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Buying a diesel truck is a great investment, especially if you plan on putting your vehicle to work. These machines are capable of hauling and towing thousands of pounds of inventory. You also don’t need to get a college degree to start making money off your truck. As long as you meet the requirements, and have a clean driving record, you can quickly start hauling with a commercial driver’s license (CDL). You don’t have to be a truck driver to earn a living with your vehicle. The internet has opened up a whole new world of possibilities. Learn how to make a profit off your diesel truck to cash in on your new investment.
Start Hauling
The best and easiest way to make money with a diesel truck is to use it to transport products and items from one location to another. Trucks power around 70% of all goods moving through the supply chain and business is booming. The American Trucking Association says we will likely see a 24% increase in national trucking freight volume. That’s good news for just about anyone who owns a diesel truck.
If you want to get into the trucking business, you’ll need to get a CDL, as required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), and register with your state’s trucking authority when operating a vehicle weighing more than 10,000 gross vehicle weight (GVW). You also need to be at least 21 to transport goods across state lines.
Focus on a particular type of product or good that you feel comfortable transporting. You can also attach a trailer to the back to increase your storage volume. The goal is to connect with a few regular clients that will provide a steady stream of work. You don’t have to drive all the way across the country to make money. Consider partnering with local, underserved organizations to reduce your traveling time.
Hauling heavy loads that utilize most of your vehicle’s towing capacity will put added pressure on your truck. You will need to maintain your vehicle regularly when you tow for a living. This includes changing the oil, cleaning the filters, and replacing your exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) coolers as needed. The EGR cooler reduces the temperature of the exhaust gas before sending it back to the combustion chamber to reduce NOx emissions.
Certain makes and models, such as the Ford 6.0 Powerstroke, are known for having faulty EGR coolers. They break down faster over time due to poor mechanics. When the cooler goes, the exhaust gas will get too hot, which can cause engine damage. Find replacement EGR 6.0 coolers online to keep your vehicle compliant with the latest environmental regulations.
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Rent It Out
You can also rent out your vehicle to established trucking companies and even friends and neighbors in your community to make some extra money. Create a listing for your vehicle online, including the make and model, weight and towing capacity, as well as the condition of the vehicle. Make sure anyone you rent it out to has a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record. You never know when someone might need to move large or bulky items or haul away something they don’t need.
Renting out your truck instead of driving for a living reduces your liability. You will also have plenty of free time on your hands, but rental fees may not be enough to pay the bills. You might have to work another job on the side; just make sure you don’t need your truck to get there.
Create a Following
If you have the skills and expertise to drive a diesel truck for a living, you can always show them off online by posting on social media. The diesel trucking industry is experiencing a period of massive growth, and there are sure to be thousands of new drivers hitting the road in the coming years.
You can create a YouTube channel, Instagram page or even a TikTok account where you share driving tips with your fans. Create content that registers with people who drive diesel trucks. You can post how-to repair videos and tips on how to live on the road,or record thrilling outdoor adventures. This is a great way to build a name for yourself in the trucking industry. The only thing standing in your way is your imagination.
Once you have built up a following online, you can make money off the videos you post online if the website has a revenue system for content creators.
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Get Sponsored
Being a celebrity in the trucking industry can unlock a lot of doors. You can use your fame to get sponsorship contracts with major manufacturers and brand name trucking companies. They will pay you to try out their products and promote them on your social media page. They may also pay for you to attend trade shows and major diesel conventions. You might even get the chance to take a new diesel truck for a test drive.
Keep Your Truck MaintainedIt’s important to maintain your vehicle for safety purposes regardless of how you plan on making a living with your diesel truck. Small issues can create major problems down the road, especially if you are always hauling a heavy load. Shop for replacement diesel parts online to save money on repairs. Nothing could be more important than protecting your vehicle when it is your main source of income.