Think a dump truck is just for hauling rocks?
Think again!
With the right gigs lined up (including hauling rocks!), you can actually make money with a dump truck.
Depending on the gig and the size of your truck, you could make enough money to cover your monthly truck payment, put a bit more toward your emergency fund, or even replace a 9‑to‑5 job.
In fact, according to wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, some specialized owner‑operators make about $80+ an hour on local hauls.
Now, obviously we’re not talking about those giant tri‑axle dump trucks. Frankly, if you have one of those, you’re probably already in the business. We’re mainly talking about small single‑axle dump trucks or dump trailers.
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If you have one of those and are wondering how to make money, read on to learn a few simple ways you could turn your dump truck into a money‑making machine.
Table of Contents
Owning a Dump Truck
To start, you’ll need a dump truck.
If you already own one, great!
Otherwise, you’ll need to get one, perhaps a used dump truck to save on your initial cash outlay.
If you’re not picky, it shouldn’t be too much of a challenge to find a used dump truck for under $10,000.
Of course, its make, model, and mileage will factor into the price tag. But a budget of around $20,000 should present you with plenty of decent options.
License
Before you work on your budget, do yourself a favor and acquire a commercial driver’s license (CDL), as this is a prerequisite in order to operate a dump truck.
Individual districts and local governments may require specific licensing or additional training before you can legally launch your dump truck business.
Tax Stuff
As with starting any other small business, to start a dump truck business, you’ll need to get a tax ID or EIN if you want to run your business as anything but a sole proprietor (which I suggest you do, both for legal and tax-saving reasons).
To learn more, check out the IRS’ official guide on Tax and small businesses.
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How Much Money Can You Make with a Small Dump Truck Income
Obviously, the exact number depends on the size of your truck, what kind of gigs you do, how often you do them, and even where you live.
But to give you an idea, I pulled some data from the 2024 OOIDA Owner‑Operator Revenue Survey for single‑axle dump trucks and pickup‑pulled dump trailers.
Here’s what you can expect to make using a smaller rig:
Hourly Haul Rate | Avg. Loads per Day | Hours Worked | Daily Rate | Monthly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
$65 | 3 | 8 hrs | $520 | $11,440 |
$75 | 3 | 8 hrs | $600 | $13,200 |
$85 | 3 | 8 hrs | $680 | $14,960 |
As you can see, with even a modest single‑axle dump truck, you can make $65 to $85 an hour. $11k to $15k per month is a lot of money.
That’s obviously before expenses. You have to consider the cost of fuel, insurance, and maintenance, but either way, you’re making decent money.
How to Make Money With a Dump Truck
Here are the best ways you can earn money with your small dump truck.
1. Construction Hauls
Local builders need endless dirt, gravel, and sand moved from quarries to job sites.
Local builders and contractors often use dump trucks to haul away material to the job site, haul away dirt and debris from demolition sites, and so on.
I know it’s hard to get that initial job. I think the best way is to simply go to bigger construction job sites in your local area and talk to the people in charge. To get the ball rolling, give them a special deal.
The great thing about working with local general contractors and construction companies is that they always have stuff to haul, so they can keep you busy for a long time.
2. Demolition & Junk Removal
Partner with demo crews or renovation contractors. You drop the bed, they fill it with concrete chunks, drywall, or old roofing. Charge per ton plus a dump‑fee markup.
3. Municipal Contracts
This is where the real money is. Cities pay for snow removal, leaf pickups, and road‑salt delivery. Register on your state’s DOT vendor list and bid on seasonal contracts. Winter salt runs often pay $90+ an hour, and the work shows up every storm, like clockwork.
4. Landscaping Supply Delivery
Homeowners and landscapers need mulch, topsoil, and decorative rock every spring. Team up with a local garden center and offer “truck + driver” delivery for $60 to $80 per trip.
Heck, you can even post free ads on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace offering your services directly to homeowners.
5. Rolloff Dumpster Service
Attach a roll‑off hoist to swap 10‑yard bins at construction sites. Customers pay a flat rental plus per‑dump fee. Two swaps a day at $150 each = $300 gross, and you never leave town.
6. Storm Debris Cleanup
After big storms, FEMA and utility contractors scramble for trucks. Rates jump to $100 an hour for hauling limbs and shingles to the landfill.
Keep your paperwork ready so you can be first on the call list.
7. Agricultural Transport
Farmers need grain, feed, and manure moved between fields. During harvest, single‑axle rigs haul wheat to local elevators at $3.50 a mile. A 40‑mile round trip nets about $140, and you can squeeze in four runs on a long harvest day.
8. Hot‑Shot Weekend Rentals
List your truck on “driver + dump truck” rental apps or local Facebook groups. Homeowners replacing a driveway love a Saturday rental with someone who’ll haul the busted concrete away. Charge $70 an hour, 4‑hour minimum. That’s $280 for one easy weekend gig.
