Gas cylinder delivery and exchange round
Deliver and swap bottled gas cylinders for cottages, RV parks, farms and small businesses in your area.
- C$8k-35k
- Part-time
- Out and about
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in Canada, not guarantees.
What it is
A van-based service that delivers full cylinders and collects empties for customers who find it hard to reach a refill shop, and sells basic regulators and fittings.
Your first three steps
- Ask your provincial safety regulator and a propane supplier what training and approvals are needed to transport and sell cylinders
- Price a suitable van with secure cylinder racks and set up a supply and exchange agreement
- Contact campgrounds, RV parks, cottage associations and local businesses to find regular customers
Who pays
Cottage and campsite owners, RV parks, farms, food trucks, contractors and small businesses.
How it makes money
Margin on each cylinder swapped plus a delivery fee, with repeat orders from regular customers and account clients.
Skills that help
- Safe driving and route planning
- Careful handling of heavy cylinders
- Customer service and reliability
Watch out for
- Transportation of dangerous goods rules, including training and labelling (check Transport Canada and provincial requirements)
- Vehicle insurance and commercial general liability that specifically cover carrying gas cylinders
- Provincial rules for storing cylinders at your own base or home, and any municipal licence
- Heavy lifting and slippery winter conditions, so plan for injury risk
- Strong seasonality, with cottage and camping demand dropping in winter
Deep research report · Canada
Everything you need to start: gas cylinder delivery and exchange round
Researched with live web search for Canada: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start a gas cylinder delivery round?
Startup costs are typically estimated at around $8,000 to $35,000, depending on your vehicle, cylinder stock, handling equipment and insurance. The figure varies with whether you already have a suitable van.
How much can a gas cylinder delivery round earn?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $3,000 to $14,000, depending on your area, number of regular customers and season. Cottage and camping demand drops in winter, so earnings can vary through the year.
What rules should I check before delivering gas cylinders?
Check transportation of dangerous goods rules, including training and labelling, with Transport Canada and your province. Also check that vehicle and commercial general liability insurance cover carrying gas cylinders, and provincial rules or municipal licences for storing cylinders at your base or home.
Other ways to run this business
Similar retail ideas
Camping gear pop-up and rentals
Sell and rent camping gear from a seasonal stall near campgrounds, markets and events.
- C$8k-35k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Jewellery exporter with stock and trade shows
Hold a curated range of Canadian jewellery and win overseas retail buyers at trade fairs.
- C$8k-35k
- Part-time
- From home
Alterations shop on the high street
Open a small alterations shop with walk-in trade, dry cleaner partnerships and formal wear fittings.
- C$8k-35k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Appointment-only engagement ring and repair studio
See couples and repair customers by appointment in a private studio, with lower rent than a shop front.
- C$8k-35k
- Part-time
- From home
Mobility aid rentals with home delivery
Rent and sell wheelchairs and walkers by delivering them to homes, hospitals and hotels, with no shop to run.
- C$8k-35k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Flower wholesale delivery route
Buy cut flowers in bulk from importers and growers, then deliver fresh to local florists and event designers.
- C$8k-35k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Photo: Bru-nO on Pixabay