How to make money with a pickup truck

Want extra cash this week?

Here’s how to make money with a pickup truck.

Start by picking one lane and staying in it.

Pick one lane. Keep it simple.

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Pick one lane first (delivery, moving, hauling)

Most people lose money by doing “everything.”

Pick one lane. Get good. Then stack lanes later.

Delivery: last-mile, store runs, big items.
Moving help: loading, unloading, stairs.
Hauling: cleanouts, dump runs, bulky pickups.

Asherfield supports more lanes, too.

Examples: furniture removal, junk removal, mattress removal, and moving.

Use this quick fit check before you say yes.

What is the item? Get clear photos.
Any stairs, long carries, or tight doors?
How far is the drive?
Do you need a helper?
Where will the item go?

Need app ideas for your lane?

See best apps that fit your lane.

See best delivery app picks.

One lane beats five half-starts.

Simple starter setup (gear and safety)

Start small. Look pro. Stay safe.

Gear that pays for itself

2 ratchet straps (4 is better).
2 moving blankets.
Stretch wrap and tape.
A tarp for weather.
A solid dolly.
Work gloves with grip.

Safety rules that prevent bad days

Don’t lift alone when it feels wrong.
Keep your path clear before you carry.
Protect corners before you strap.
Stop if the load is unsafe.

If you do platform work, read their rules.

Some require specific gear and vehicle types.

Simple pricing rules (minimums, time, miles)

Pricing is where most truck owners bleed money.

Start with a minimum. Always.

Rule 1: Set a minimum

Minimum covers loading, drive time, and risk.
Minimum also covers slow days.

Rule 2: Charge for time

Time includes loading, unloading, and wait time.
Stairs and long carries take real time.

Rule 3: Charge for miles

Miles cost more than gas.

Wear and tear is real.

A simple baseline is the IRS mileage rate.

For 2026, that is 72.5 cents per business mile.

Keep your quote simple.

Minimum + time + miles + stairs.
Add a helper when needed.

Want a deeper pricing playbook?

Read simple pricing rules for truck jobs.

How to get repeat work (texts, reviews, upsells)

Repeat work is how you stop chasing gigs.

Do great work. Then follow up fast.

Text to send after the job

Copy and paste:

“Thanks again. If you need help again, text me here.”

Ask for a review the easy way

Copy and paste:

“If this went well, a quick review helps a lot.”

Offer the next job without being pushy

“Want help moving the next item too?”
“I can haul the old one if you want.”
“I can do a quick dump run next.”

Keep it simple. Keep it helpful.

14-day plan to go from “side gig” to booked

This plan is short on purpose.

Finish it. Then improve one thing weekly.

Days 1–2: Pick your lane

Choose delivery, moving help, or hauling.
Write your minimum and service area.

Days 3–5: Build your basic kit

Straps, blankets, wrap, tarp, dolly.
Take clean photos of your setup.

Days 6–8: Write your “job rules”

What you do, and what you don’t do.
What photos you need before quoting.

Days 9–11: Run small jobs

Start with simple, safe jobs.
Track time, miles, and net profit.

Days 12–14: Tighten your listing

Update your photos and description.
Raise your minimum if needed.
Ask for reviews every time.

Want a simple tracker template?

See what to track each job.

Want a bigger target plan?

See the $500/day plan.

Track the basics. Raise rates with proof.

Sources

Ready to stop chasing gigs?

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Not a gig app. Get local leads.