FAQs
How much money can I make with a dump truck?
You can make anywhere from $4k to $7k per month with steady work. That said, it all depends on many factors. But even with smaller trucks and a few gigs a month, you could easily make $500 to $1,000.
What business can I start with a dump truck?
Hauling for construction, demolition/junk, landscaping supply, roll‑off dumpsters, snow/debris contracts.
How do I get loads for a dump truck?
Network with contractors, join load boards/apps, bid on city jobs, list on Facebook/Craigslist.
Is it worth it to buy a dump truck?
It really depends on what you want out of it. If you want to make money with it, yes, it absolutely is worth it!
Do I need a CDL?
Usually, yes. Any dump truck over 26,001 lbs requires a Class B CDL. But smaller dump trailers usually don’t.
Final Thoughts
Making money with a dump truck isn’t complicated. Stuff is loaded into your truck, and all you have to do when you arrive at the final destination is push a few buttons to unload it.
The most complicated and hardest part is getting the actual gigs. But with a bit of creativity and good old elbow grease, you can find enough gigs to keep you going.
The best thing about operating a dump truck business is that there is always a need for dump trucks to move materials that are too big and heavy for your usual pickup trucks, so if you have one, you can always make money with your dump truck!
that’s great
Thanks, Jorge. I am glad you like it.
Do you own a dump truck? Or are you planning to start a dump truck business?…
Planning to buy a tri axle
I have a tandem truck and I want to cinvert it into a dumptruck. How much it would cost? It’s a 1999 Hino super dolphin
Japhet, I have no idea how much it would cost. Your bets bet would be to ask a local professional.
Yes
Thank you my friend this is what I wanted to read helped a lot I want to buy a big truck service me a lot thanks
You are very welcome Julio. I am glad you enjoyed the post.
What kind of truck are you planning to buy, if you don’t mind me asking?
If I own my truck, how much can I make averagely?
It really depends, Niran. There are a lot of different factors that could impact just who much money you make with a truck–your location, how active you are in finding new gigs, how much you charge, etc.
That said, there are people who make a living with their trucks.
I would like to purchase a dump truck. Honestly Im just a little afraid. I would like to work for myself, I just dont know the steps to take. Can you help me
Allen, starting your own business is always scary, which is why most people never get out of the rat race and settle for their 9-5 no matter how much they hate it.
As for help, I would be happy to, but I personally don’t have a dump truck (business) so I don’t know Ho I’d be able to help. If I were in your spot, I’d find a local dump truck owner and ask them about their experience. Most people are more than happy to share their knowledge.
What if I’m the owner but not the operator, do I still need a license? And what are your thoughts about been only the owner?
Dumaine, every state has its own rules and regulations. It’d be best if you check with your local authorities.
And as for being an owner, heck yeah, why not? If you have the money and can invest into buying a truck, why not. The only thing is you have to make sure you can still make money after taking into account the cost of the truck the cost of maintaining it, paying the driver and so on.
I know people who own a few trucks and basically rent them out to drivers. It’s the same as taxi companies.
There are some people who buy a bunch of taxis, then charge drivers a fee.
It’s the kind of income we call Passive. You initially put some work into it (researching, finding, and buying the taxi), then you sit back and let the taxis work for you. You just collect your fees from the drivers each month/week.
hello i need information about how to start business with a dumb truck , the thing is i am helping my friend whose has a truck already but he is struggling to get the truck on the road to get goin please help u can reply me via my email.thanks
concern
friend
Jane, I’m not sure if I understand your question. Can you explain?
If I buy 2 quad axle dump trucks for around 60,000 to 85,000, me an my father in law in NC I have great contacts, great work lined up, one good contract for night work asphalt and millings and can restock the plant during the day and we might just get 3 trucks and pay a driver like 14 an hr how much do u think we can make an it’s going in our wife’s names cause they get 1st bids on jobs and my father in laws been a owner operator for 20 years a tractor trailer but he’s selling it n putting like 20 thous as and or more down on a few trucks how much could we expect to make
Henry, it really depends on each job and how much the client is willing to pay you. It could be anywhere from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand or more depending on the size of the job.
Hi is it worth lessening the dump truck or buying it which way is profitable thanks
I’d think if you have the money, it would be best to buy it.
This articandis very inspiring. I own a daycab now and with the help of a few local dump trailer owners I will be getting a dump trailer soon . I have done my research on the industry and you’re exactly right. Thanks for sharing your insight.
Good luck with the new venture, Jimmy.
Own and now disabled and need income
I have a old 1 ton dump.. it’s in great shape but small compared to dual and tri axel 2ton plus trucks.. I have a small tree and lawncarw and landscaping business.. winter is just slow, and recommendations for me personally thanks in advanced