Your pickup is a rolling delivery van. Local stores need big items moved today, and they’ll pay well for it. Below you’ll find what shops expect, real pay numbers, cheap gear, legal tips, and the lightning-fast payouts you get when you drive for Ex-Mattress.
Why local delivery pays
- Big items won’t fit in cars, so stores hire trucks at $17-$28 an hour on average in Texas. ziprecruiter.com
- Same-day delivery demand is booming, with the market jumping to $11.3 billion in 2025. thebusinessresearchcompany.com
- Amazon’s rural expansion shows customers everywhere now expect fast drops. reuters.com
What stores want from a driver
- On-time drops – late runs hurt reviews. roadie.com
- Careful handling – wrap items in moving blankets to avoid dings. uhaul.com
- Proof of cargo cover – many apps bundle insurance; GoShare lists its policy online. goshare.co
- Quick unloads – most stops finish in under 20 minutes when routes are planned right. ziprecruiter.com
Best delivery niches for pickup trucks
| Niche | Typical pay | Source | Why it works |
|---|---|---|---|
| Big-box oversize | $17-$28/hr | ziprecruiter.com | Lumber, grills, sheds need trucks |
| Furniture & mattresses (GoShare) | Up to $70/hr | goshare.co | High-ticket items, tips |
| Local couch moves (Dolly) | $35-$50/hr | dolly.com | Weekend demand spikes |
| Airport parcel runs (Roadie) | ≈ $19.7/hr TX avg | ziprecruiter.com | Long routes pay mileage |
| Tiny loads (Marketplace) | Buyer pays delivery fee; posts show ≈ $26/hr in Austin | facebook.com | Quick curb-to-curb hops |
Fast-cash edge: Ex-Mattress routes
- 50 % paid online at booking, so cash lands before you start the truck.
- 15-minute average stop lets you squeeze in more runs.
- Open same-day or next-day slots in one tap inside your driver dashboard.
- Host drop-offs at home and keep 100 % of gate fees.
Apps like GoShare and Dolly pay weekly or twice a week, so Ex-Mattress wins on speed. goshare.codolly.com
Gear checklist (under $100)
- Ratchet straps keep loads tight.
- Two moving blankets wrap dressers 360°. uhaul.com
- $30 hand truck saves your back.
- Phone mount + free route planner app cut drive time.
Add a mileage app to capture the 70 ¢/mile 2025 deduction. irs.govaxios.com
Know the rules
- No federal CDL needed if your truck + load stays under 10 000 lbs. fmcsa.dot.gov
- Commercial auto or cargo insurance shields you from big claims. progressivecommercial.cominsureon.com
People also ask
Do I need special insurance to deliver furniture?
Yes—many apps include cargo cover, but a personal auto policy often won’t pay for cargo damage. goshare.cogoshare.co
How many deliveries fit in a day?
Plan six 20-minute stops; at GoShare rates that can clear $300+. goshare.coziprecruiter.com
Is a DOT number required?
Not for trucks under 10 000 lbs GVWR operating intrastate in most states. fmcsa.dot.gov
Quick start checklist
- Grab cheap gear and download a route planner.
- Sign up on one delivery app and join Ex-Mattress for mattress routes with half-upfront pay.
- Open same-day slots and let payouts roll in.
Internal links
- How to make money with a pickup truck – the big picture.
- Pickup-truck hauling jobs – load-and-go cash.
- Best apps to make money – compare platforms.
Your truck is ready, the jobs are waiting—drive safe, deliver fast, get paid.
