Guides9 min read
Commercial Driver Side Income Guide
#commercial driver side income#owner operator Ontario#truck owner extra income#delivery driver side hustle#commercial driver gig work
G
GoGedit Team
Jun 5, 2026
A complete guide to earning side income as a commercial driver in Ontario. Covers owner operator opportunities, delivery platforms, tax tips, and how truck owners can earn $2,000–$5,000/month extra.
Commercial Driver Side Income Guide: How Ontario Truck Owners Earn Extra
Owning a commercial vehicle in Ontario, whether a box truck, cargo van, or pickup gives you a significant advantage in the gig economy. While most side hustle guides focus on food delivery or rideshare, commercial drivers have access to higher-paying opportunities that leverage their vehicle's cargo capacity.
This guide covers everything Ontario commercial drivers need to know about earning side income: the best opportunities, realistic earnings, tax considerations, and how to get started.
Why Commercial Drivers Are Uniquely Positioned for Side Income
Commercial drivers have advantages that most gig workers don't:
- Vehicle capacity: A box truck can handle jobs that are impossible for standard vehicles furniture sets, appliances, large Marketplace items
- Existing skills: Commercial driving experience means you can handle complex deliveries, navigate tight spaces, and manage cargo safely
- Existing vehicle: If you already own a commercial vehicle, the marginal cost of side income work is just fuel and time
- High demand: Ontario's population and active Marketplace economy create constant demand for large-item delivery
- Premium rates: Large-item delivery pays significantly more than food or parcel delivery
Side Income Opportunities for Commercial Drivers in Ontario
On-Demand Delivery Platforms
On-demand delivery platforms are the fastest way to start earning side income as a commercial driver. You sign up, get approved, and start accepting jobs, no long-term commitment required.
GoGedit is Ontario's leading platform for large-item delivery. As a GoGedit driver, you earn per delivery for furniture, appliance, and Marketplace item transport across Ontario.
- Earnings: $25–$60 per delivery
- Typical daily earnings: $150–$360 (3–6 deliveries)
- Flexibility: Work any day, any time
- Coverage: All major Ontario cities
Owner Operator Contracts
For drivers looking for more consistent income, owner operator contracts with local businesses provide steady work without the unpredictability of gig platforms.
Types of owner operator contracts in Ontario
- Furniture retailer delivery: Deliver new furniture from stores to customers. Many small and mid-size furniture retailers in Ontario use independent owner operators rather than maintaining their own fleet.
- Appliance retailer delivery: Similar to furniture delivery — retailers need drivers for customer deliveries.
- Moving company subcontracting: Moving companies frequently subcontract to owner operators during peak periods (spring and summer).
- Courier company subcontracting: Courier companies use owner operators for overflow capacity.
How to find owner operator contracts
- Visit local furniture and appliance retailers in person
- Contact moving companies about subcontracting opportunities
- Register with courier company owner operator programs
- Network at local business associations
Typical owner operator contract rates in Ontario
- Furniture delivery: $150–$300/day
- Appliance delivery: $150–$280/day
- Moving subcontract: $200–$400/day
- Courier subcontract: $180–$350/day
Facebook Marketplace and Kijiji Delivery
Building a local reputation as a reliable delivery driver on Marketplace and Kijiji can generate consistent side income without platform fees.
How to build a Marketplace delivery business
- Create a service listing: Post on Facebook Marketplace under "Services" with your vehicle type, service area, and rates
- Join local groups: Post in local buy/sell groups offering delivery services
- Build reviews: Ask satisfied customers to leave reviews on your Marketplace profile
- Offer competitive rates: Research what other drivers charge in your area
Typical Marketplace delivery rates in Ontario:
- Single furniture item: $60–$120
- Full furniture load: $120–$250
- Appliance: $60–$120
- Multi-item Marketplace haul: $150–$300
Junk Removal
Junk removal is a high-margin side business for commercial drivers. Ontario homeowners, landlords, and businesses regularly need junk hauled away, and the market is underserved in many areas.
Starting a junk removal side business:
- List on Kijiji, Facebook Marketplace, and Google Business Profile
- Offer competitive rates ($100–$300 per load)
- Partner with renovation contractors for regular work
- Offer estate cleanout services
**Earnings potential**: Active junk removal operators in Ontario earn $200–$500 per day.
Moving Assistance
Local moves are a natural fit for commercial drivers. Ontario's active rental market generates constant demand for moving help.
Types of moving jobs
- Apartment and condo moves
- Student moves (August–September peak)
- Single-room moves
- Storage unit moves
Earnings: Local moves in Ontario typically pay $150–$500 depending on size and distance.
