs that require a gooseneck trailer and DOT registration. For those who prefer to stay local, offering junk removal or small moving services can be a solid way to build consistent business without needing to cross state lines or register as a motor carrier. Others may choose to haul landscaping materials, tools, or machinery for local contractors, real estate developers, or farm operators.
Choosing a specific niche not only helps define your customer base, but also makes it easier to market yourself effectively and determine which tools and licenses you’ll need to get started.
Before you take on your first client, it’s essential to get your business set up properly. Start by deciding on a business structure. Many hauling business owners form a Limited Liability Company (LLC), which protects personal assets and simplifies taxes. You can register an LLC through your state’s Secretary of State website.
Next, apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. This is free and necessary if you want to open a business bank account or hire employees.
You’ll also likely need a USDOT number, especially if your vehicle’s gross weight exceeds 10,000 pounds or if you plan to operate across state lines. For hot shot or commercial freight work, a Motor Carrier (MC) Number is required as well. You can apply through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
Some states also require intrastate authority or special licenses for local hauling. Check with your state’s Department of Transportation to understand local compliance requirements.
Insurance is one of the most important (and unavoidable) costs of doing business as a hauler. A personal auto policy won’t cover you if you’re using your dually for commercial work, so you’ll need commercial auto insurance at a minimum. If you’re transporting goods, you should also invest in cargo insurance, which protects the value of the items being hauled.
Depending on your niche, other policies like general liability, trailer insurance, or workers’ compensation (if you hire help) might also be necessary. Insurers like Progressive Commercial and Simply Business offer coverage tailored to small and mobile business owners. It’s a good idea to shop around and bundle coverage where possible.
Besides your dually truck, you’ll need some basic equipment to perform the job safely and efficiently. If you're doing hot shot loads or machinery transport, you’ll likely need a gooseneck or flatbed trailer, which can cost between $5,000 and $10,000 depending on length and build quality. You'll also need ratchet straps, load binders, wheel chocks, and possibly a heavy-duty winch for loading large equipment.
A lockable toolbox for storing gear and safety equipment will make your job easier and keep things organized. Some haulers also carry cones, reflective vests, and portable ramps for jobs that don’t involve traditional loading docks.
If you’re doing junk removal, your equipment list may be shorter—perhaps just a dump trailer, a dolly, and some gloves. Start with what you need for your specific niche, and rent additional equipment as jobs demand.
Pricing is both an art and a science in the hauling business. If you're in hot shot trucking, most rates are calculated per mile and vary based on the type of load and distance. According to industry sources, many new hot shot drivers earn around $1.50 to $2.50 per mile, though experienced haulers with good equipment and ratings can command more. Check load boards like DAT or Truckstop.com to get a feel for average rates in your region.
For local services like junk removal or materials delivery, flat-rate pricing is more common. Some haulers also charge by the hour, especially when jobs include loading, unloading, or wait time. Don’t forget to factor in your fuel costs, maintenance, insurance, and taxes when calculating your rates. Tracking these numbers over time will help you understand your true profit margin.
Your first few clients will likely come from people you already know or from local outreach. Word of mouth can be powerful in this business, so don’t be afraid to let friends, neighbors, and local contractors know that you’re offering hauling services. You can also post on community boards, construction supplier locations, or partner with landscaping companies who may need delivery help.
Online platforms are another great source of leads. For hot shot drivers, load boards are essential. But for local haulers, platforms like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or TaskRabbit can help you find people looking for help with junk hauling, deliveries, or small moves.
If you're building a long-term business, consider creating a basic website using a service like Squarespace or Wix. You should also register for a Google Business Profile so that local customers can find you through Google Search or Google Maps.
Once the business is rolling, it’s important to stay organized. Use accounting tools like QuickBooks Self-Employed to track your income and expenses, especially fuel and maintenance, which are tax-deductible. Staying on top of your paperwork not only helps at tax time but also ensures that your business stays compliant with state and federal regulations.
If you’re operating across state lines, you may need to track hours of service and file quarterly IFTA (International Fuel Tax Agreement) reports. That’s why it’s essential to keep mileage logs, inspection reports, and insurance documents in order.
As you grow, you may want to reinvest in better trailers, hire helpers, or even expand to multiple vehicles. A hauling business is highly scalable, especially if you maintain a strong reputation and repeat customers.
Starting a hauling business with a dually truck is one of the most versatile and scalable ways to make money with a vehicle you may already own. With the right niche, licensing, and tools in place, you can turn your heavy-duty truck into a steady source of income—whether you're working full-time or just on the weekends. From junk removal and hot shot freight to local equipment delivery, there’s no shortage of demand for reliable hauling services.
