In today’s gig economy, owning a vehicle can open up a world of side hustle opportunities that provide flexible hours and decent pay. Whether you’re looking to supplement your income or save for a big purchase, turning your car, truck, or van into a money-making tool can be both fun and rewarding. In this guide, we’ll walk through 20 vehicle-based side hustles that are perfect for beginners. From delivering groceries to helping with local moves, these gigs will help you maximize your earnings while enjoying the open road.
1. Rideshare Driving
Drive people to their destinations and make money on the go!
One of the easiest ways to make money with your vehicle is by driving for rideshare services like Uber or Lyft. You can set your own schedule, drive when you want, and meet new people along the way. It’s perfect if you enjoy driving and don’t mind interacting with passengers. For beginners, this can be an excellent way to get into the gig economy with minimal upfront costs—just download the app and start driving!
2. Food Delivery
Bring food to people’s doors with just a few taps on your phone!
If driving people around isn’t your thing, food delivery might be a better fit. Platforms like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub allow you to deliver meals from local restaurants to hungry customers. With flexible hours and the ability to work during peak meal times, you can easily squeeze in deliveries between other commitments. Plus, since you’re only dealing with food, it’s a low-pressure gig for those who prefer to work solo.
3. Grocery Delivery
Help people get their groceries without leaving their homes.
Grocery delivery services like Instacart and Shipt have grown in popularity, especially with the rise of online shopping. As a grocery shopper and delivery driver, you’ll not only shop for items but also deliver them right to the customer’s door. This side hustle is ideal for detail-oriented people who don’t mind spending time in stores. It’s also a great option if you want to help people who may have difficulty shopping for themselves.
4. Package Delivery
Be the person who delivers those eagerly awaited online orders!
With the boom in e-commerce, package delivery services like Amazon Flex are always looking for drivers. In this gig, you’ll pick up packages from local distribution centers and deliver them to customers. The pay is typically based on the number of packages you deliver and the distance covered. One benefit of this hustle is that it’s less time-sensitive than food delivery, giving you more control over when you make deliveries.
5. Moving Services
Help people move and earn extra cash by doing the heavy lifting.
If you own a van or truck, offering local moving services can be a highly profitable side hustle. Many people need help moving large items, whether it’s furniture, appliances, or even full house moves. You can set your rates based on the size and difficulty of the job. For beginners, you could start with smaller moving jobs and work your way up to bigger tasks once you get comfortable with the process.
6. Mobile Car Wash/Detailing
Take your car wash service to the next level by offering it at people’s homes.
With a little investment in car cleaning supplies, you can offer mobile car wash and detailing services. This side hustle is ideal if you enjoy working outdoors and take pride in providing quality service. Many people are willing to pay for the convenience of having their car cleaned at home or work. Plus, you can charge a premium for detailed services like waxing or interior cleaning.
7. Rent Your Vehicle
Let your car make money while you’re not using it.
Why let your car sit idle when you’re not using it? With platforms like Turo and Getaround, you can rent out your vehicle to others and earn passive income. This is a particularly attractive option if you don’t need your car every day or have multiple vehicles. Just list your car on the platform, set your availability, and earn money while others drive your car.
8. Pet Transport
Become the trusted driver for furry friends in your area.
If you love animals, pet transport can be a rewarding side hustle. Pet owners often need help getting their pets to vet appointments, grooming salons, or boarding facilities. With your vehicle, you can offer safe and reliable transportation for these furry companions. You can also offer specialized services, like pet transport for long-distance moves or airport pickups, to boost your earnings.
9. Airport Shuttle Service
Get travelers to the airport on time and stress-free.
Travelers are always in need of reliable transportation to and from airports. By offering an airport shuttle service, you can cater to this demand and earn consistent income. You can set competitive rates that undercut traditional taxis or rideshares, while providing a more personal and dependable service. Make sure to offer early morning or late-night rides for maximum profitability.
10. Mobile Mechanic
If you’ve got mechanic skills, take your services on the road!
If you’re a certified mechanic or have mechanical expertise, offering mobile mechanic services can be a lucrative side hustle. Many people prefer the convenience of having their car repaired at home instead of taking it to a shop. From oil changes to brake repairs, you can charge competitive rates for your mobile services. This hustle requires specialized tools, but the potential earnings make it worth the investment.
11. Errand Service
Help busy people by running their errands for them.
