Soil delivery with a dump truck

Landscapers, gardeners, small builders, contractors and homeowners with raised beds, lawns or grading projects.

You charge per cubic yard or per load, plus a delivery fee based on distance. Your margin is the gap between what you pay at the pit and what you charge delivered, minus fuel and truck costs.

• Safe truck driving and load handling
• Knowing soil types and what each is used for
• Quoting jobs and estimating volumes
• Reliable scheduling and customer service

• Check the driver's licence class and air brake endorsement needed for your truck in your province
• Commercial vehicle insurance and commercial general liability cover
• Weight limits, safety inspections and seasonal road restrictions such as spring thaw, check your provincial transport ministry
• Ask suppliers where the soil comes from and whether it is tested, as contaminated or weed-filled soil can cause problems for you and your clients
• Demand drops sharply in winter in many regions, so plan cash flow for the off-season
• Check whether you must register for GST/HST once revenue passes the small supplier threshold

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $15,000 to $70,000, depending mainly on the truck you buy and the insurance and licensing you need. You buy soil by the load, so you do not need your own yard to start.

Check the driver's licence class and air brake endorsement needed in your province, plus commercial vehicle and general liability insurance. Also check weight limits, safety inspections, seasonal road restrictions such as spring thaw, and GST/HST registration once past the small supplier threshold.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on how many loads you deliver and your pricing. Demand drops sharply in winter in many regions, so plan your cash flow for the off-season.