If you own a cargo van, then you already have everything you need to start earning money delivering freight. Today, cargo vans play a key role in local freight deliveries—and given the rising popularity of local delivery, more and more companies need vans and drivers to deliver this freight.
Whether you want to start a side hustle or launch a full-time business, delivering freight with your cargo van can be a profitable opportunity. In this article, we’ll go over everything you need to know to get started, including a step-by-step process you can follow to secure your first loads and build a steady stream of income.
Why cargo van freight jobs are in demand
Factors such as the growth of e-commerce, same-day delivery expectations, and the need for flexible logistics have made light assets like cargo vans more valuable than ever. Compared to semi trucks and box trucks, cargo vans offer a lot of benefits to businesses, including:
- Lower operating costs than larger trucks
- More flexible routing for tight urban deliveries
- Faster loading/unloading times
- Door-to-door convenience for customers
Thanks to these various benefits combined with an increased need for fast local delivery, cargo van drivers are now in high demand.
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How to get started earning money with your cargo van
The high demand for cargo van drivers means that loads are easier to come by than ever before. However, there are a few steps you’ll need to take before you can start earning money with your van:
Step 1: Decide between employee or independent contractor
The first choice you’ll need to make is deciding whether you want to work for a company as an employee or operate as an independent contractor. As an employee driver, you can look forward to steady hours and a steady paycheck. However, most cargo van owners choose to go the independent contractor route thanks to the flexibility it provides. As an independent contractor, you’ll be able to choose your own clients and loads and set your own schedule. Operating as an independent contractor also tends to offer higher earning potential, but it’s important to keep in mind that there are more potential expenses associated with it as well, since you’ll be responsible for things like maintenance and insurance.
Step 2: Make sure your van is ready for the job
The type of freight you can carry will depend on your van’s size, condition, and features, so it’s a good idea to evaluate your vehicle and figure out what type of jobs it is suited for. Here are the key considerations to take into account:
- Payload capacity: Knowing your van’s maximum weight rating will tell you a lot about what type of loads it can and can’t handle.
- Interior space: A high-roof van can handle taller items, while extended versions can haul more.
- Accessibility: Side and rear doors should open smoothly for quick loading.
- Equipment: Consider adding cargo straps, shelving, a GPS tracker, or a partition for safety.
You’ll also need to make sure that your van is roadworthy and that all of its maintenance is up to date. Consider having a safety inspection performed to avoid downtime and accidents, both of which can be costly for independent operators.
Step 3: Get the right licenses and insurance
Most cargo van freight jobs do not require you to have a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). However, there may be other licenses you need to acquire, and insurance is always essential for independent operators.
Examples of the types of licenses you may need include:
- Business license (if working independently)
- DOT number (required for interstate freight in some cases)
- Motor carrier authority (if operating as a freight carrier)
- Special permits (for hazardous or oversized loads)
For insurance, at a bare minimum, you will need to purchase a commercial auto insurance policy. Cargo insurance and liability insurance are important as well, though, and will help protect you from financial losses in case of accidents, damage, or theft.
Step 4: Choose your freight niche
Choosing a niche or type of freight you want to specialize in delivering isn’t a requirement for cargo van drivers. However, it can make your marketing and job search easier. Common cargo van freight niches to consider include ones like:
- Expedited freight: These are urgent shipments that can’t wait for standard delivery schedules
- Retail deliveries: Often entails moving stock between warehouses and stores, but it can also include delivering products to customers.
- Medical transport: Entails delivering lab specimens, medical supplies, and medical equipment.
- Furniture and appliances: Both local stores and individuals often need help transporting bulky furniture and appliances.
- Event logistics: Entails transporting gear for events, such as concerts, conferences, or exhibitions.
Again, it’s not a requirement to focus on just one of these delivery types, but specializing in a specific niche can help you tailor both your marketing and your services to meet the needs of specific clients.
Step 5: Find freight jobs
There are many different ways for cargo van owners to find freight delivery jobs. Checking load boards is one option, with websites like DAT, Truckstop.com, and Direct Freight being good places to find jobs. In some cases, delivery companies like FedEx Custom Critical and UPS Express will subcontract urgent deliveries to independent van owners, so working with these companies is an option as well. You can also approach local businesses directly, as many prefer to work with trusted local drivers rather than national carriers.
All of these can be effective ways to find cargo van freight jobs, but the most reliable way to find jobs is by partnering with a courier service like Bungii. At Bungii, we work with drivers all over the country and offer a steady supply of loads encompassing numerous different types of freight.
The benefits of driving for Bungii
At Bungii, we connect independent drivers with customers who need items delivered, ranging from retail purchases to furniture, appliances, event equipment, and more. Compared to searching for jobs on load boards to reaching out to businesses directly, driving for Bungii offers several benefits, including:
- Access consistent work: Bungii partners with a wide range of major retailers and local businesses, so there’s always a steady stream of delivery requests.
- Set your own schedule: Bungii lets you accept jobs when it works for you and lets you set your own schedule, whether that’s part-time or full-time.
- Get paid quickly: Payments are processed fast, so you aren’t waiting weeks to receive your earnings.
- Avoid time-consuming job searches: We handle the marketing and customer acquisition so that our drivers only have to focus on making deliveries.
Bungii also offers transparent pricing, so you know exactly what you’ll earn before accepting a job, and our responsive driver support team is there to help with any questions or challenges you encounter.
Final thoughts
Whether you’re just wanting to make a little extra cash on the weekends or start a full-time business, delivering freight can be a profitable way to put your cargo van to work. And when you drive for Bungii, getting started and finding jobs is easier than ever before.
Ready to turn your van into a reliable stream of income? Click here to learn more about driving for Bungii!
