Transport business ideas you can run from your own premises
27 ideas
These 27 transport ideas all work from a base you own or lease, such as a yard, shed, workshop or small shopfront. They suit people who have space, or can afford to get it, and prefer customers coming to them.
One-truck skip bin hire service
Deliver and collect skip bins for households and small builders in your area using one bin truck and a small yard.
- A$150k-300k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Small boat dealership with yard
Run a small yard selling new and used boats, with servicing and finance options for buyers.
- A$150k-500k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Ute and van hire from a small yard
Hire utes and vans by the day to movers, tradies and DIYers from a small yard or unit with a simple counter.
- A$200k-500k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Bike repair shopfront
Open a small workshop with a shopfront for walk-in repairs, servicing and parts.
- A$15k-70k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Bike hire shop near trails and waterfront
Rent bikes by the hour or day from a small shop or kiosk near a popular path, beach or town centre.
- A$10k-50k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Small independent motorhome hire fleet
Run a fleet of motorhomes and campervans from a small depot, taking bookings through your own website and agents.
- A$80k-400k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Guided quad bike rides on rural land
Run guided quad bike rides for holidaymakers and groups on a farm or bush property, with a small fleet and a set riding track.
- A$20k-90k
- Part-time
- Own premises
Small boat and tinnie hire
Hire out tinnies and small motor boats from a jetty or boat ramp base to visitors and anglers.
- A$20k-100k
- Part-time
- Own premises
Boat repair workshop
Rent a small shed or unit near the water and repair, service and refit boats brought in by owners.
- A$25k-120k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Storage and pick-and-pack for online sellers
Store stock for small online shops, then pick, pack and post their orders from a leased unit.
- A$5k-25k
- Part-time
- Own premises
Custom boat cover maker
Measure, make and fit made-to-order boat covers from a small workshop for owners whose boats don't suit off-the-shelf covers.
- A$6k-30k
- Part-time
- Own premises
Local travel agency shopfront
Open a small high-street travel shop selling flights and packages to walk-in customers and local regulars.
- A$15k-60k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Local bike shop with servicing
Sell new and used bikes, parts and accessories from a small shop, with repairs bringing regulars back.
- A$40k-150k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Motorcycle licence training school
Run group licence and skills courses from a training range with a fleet of learner bikes and a few instructors.
- A$150k-500k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Secure caravan and motorhome storage yard
Lease a block of land and run a gated, camera-monitored yard with dozens of bays for caravans and motorhomes.
- A$100k-400k
- Part-time
- Own premises
Scooter hire stand near a tourist spot
Rent scooters by the hour or day from a small shopfront or kiosk where visitors and locals already gather.
- A$12k-50k
- Part-time
- Own premises
Small-fleet motorcycle hire from a small base
Run a fleet of 5 to 10 bikes from a small unit or shopfront for tourists and visiting riders.
- A$40k-180k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Trailer hire yard with a mixed fleet
Run a small yard with box, car, tipper and enclosed trailers for households and trade customers.
- A$80k-200k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Local van hire with a small fleet
Rent out three to five vans from a small yard to tradies, small businesses and people moving house.
- A$60k-200k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Small pay-by-the-hour car park
Lease a patch of unused land near shops, a station or a hospital and charge drivers by the hour or day.
- A$8k-40k
- Part-time
- Own premises
Horse trailer dealership with a small yard
Run a yard selling used and new horse floats, with trade-ins, finance help and after-sales service.
- A$30k-150k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Used horse float sales and refurbishing
Buy tired horse floats, fix and refresh them, then sell or convert them from a small yard or workshop.
- A$15k-70k
- Part-time
- Own premises
Local storage, pick-and-pack and dispatch service
Store stock for local sellers, pack their orders and book couriers from a small unit.
- A$20k-70k
- Part-time
- Own premises
Small freight forwarding office with a niche
Run a small forwarding office for one trade lane or industry, with a small team and your own carrier relationships.
- A$20k-80k
- Full-time
- Own premises
About these ideas
Options include a secure caravan and motorhome storage yard, a bike repair shopfront, or ute and van hire from a small yard. Before choosing, think about the site first: zoning, access for large vehicles, security, insurance and neighbours all shape what is realistic. Compare the upfront cost of land, fit-out or vehicles with how steady the demand is where you live. Some ideas, like storage, earn quietly with little daily effort, while others, like repairs or training, rely on your skills and hours.
More ideas
- Secure outdoor boat and trailer storage yard
- Covered boat storage shed with racking
- Luggage storage shop near a station or tourist area
Questions
Do I need council approval to run a transport business from my own premises?
Often you do. Check your local council's zoning rules and whether your site allows commercial use, vehicle storage, signage or customer traffic. It is worth asking the council before buying, leasing or building anything on the property.
What insurance should I look at for a premises-based transport business?
Check public liability, property and contents cover, and any cover needed for customers' vehicles or goods in your care. Hire, storage and training businesses can have different needs, so ask a broker what suits your setup.
How do I choose between storage, repair and hire ideas?
Compare startup cost, how much of your own time each needs, and local demand. Storage needs space and security, repairs need skills and tools, and hire needs vehicles and insurance. Talk to likely customers nearby before committing money.