Local van hire depot with a larger fleet

Trades and small businesses needing extra capacity, movers, delivery start-ups, and households with a big move or project.

Daily, weekly and monthly hire rates with a kilometre allowance and extra per-kilometre charges. Longer business contracts give steadier income.

• Managing money and vehicle finance
• Running bookings and a fleet schedule
• Customer service and handling disputes
• Arranging servicing and repairs

• Check zoning and any municipal business licence needed for a vehicle rental yard
• Fleet insurance for rental use is costly and varies by province, so compare quotes
• Check provincial rules on rental agreements, fees and consumer protection, and Quebec's French-language requirements if relevant
• WCB/WSIB coverage and employment rules apply once you hire staff, so check your province
• Financing many vehicles at once is a heavy fixed cost, and quiet winter months can hurt
• Keep servicing and safety checks up to date, as a breakdown loses income and may cause liability

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $150,000 to $400,000, depending on fleet size, financing and the yard you rent. Financing many vehicles at once is a heavy fixed cost.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $12,000 to $60,000, depending on fleet size and how often vans are booked. Quiet winter months can hurt, so plan your fixed costs carefully.

Check zoning and any municipal business licence for a vehicle rental yard, and compare fleet insurance quotes, which vary by province. Also check provincial rules on rental agreements, fees and consumer protection, Quebec's French-language requirements if relevant, and WCB/WSIB once you hire staff.