If the recent boom in the construction sector attracts you, it may not be a bad idea to invest in a dump truck to make some money.
Your potential clients are going to be homeowners, landscaping companies, and building contractors.
If you’re interested, here is a quick guide on how you can make money with a dump truck.
Table of Contents
Owning a Dump Truck
To start, you’ll need a dump truck.
If you already own one, great!
Otherwise, you need to get one, perhaps a used dump truck in order to save your initial cash outlay.
FreeCash: It pays you to test apps, play games & take surveys. Get paid up to $497.82 per offer! Start Earning!
Earn Haus: Earn up to $25 per survey. Plus same-day payments via PayPal, Venmo & Check! Join Earn Haus!
Swagbucks: Get paid to watch videos, shop online, take surveys and more. Join now & get $10 instantly!
InboxDollars: Paid over $57 Million to members to watch videos, take surveys, shop and more. Get $5 instantly!
KashKick: Get paid directly into your PayPal for watching videos, surfing, shopping and more. Join KashKick Now!
If you are 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 in the price tag. But a budget of around $20,000 should present you with plenty of decent options.
If money is no subject, consider a brand new one, with the average price tag being around $160,000.
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 sole proprietor (which I suggest you do both for legal and tax saving reasons.)
To learn more, check out IRS’ official guide on Tax and small businesses.
Advertising
As in any new and emerging business venture, you’ll need to be visible to your clients.
- Start with business cards and letterhead designs. Once they’re ready, start sending out these to your prospective customers.
- In the world of business, there is no such thing as over-preparation. Make your new business stand out by attaching impressive credentials, alongside contact information and a pricing schedule. The objective is to go to the market with as much ammunition as practically possible.
- Ad placements on neighborhood papers and yellow pages should be a top priority. Describe in detail the kind of work you (or your dump truck) can comfortably carry out.
- Spare some cash to invest in a newspaper, radio or even TV ad. If money is a constraint, you can physically distribute brochures and post posters in your neighborhood.
- In order to keep costs down, bring your advertisement online to classified sites like Craigslist as the charges there are minuscule, if not free.
- You can also publicize your new business on Facebook.com, or any social media platform in general. The objective is to extend your reach to the furthest corner possible.
- There are many DIY style homeowners who undertake their own renovation or landscaping projects, they will definitely need a hand to remove or haul in materials as part of their excavation or remodeling process.
- And don’t leave things to chance; describe the nature of the business you are in clearly while always making sure that your contact is clear for all to see.
Getting Your First Few Jobs/Clients
Now that everything is in place, it’s time to make some money.
And to make that money, you’ll need to find people/companies that need what your dump truck can provide – moving and hauling supplies, heavy equipment, and materials.
Advertisements
Here are a few ways to get your initial customers.
1. Contact Landscaping Suppliers
Landscaping suppliers and contractors often need a dump truck to move rocks, dirt, and other landscaping material to the job site.
Look up your local Yellow Pages and classified sites to find local companies. Then contact them and let them know you are available.
I’d also visit landscaping supply stores and talk to the owners/managers directly.
2. Local Dump Truck Driving Jobs
Get in touch with transportation providers in your area on job possibilities. e.g. winter snow removal job or any other job that fit your dump truck.
If your town council engages independent contractors for snow clearing, check with them on how you could be of service.
3. Local Builders
Ultimately, you’ll need to work with local builders in order to see your business grows in a significant sense.
Local builders and contractors often use dump trucks to haul away material to the job site, haul away dirt and derbies from demolition sites, and so on.
Find a few and talk to them about the possibility of them using your service. Perhaps offer some kind of “new customer” discount to sweeten the deal.
4. Lease out Your Truck
This works just like renting out your car for extra cash. When jobs are far and few in between, it may be a good idea to lease out your trucks.
Granted, this is not going to be as profitable, but at least your truck will still generate some income when not in use.
The Bottom Line
Whether you are working with your dump trailer truck, or simply leasing it out, you can expect to derive some income from your investment here.
The amount of money you can make will depend on a few factors – location, how much work you can manage to get, etc.
Naturally, the business requires a fairly substantial investment outlay, but you should be able to recoup your upfront cash in a fairly short time.
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.
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