After the holiday rush, the freight market often cools down, allowing truckers to park their rigs, recharge, and enjoy much-needed time with family. While this downtime is perfect for relaxation, it can also be an opportunity to explore side hustles to bring in extra income.
Being constantly on the road can be a draining experience, especially if you’re needed at home for family, other responsibilities, or just personal time. However, sitting idle can cost a carrier much-needed revenue; picking up a side hustle can make time off the road less of a financial burden.
Why pick up a side hustle?
For truckers, the off-season is not only a time to rest but also a chance to diversify income streams and explore new interests. A good side hustle can help bridge the gap in income during slow periods, keep you active and productive, and help you reconnect with your community.
There are also more opportunities for side hustles from the traditional trucking world. Here are some ideas to help make the most of the off-season.
1. Moving Trailers for Local Companies
Even if long-haul freight slows, many businesses still need trailers moved locally.
- What’s Involved: Moving empty or loaded trailers between distribution centers, warehouses, or retail locations.
- Benefits: Keeps drivers behind the wheel without the demands of over-the-road hauling.
- How to Get Started: Contact local businesses, equipment dealers, or trailer rental companies to see if they need help repositioning trailers.
This hustle can be a great way to stay connected to the trucking industry while working shorter hours and sticking closer to home.
2. Coach Youth Sports
Off-season work doesn’t always have to focus on making money. Investing time with family and community can pay dividends in other ways.
- Coaching Youth Sports: Share knowledge and mentor young athletes by coaching a local Little League or basketball team.
- School Activities: Take on odd jobs at your kids’ school, like helping with events, maintenance, or transportation needs.
- Benefits: Strengthen family bonds, enjoy a sense of community, and create lasting memories.
This option allows drivers to recharge emotionally while staying active.
3. Work at the Local Public School
Many schools need additional help, especially from parents of children in school. That could be helping with part-time work.
- What’s Involved: Contact staffing folks at local schools in the area. Depending on qualifications, ask about positions like teacher’s assistants, substitute teachers, or adult supervisors at recess, lunch, and before—or after-school programs. You’ll also need to pass background checks and other sign-up requirements.
- Benefits: Get connected with your community and your kids! Kids love it when parents volunteer at school.
- How to Get Started: Reach out to the administration at each school or join a local parent group to get information about openings.
4. Dispatch for Other Carriers
If you want to keep one foot in the trucking world, consider dispatching or handling back-office tasks for other carriers.
- What’s Involved: Finding loads for owner-operators, managing rate confirmations, or ensuring proper documentation, such as BOLs and PODs, are submitted.
- Benefits: Flexible work from home with a laptop and phone.
- How to Get Started: Reach out to small carriers, owner-operators, or brokers who might need extra support.
Your industry experience gives you a leg up in providing valuable services to others, and new networking opportunities may arise from staying within the industry.
5. Take on Seasonal Jobs
Seasonal work opportunities abound during the holiday season and beyond, making it a good time to supplement income.
- Examples:some text
- Retail stores hiring for the busy shopping season.
- Delivery services like Amazon needing extra drivers for holiday packages.
- Snowplowing (if you’re in a colder climate).
- Benefits: Temporary roles that don’t require long-term commitment.
These jobs bring in money and offer a change of pace from trucking.
6. Sell Things Online
Tap into the world of e-commerce and turn your downtime into cash by selling items online.
- What to Sell:some text
- Unused tools or equipment from your truck.
- Handcrafted items or collectibles.
- Resale items from thrift stores or clearance racks.
- Platforms to Use: eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or Etsy.
- Benefits: Low startup costs and flexible work hours.
Whether decluttering or launching a side business, selling online can generate steady income with minimal overhead.
7. Freelance with Driving Apps
Not all freight dries up during the off-season. Odd-load jobs or freelance work can still be found in the right places.
- Examples:some text
- Benefits: Flexible opportunities to take on work when you want without committing to a long-haul schedule.
These gigs can fill in gaps in your schedule and help keep your trucking skills sharp.
8. Offer Mechanic and Repair Services
If you have a knack for fixing trucks or equipment, the off-season is the perfect time to turn those skills into income.
- What’s Involved: Performing maintenance and repairs on trucks, trailers, or even personal vehicles.
- Benefits: High demand for skilled mechanics in most areas.
- How to Get Started: Advertise services locally, through word of mouth, or online platforms like Craigslist.
This hustle lets you stay connected to the trucking community while helping fellow drivers.
Earn During Downtimes
The freight market may slow down after the holidays, but your earning potential doesn’t have to. From moving local trailers to selling goods online, truckers can pursue plenty of side hustles during the off-season. The key is finding one that aligns with your interests, skills, and lifestyle, and you’ll keep your finances on track and make the most of this downtime.