Transport business ideas you can start for up to C$20,000
26 ideas
These 26 transport ideas keep startup costs within C$20,000, so you can begin with a bike, a van, a trailer or even just a phone and a laptop. They suit people who like being on the move, enjoy dealing with customers face to face, or want to build something local without a large loan.
Local business delivery service
Deliver goods from local suppliers and shops to businesses and households around your town with your own van.
- C$3k-20k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Mobile bike mechanic
Fix and tune bikes at people's homes and workplaces from a van or cargo trailer.
- C$1.5k-7k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Boat consignment seller
Sell boats for owners on commission, with no need to buy the stock yourself.
- C$1k-6k
- Side hustle
- Online
Bike and e-bike delivery for downtown businesses
Run quick, low-cost deliveries in a dense city centre by bike or e-bike for cafés, shops and offices.
- C$300-8k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Bike hire delivered to hotels and rentals
Deliver and collect hire bikes at hotels, campgrounds and short-term rentals, with no shopfront needed.
- C$5k-20k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Seasonal paddleboard and kayak rental by trailer
Rent paddleboards and kayaks from a trailer at lakes, beaches and campgrounds during the warm months.
- C$5k-20k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Private chauffeur for airport and event rides
Drive clients to airports, weddings and special nights in your own well-kept car, booked ahead.
- C$2k-12k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Pedicab rider at a busy tourist spot
Buy one pedicab and carry visitors and city-centre crowds on short rides in the warmer months.
- C$4k-12k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Pre-booked airport transfers in your own car
Drive travellers between the airport and their home or hotel in a clean car or SUV, booked ahead at a fixed fare.
- C$3k-15k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Small trailer hire from home
Rent out a few utility and cargo trailers by the day or weekend to neighbours and local tradespeople.
- C$3k-12k
- Side hustle
- From home
Winter boat storage on your own land
Rent out space on a rural lot or farm to store a handful of boats and trailers over winter.
- C$1.5k-7.5k
- Side hustle
- From home
Event valet parking for weddings and parties
Park guests' cars at weddings, galas and private events on weekends, with a small team you book job by job.
- C$2k-8k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Valet service for restaurants and hotels
Run regular evening valet for restaurants, hotels and venues on a contract, with a team of attendants on set shifts.
- C$3k-15k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Group day-trip organizer (hired coach)
Plan and sell day trips for clubs and groups, hiring a licensed charter coach instead of buying a vehicle.
- C$1.5k-8k
- Side hustle
- From home
Seniors' escort driver service
Drive older and less mobile people who can transfer to a car seat to appointments, with a helping hand at both ends.
- C$1.5k-6k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Event-day and seasonal parking lot
Run a nearby lot for game days, concerts or summer tourists and charge a flat fee per car.
- C$1k-8k
- Side hustle
- Own premises
Scooter rentals delivered to hotels and cottages
Run a small scooter fleet and drop it off at hotels, campgrounds and holiday rentals through local partnerships.
- C$4k-15k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Home-based freight coordinator
Book trucks and carriers for local manufacturers and wholesalers, working from a home office.
- C$1.5k-6k
- Part-time
- From home
Mobile horse trailer servicing and repair
Visit barns and farms to inspect, service and repair horse trailers before the riding season.
- C$4k-20k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Upright piano moving with a small crew
Move upright and spinet pianos between homes, schools and churches using a van or rented truck, a piano dolly and a helper.
- C$3k-15k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Light hauling and small moves with a van
Move furniture, appliances and bulky items for households and small businesses with a pickup or cargo van.
- C$3k-15k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Rides for seniors and appointments
Drive older adults and others to medical visits, shopping and social outings, with a friendly door-to-door service.
- C$2k-10k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Import and export vehicle shipping agent
Help buyers bring cars in from the US or overseas, or send them abroad, by coordinating carriers, ports and paperwork.
- C$2.5k-10k
- Part-time
- From home
One-to-one motorcycle coaching
Coach new and returning riders one at a time, on their own bike, in quiet lots and nearby roads.
- C$1.5k-7k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
About these ideas
Ideas such as rides for seniors and appointments, bike and e-bike delivery for downtown businesses and light hauling and small moves with a van show how different the options can be. Before you pick one, think about vehicle costs, insurance and any licences or permits your province or city may require. Check what your existing vehicle can legally be used for, and how busy and seasonal your local market is. Start by pricing the equipment and insurance, then compare that with what nearby customers already pay.
More ideas
Questions
Do I need a special licence to start a transport business in Canada?
It depends on the service, vehicle and province. Passenger transport, hauling and vehicle shipping can each have different rules. Check with your provincial transport authority and your municipality before you buy a vehicle or take your first booking.
Will my personal auto insurance cover business use?
Often it will not cover paid work such as rides, deliveries or hauling. Ask your insurer or a broker what commercial or business-use cover is available, and get the answer in writing before you start charging customers.
How can I keep startup costs low in transport?
Consider starting with equipment you already own, a used vehicle, or a bike instead of a van. Hiring or renting a vehicle for early jobs can also help you test demand before you commit to a larger purchase.