Transport business ideas for working out and about
52 ideas
These 52 transport ideas suit people who would rather spend the day on the road, the water or the city streets than behind a desk. Some are vehicle-led, like a same-day van courier for local businesses or a wedding and event chauffeur car.
Owner-operator refrigerated truck
Haul full loads of chilled and frozen goods between cities in your own refrigerated truck or trailer.
- C$120k-300k
- Full-time
- Out and about
Mobile boat repair and maintenance
Travel to marinas, docks and driveways to service engines and fix fittings for boat owners.
- C$5k-25k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Small-move van and helper service
Move apartments, student rooms and single items with a cargo van and a helper, charged by the hour.
- C$5k-25k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Moving labour helpers
Load and unload rental trucks and PODS for customers who drive themselves. No truck needed.
- C$300-1.5k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Full-service moving company with a truck
Run a small crew and a box truck for whole-home moves, with packing, loading and delivery.
- C$25k-90k
- Full-time
- Out and about
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
Evening and weekend courier runs
Use your own car for scheduled pick-ups and drop-offs for local businesses in your spare hours.
- C$300-2k
- Side hustle
- 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
Lease-a-cab independent taxi driver
Lease a licensed cab from an existing company and keep your fares after the lease, with little upfront cash.
- C$1k-4k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Local courier for shops and offices
Deliver parcels, documents and orders across your town for local businesses, using your own car or van.
- C$500-3k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
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
Wedding car and chauffeur service
Drive couples and wedding parties to the ceremony in a well-kept classic or luxury car.
- C$8k-35k
- 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
Guided ATV rides at a campground or lodge
Bring a few ATVs on a trailer and run guided rides on a campground, resort or farm's land.
- C$12k-40k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Roll-off dumpster rental with your own truck
Drop off large bins at renovation and cleanout sites, then haul them away when full.
- C$120k-250k
- Full-time
- Out and about
Small dumpster rental with a pickup and trailer
Rent 6 to 14 yard bins to homeowners for cleanouts and small jobs, delivered by pickup and trailer.
- C$15k-60k
- Part-time
- 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
Small pedicab fleet for events and tourist areas
Run two to four pedicabs with hired riders at tourist stands, hotels, weddings and events.
- C$15k-50k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Small-scale kerosene delivery to homes and sites
Deliver kerosene in approved drums and totes to cottages, farms and work sites that don't need a full tanker.
- C$8k-40k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Kerosene and heating fuel tanker route
Run a small tanker truck delivering kerosene and heating fuel to home tanks and businesses on a regular route.
- C$80k-300k
- Full-time
- Out and about
Same-day van courier for local businesses
Collect and deliver parcels, documents and small freight by van for local businesses on a same-day basis.
- C$8k-35k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Bike courier for downtown deliveries
Deliver documents and small parcels by bike or e-bike in a dense city centre with low running costs.
- C$500-4k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
About these ideas
Others are lighter and cheaper to begin, such as a bike courier for downtown deliveries or moving labour helpers. Start by thinking about the vehicle you already have access to, how much you can spend upfront, and whether you want steady contracts or one-off jobs. Check what licences, permits and commercial insurance your province and municipality require before taking a single paid job. Weather, seasons and fuel costs also shape your income, so plan for quieter months.
More ideas
- Evening and weekend courier runs by car
- Pre-booked airport transfers in your own car
- Airport van shuttle for groups and hotels
- Owner-operator freight trucking
- Local straight truck freight service
- Event valet parking for weddings and parties
- Valet service for restaurants and hotels
- Small-group minibus day tours
- Airport and group transfer minibus
- Event and wedding minibus shuttle
- Wheelchair-accessible van service
- Seniors' escort driver service
- Scooter rentals delivered to hotels and cottages
- Minibus charter for groups and events
- Mobile horse trailer servicing and repair
- Wedding and event chauffeur car
- Guided lake and river fishing trips
- Fishing charter boat with skipper
- Upright piano moving with a small crew
- Full-service piano movers with a box truck
- Local courier and same-day delivery
- Light hauling and small moves with a van
- Rides for seniors and appointments
- Learn-to-ride motorcycle courses
- One-to-one motorcycle coaching
- Owner-operator school bus route
- Small van school shuttle for families
- Truck road test and refresher coaching
Questions
What should I check before starting a transport business in Canada?
Check the licence class needed for your vehicle, any provincial or municipal permits, and whether your personal auto insurance covers paid work. Commercial insurance is often required. Your province's transportation ministry and local city office are good places to confirm the rules.
Can I start with the vehicle I already own?
Sometimes. A personal van or bike may be enough for courier or light hauling work, but check whether your insurer allows business use and whether the vehicle meets any local requirements. Passenger services often have stricter vehicle and inspection rules, so confirm before you advertise.
How do I find steady work in a transport business?
Many people begin by approaching local businesses, venues, hotels or schools that need regular runs, then add one-off bookings. Clear pricing, reliable timing and good reviews help. Check whether any platforms or contracts you use have their own insurance or licensing conditions.