Start a local coal and solid fuel delivery business

Homeowners with coal or pellet stoves and boilers, farms, small shops, workshops, and hobbyists such as blacksmiths.

You sell by the bag, pallet or ton at a markup over your purchase price, plus a delivery fee. Repeat customers re-order each heating season.

• Safe driving and loading
• Physical stamina
• Reliable scheduling and customer service

• Air quality rules: some states, counties and cities restrict or ban burning coal, so check local regulations before you start
• General liability and commercial auto insurance, since personal auto policies often exclude business deliveries
• Vehicle weight limits and whether a commercial driver's license or DOT rules apply, check with your state DMV
• Check zoning, dust and stormwater rules if you store fuel on your property
• Sales tax registration and local business license requirements
• Strong seasonality: most sales fall in autumn and winter, so plan your cash flow
• Do not give installation or venting advice, and recommend customers use carbon monoxide alarms

Startup costs are typically around $3,000 to $20,000, depending on your vehicle, trailer or truck, and how much fuel stock you buy. These are estimates, so get quotes from suppliers and check insurance costs before you commit.

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on your area, delivery volume and the season. These are revenue estimates, not profit. Most sales fall in autumn and winter, so plan your cash flow.

Check air quality rules, since some states, counties and cities restrict or ban burning coal. Also check vehicle weight limits and whether commercial driver's license or DOT rules apply with your state DMV, plus zoning and stormwater rules if you store fuel.