Realistic Earnings: What Commercial Drivers Actually Make
Here's a realistic breakdown of monthly side income for Ontario commercial drivers at different activity levels:
Part-Time (2–3 days/week)
| Income Stream | Monthly Earnings |
|---|---|
| GoGedit deliveries (2 days/week) | $1,200–$2,880 |
| Marketplace delivery (occasional) | $400–$800 |
| Total | $1,600–$3,680 |
Active Side Hustle (4–5 days/week)
| Income Streams | Monthly Earnings |
|---|---|
| GoGedit deliveries (4 days/week) | $2,400–$5,760 |
| Marketplace delivery (regular) | $800–$1,600 |
| Occasional moving jobs | $400–$800 |
| Total | $3,600–$8,160 |
Full-Time Owner Operator
| Income Stream | Monthly Earnings |
|---|---|
| GoGedit deliveries (5 days/week) | $3,000–$7,200 |
| Owner operator contract | $2,000–$4,000 |
| Marketplace delivery | $600–$1,200 |
| Total | $5,600–$12,400 |
Note: These are gross earnings before vehicle costs and taxes.
Vehicle Costs: What to Factor In
Understanding your true costs is essential for profitable side income work:
| Cost | Monthly Estimate |
|---|---|
| Fuel | $400–$800 |
| Commercial insurance | $300–$600 |
| Maintenance and repairs | $200–$400 |
| Licensing and registration | $50–$100 |
| Equipment (dolly, blankets, straps) | $20–$50 (amortized) |
| Total monthly costs | $970–$1,950 |
Tax Considerations for Commercial Driver Side Income
Side income from delivery and transport work is taxable in Canada. Here's what Ontario commercial drivers need to know:
Register as a Sole Proprietor
If you're earning side income from delivery work, register as a sole proprietor with the Ontario government. This is simple, inexpensive, and allows you to:
- Deduct vehicle expenses against your income
- File taxes as a business
- Open a business bank account
Deductible Expenses
As a self-employed delivery driver, you can deduct:
- Vehicle expenses: Fuel, maintenance, insurance, registration (proportional to business use)
- Equipment: Appliance dolly, moving blankets, straps, phone mount
- Phone and data: Proportional to business use
- Platform fees: Any fees paid to gig platforms
- Business registration and accounting fees
HST Registration
Once your annual revenue exceeds $30,000, you must register for HST with the CRA. You'll collect HST on your services and remit it to the government, but you can also claim input tax credits on your business expenses.
Keep Records
Track every delivery, every expense, and every kilometer driven for business. Apps like QuickBooks Self-Employed or Wave make this straightforward.
Getting Started: Your First 30 Days
Week 1: Set Up Your Business Foundation
- Get commercial vehicle insurance
- Register as a sole proprietor (optional but recommended)
- Apply to GoGedit: [Driver Sign-Up](/be-a-driver)
- Invest in basic equipment: appliance dolly, moving blankets, ratchet straps
Week 2: Start Taking Jobs
- Accept your first GoGedit deliveries
- Post on Marketplace and Kijiji offering delivery services
- Join local Facebook groups and introduce your services
Week 3: Build Your Reputation
- Focus on punctuality and communication
- Ask satisfied customers for reviews
- Track your earnings and expenses
Week 4: Optimize and Expand
- Identify your most profitable job types
- Consider adding a second platform
- Evaluate whether owner operator contracts make sense for your schedule
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can a commercial driver earn as a side hustle in Ontario?
Part-time commercial driver side hustlers in Ontario typically earn $1,600–$3,680/month working 2–3 days per week. Full-time owner operators can earn $5,600–$12,400/month gross.
Do I need to register a business to do delivery side work in Ontario?
You don't legally need to register a business to start, but registering as a sole proprietor is recommended. It simplifies taxes, allows business expense deductions, and looks more professional to clients.
What insurance do I need for commercial delivery side work in Ontario?
You need a commercial vehicle insurance policy that covers hire and reward use. Personal auto insurance does not cover commercial delivery work.
Is GoGedit available across Ontario?
Yes. GoGedit operates across Ontario including Toronto, Brampton, Mississauga, Hamilton, Guelph, Vaughan, Markham, Richmond Hill, Oakville, Burlington, and Caledon.
Can I do delivery side work while employed full-time?
Yes. Many GoGedit drivers work evenings and weekends around their primary employment. The platform is designed for flexible, on-demand work.
Start Your Commercial Driver Side Income Journey
Ontario's delivery economy is growing, and commercial drivers are in the best position to benefit. GoGedit is the fastest way to start earning side income with your commercial vehicle. Apply to Drive With GoGedit (/be-a-driver).
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