Are you looking for a side hustle that can potentially earn you a six-figure income? Consider becoming a freight truck driver. At least, that's what "beancounter2trucker" did. This accountant turned truck driver shared his story on Reddit and how he's making eight times more money than his day job.
Beancounter2trucker delivers freight from warehouses and distribution centers to local businesses, including retailers and grocery stores. He usually does 3-4 loads per day, which translates to 15-20 loads per week. Each load is about 2000 pounds on average and pays around $0.50 per pound. He set his own rates as an independent contractor and keeps whatever he makes. He formed a joint affiliation through the distribution center where he works part-time and gets contracts with other businesses not affiliated with the warehouse.
You do need a 24-26 foot box truck, and the best part is you don't even need a Commercial Driver's License (CDL). Beancounter2trucker carries no more than 6000 pounds at any given time, and the maximum gross weight for a typical 24-26 foot box truck is 26000 pounds. When empty, the truck weighs about 12000-14000 pounds, so the maximum he can haul is 12000 pounds.
Beancounter2trucker recommends getting clients/loads through a distribution center then branching off from there by going on your own and getting your contracts. You can become an owner-operator and affiliate yourself with a distribution center, ask them if they're hiring any drivers and if they have any loads. As an independent contractor, you can choose whatever loads you can take on as well as how many loads you want to haul.
As an independent contractor, beancounter2trucker files a Schedule C as well as a 1099. He invoices his clients after he unloads the freight, and he gives them 30 days to pay off the invoice. Otherwise, he'll give them a warning before assessing a penalty of 10% of the price of the load. He doesn't charge a deposit to cover any costs, but he takes that into account when pricing.
He has general liability insurance, which protects him in the event of an injury after an accident, and this also covers any freight that is damaged during delivery. He also has commercial auto insurance and general liability insurance for truckers.
If you're interested in this side hustle, beancounter2trucker recommends contacting your local distribution center or warehouse to see if they're looking for drivers. Many of them are, and getting a position as an independent contractor allows you to choose your loads and keep whatever you make. Beancounter2trucker also recommends going online to ensure more efficiency billing and invoicing and trying to adjust to the digital age. It's the 21st century, after all.
For more great Side Hustle ideas, check out "101 Real World Side Hustles."
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