Offering errand services is perfect for people who love helping others and have a reliable vehicle. You can assist clients by picking up groceries, dropping off dry cleaning, or handling other small tasks that save them time. This is a great option for beginners because it’s easy to get started and requires minimal upfront costs.
12. Junk Removal
Help people declutter and get paid for it!
With a truck, you can offer junk removal services to individuals or businesses. From clearing out garages to hauling away old furniture, this side hustle is perfect if you don’t mind doing some heavy lifting. You can charge per load or by the hour, and you may even find valuable items that can be resold.
13. Landscaping Delivery
Partner with local landscapers to deliver materials like mulch and soil.
If you own a truck, you can assist landscapers or garden centers by delivering materials such as mulch, soil, or plants. Many landscaping companies don’t have the means to transport large amounts of materials, so you can fill that gap. This is a seasonal side hustle but can be especially lucrative in the spring and summer.
14. Mobile Advertising
Turn your car into a moving billboard and earn passive income!
Mobile advertising is one of the easiest ways to earn passive income with your vehicle. Companies like Wrapify and Carvertise pay you to wrap your car with advertisements. All you have to do is drive as you normally would, and you get paid for every mile you cover. This is a great option if you want to earn money without actively working.
15. Event Setup and Breakdown
Help make events a success by handling the heavy logistics.
If you have a larger vehicle, you can offer services to transport and set up event equipment. Whether it’s for weddings, corporate events, or community fairs, there’s always a need for people to help with the setup and breakdown of events. This side hustle requires some physical work but can be a great way to make extra money, especially during event-heavy seasons.
16. Tour Guide
Show off your city or town while getting paid!
If you live in a tourist-friendly area, consider offering driving tours around the city. You can create unique experiences for tourists by showing them local landmarks, hidden gems, and providing historical insights. This side hustle is perfect for those who enjoy meeting new people and have a passion for their city.
17. Mobile Notary
Become a certified notary and bring your services directly to clients.
Becoming a mobile notary is a flexible and profitable gig. Once you get certified, you can offer your services to individuals or businesses who need documents notarized. Many people are willing to pay a premium for the convenience of having a notary come to them, especially for legal or real estate transactions.
18. Courier Services
Deliver urgent documents and items in your spare time.
Courier services are in high demand, especially for delivering legal documents, medical supplies, or other urgent items. If you’re organized and punctual, you can earn good money as a part-time courier. This side hustle allows you to set your own schedule and work for multiple clients at once.
19. Snow Removal
Help your neighbors by keeping their driveways clear during winter.
If you live in a colder region and own a truck with a snow plow attachment, snow removal can be a lucrative side hustle during the winter months. You can offer your services to residential or commercial clients, charging per snowstorm or offering seasonal contracts. It’s hard work but highly profitable when demand is high.
20. Mobile Trash Bin Cleaning
Make the neighborhood cleaner, one bin at a time.
Trash bins can get dirty quickly, and many homeowners don’t have the time or equipment to clean them. Offering a mobile trash bin cleaning service allows you to charge for convenience. This side hustle requires some investment in cleaning equipment, but it can be a unique niche that doesn’t have much competition.
Conclusion
Your vehicle can do so much more than get you from point A to point B!
With the right mindset and a little creativity, you can turn your vehicle into a money-making machine. Whether you prefer working solo or interacting with others, there’s a side hustle out there that fits your lifestyle. Explore the options, give one a try, and start earning extra income today!
FAQ Section
1. Do I need a special license for these side hustles?
In most cases, you just need a valid driver’s license and insurance. However, some gigs like becoming a mobile notary or snow removal may require additional certifications or equipment.
2. How much can I realistically earn from these side hustles?
Earnings vary depending on the gig, your location, and how much time you dedicate to it. Rideshare drivers can earn anywhere from $15 to $30 per hour, while more specialized services like mobile mechanics or snow removal can command higher rates.
3. Is it safe to rent my vehicle out to others?
Platforms like Turo and Getaround have insurance policies to cover damages during rentals, but it’s essential to read the fine print and ensure you’re comfortable with the terms before listing your vehicle.
4. Can I do more than one side hustle at a time?
Absolutely! Many people combine multiple gigs to maximize their earnings. For example, you can deliver food during lunch hours and drive for Uber in the evenings. Just be mindful of your time and avoid overcommitting.
5. Do I need to own a specific type of vehicle for these side hustles?
Most of these side hustles can be done with a standard car, but certain gigs like moving services or junk removal may require a truck or van. Check the requirements for each gig before getting started.
