Want freedom and higher pay? Go 1099 with your truck. Below you’ll see real earnings, where to apply, the simple gear you need, and how Ex-Mattress pays half up front on every mattress pickup.
What is a pickup-truck contractor?
A contractor is self-employed. You pick the jobs, set the rate, and pay your own taxes. Stores, apps, and homeowners book you for heavy loads cars can’t move. ziprecruiter.com
Pros and cons of 1099 life
- Pros:
- Choose jobs and hours.
- Keep mileage write-offs—70 ¢ per mile in 2025. irs.govaxios.com
- Higher hourly pay than W-2 delivery roles. goshare.co
- Cons:
- Buy your own insurance.
- Save 30 % of income for taxes.
- No paid time off.
Real pay numbers (per hour unless noted)
| Gig/app | Typical pay | Source |
|---|---|---|
| GoShare – standard pickup | $42 | goshare.co |
| GoShare – large pickup | $57 | goshare.co |
| GoShare loads (site avg) | Up to $70 | goshare.co |
| Dolly Helpers | $15–$38 | indeed.com |
| Dolly average Helper rate | $50 | dolly.com |
| Hello Doorstep trash pickup | $25 | indeed.com |
| Roadie weekly pay (driver) | ≈ $460/wk | indeed.com |
| ZipRecruiter TX 1099 pickups | $1 015/wk avg | ziprecruiter.com |
Where to find contractor jobs
- GoShare – high-pay furniture and retail loads. goshare.co
- Dolly – steady local moves; tips push pay higher. indeed.com
- Roadie – long-haul and airport gigs; instant pay option. driver.roadie.com
- ZipRecruiter & Indeed – list regional contractor openings daily. ziprecruiter.comindeed.com
- Ex-Mattress – mattress pickups pay 50 % up front and average 15-minute stops. (sign-up page)
Gear checklist (under $100)
- Ratchet straps and tarp keep loads safe.
- $30 hand truck saves your back.
- Mileage-tracking app logs 70 ¢/mi deduction. irs.gov
FAQs
Do I need an LLC?
No, but it helps limit personal risk and may cut taxes.
What insurance covers cargo?
Apps like GoShare include cargo coverage; others expect your auto or commercial policy. goshare.co
How do weekly payouts work?
Roadie pays every Tuesday, with instant pay optional. driver.roadie.com
Can I hit $500 in a day?
Yes—combine two GoShare loads and one Ex-Mattress route. GoShare lists up to $70/hr; Ex-Mattress routes often pay $150+. goshare.cogoshare.co
Next steps
- Grab cheap gear.
- Sign up on one or more apps and join Ex-Mattress for mattress routes.
- Open same-day slots and watch payouts land.
