How to Start a Cargo Van Business
Starting a cargo van business can be a great way to make money while being your own boss. When starting a business, there are many things to consider, such as what type of cargo van you will use, how you will market your business, and what kind of services you will offer. This guide will walk you through the steps necessary to start a successful cargo van business.
You will first need to purchase or rent a cargo van. The next step is to obtain commercial insurance. When you are ready to go on the road, you will need loads to keep you busy, and I will show you where to find them.
Below are five proven business models that will help keep your cargo van busy and the money flowing. As a cargo van delivery independent contractor, you are free to work as much or as little as you like. I recommend you use all five of these business models to keep the wheels running.
Shiply
The Shiply marketplace allows you to look for loads your cargo van can transport. If you are a cargo van owner looking for work, you can search for loads according to your location and the type of cargo you want to transport. Shiply is an excellent resource for finding cargo van loads. Shiply also allows you to bid on loads, which can help you get started with your business.
Click here to sign up with Shiply today and start finding loads for your cargo van!
– Quick tip: Try to book multiple loads going in the same direction; this can earn more money per trip.
Roadie
Among the many delivery services small businesses use, Roadie is one of the most popular gigs. Roadie is a platform that connects drivers with companies that need items delivered. It’s up to the drivers to decide whether they want to deliver goods locally or long distances. Generally, long-distance deliveries pay more but take longer to complete. The Roadie program is an excellent option for delivering cargo van loads without worrying about marketing or finding customers.
Roadie is free to sign up, and the process is easy. Click here to sign up now!
– Quick tip: Look for deliveries from home improvement stores, since the loads are bigger and will pay more money.
Amazon Flex
With Amazon Flex, you can quickly start the cargo van business. The Amazon Flex program enables individuals to deliver packages on behalf of Amazon. To become an Amazon Flex driver, you must be 21 years old, have a valid driver’s license, and have had no major traffic violations within the past three years. Additionally, you must pass a background check and have a smartphone to be eligible to deliver for Amazon. Once you are approved to become an Amazon Flex driver, you will have the option of selecting a variety of delivery shifts.
Additionally, Amazon Flex gives you the flexibility to work as much or as little as you like. As well as being paid twice a week, you receive tips from customers.
To sign up for Amazon Flex, visit Amazon Flex.
– Amazon Flex deliveries start at 4 am. If you pick up these blocks, you could easily make good money before most people even begin their workday.
Junk Removal Business
I love this type of business model, and it’s one of my favorites. There is no doubt that a junk removal business can be very lucrative. You will need to contact your local refuse dumpsite to determine their dump fees and what is permitted. It is possible to dump a cargo van full of junk for as little as $19, and the remainder is yours to pocket. Garages, sheds, and closets are constantly cleaned out, and people are always looking for removal services.
An individual can get a quote over the phone and send you a picture of what needs to be hauled away. Suppose you quote a customer $300 to remove junk, and it costs you $19 to dispose of it. The items can be loaded and taken to the local dump, making a $281 profit. Once you are empty, you can head to the next job site.
To find customers, post ads on your local Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace, and wait for the phone calls to come in.
– Quick tip: Before picking up a load, make sure to lay a tarp in the van. Doing this will allow you to protect your van and make it easier to unload. Once you reach the dumping site, remove all the big stuff, then pull out the tarp to dump the rest.
– Another tip: One man’s garbage can be another man’s treasure. Need I say more?
Furniture Delivery
You can also use your cargo van to deliver furniture. This one will require some elbow grease but can be very profitable. If you have a large van, you can even deliver multiple pieces of furniture at once. This is a great way to make money if you enjoy working with your hands and are good at assembling furniture. You may even be able to find work delivering furniture for a local store or online retailer.
The first thing you will need to do is print some business cards. Once you have your business cards in hand, visit all of your local furniture and appliance stores. Ask to speak with the owner or manager and offer them your services. Furniture delivery will be an easy sell because there is no cost to the store owner since the customer usually pays the delivery fee. In return, the customer is happy because they will receive their purchases sooner.
Furniture delivery is a great business model, but as I said before, it will require work.
– Quick tip: If you can upgrade to a 26-foot box truck, you can easily contract with a furniture store. These contracts can pay as much as $200,000 per year.
Vehicles such as cargo vans are highly versatile and can serve many businesses. If you’re looking to start your own business, a cargo van could be the perfect option for you. We hope this guide has helped outline the steps necessary to get started. Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel for more tips on starting your own business. Thanks for reading!
