One of the biggest questions for anyone getting started in junk removal is What type of junk removal vehicle should I use? There are plenty of options, each with its pros and cons. You could start with a pickup truck, add a dump trailer, or go with a more traditional setup like a box truck or even a roll-off dumpster truck.
Each choice has its unique advantages, and some setups are more suited to certain jobs than others. After all, the main task is simple—you’re picking up items from people’s properties and taking them to a landfill or transfer station. But the vehicle you choose can have a huge impact on your efficiency, your workload, and even your team’s morale. This is especially important now, with more people jumping into the industry after seeing videos online showing how easy it looks to make $500 a day hauling with a minivan. It’s no wonder the market has become so competitive.
The truth is, anyone can start with any vehicle—even a minivan. If you’ve got the right attitude, you’re friendly, and you’re willing to work hard, you’ll make progress regardless of your setup. But if you’re serious about building a great junk removal company, think carefully about where you start and how you plan to grow.
My Experience: Lessons from the Road
When I started out, I went with a box truck. I wanted to look as professional as possible, so I wrapped it to give it a polished appearance. It was a new box truck, which meant I could take advantage of the bonus depreciation on my taxes. It seemed like a smart move, especially because I could offer “light hauling” in addition to junk removal, like helping people move items across town.
But as we started taking on more jobs, I realized this decision came with some serious drawbacks:
• Double Labor: The closed top meant everything had to be loaded and unloaded by hand. If you’ve ever done an attic cleanout with loads of small items—books, magazines, clothes—you know how exhausting that can get, especially after a full day’s work.
• Team Fatigue: After loading the truck all day, my crew was wiped out. When they had to unload at the landfill, they were already exhausted. This is when mistakes start happening—maybe someone loses their grip carrying something heavy, or a tired arm brushes against a wall on the way down a staircase. Fatigue sets in, and even small mistakes can turn costly fast.
In hindsight, a box truck wasn’t the right choice for a business focused on junk removal. I needed something that streamlined the process, not slowed it down.
Moving to a Dump Trailer
So, I upgraded to a pickup truck and a dump trailer. It sounded like the perfect solution—more flexibility and easier unloading. But the dump trailer came with its own set of problems. Training a driver to handle it was challenging. We had more accidents, like hitting objects while changing lanes or struggling to back up in tight spaces. The trailer needed constant upkeep, from flat tires to broken axles, not to mention the battery always needed charging. And safety was another big issue—properly hitching and unhitching the trailer, securing it on hills, and making sure it wouldn’t roll away became constant concerns. As a business owner, putting others in charge of this kind of risky asset created more headaches than solutions.
I know plenty of guys in this industry who run successful operations with dump trailers, and it works for them. There’s nothing wrong with starting that way, but from my experience, if you’re serious about growing your business, a standalone dump truck or roll-off dumpster truck is worth the investment. The time and money you save will add up, and you’ll avoid a lot of the stress that comes with managing trailers and extra equipment.
Final Advice
Start with what you have—whatever vehicle or setup is within your reach. But as soon as you’re able, upgrade to something that will make your life easier and help your business run more efficiently. Know where you want to go, take small steps, and save for those upgrades. When you’re ready, that change will make a world of difference.
Quick Tips for Starting Your Junk Removal Business
1. Start Where You Are – Use the vehicle that fits your budget and situation, even if it’s a minivan or pickup truck. Focus on building a reputation first.
2. Understand the Trade-offs – Each vehicle type has unique challenges. Trailers can be hard to maneuver, box trucks can exhaust your team, and standalone dump trucks can be costly upfront.
3. Upgrade When Possible – When you’re financially ready, a standalone dump truck or roll-off dumpster truck will save time, money, and energy in the long run.
Closing Thoughts:
Building a junk removal business is a journey, and the starting point doesn’t have to be perfect. What matters is staying committed, working hard, and always aiming for the next level. When you’re ready, make those upgrades that simplify your process and build efficiency into your day-to-day.
Stay focused, keep moving forward, and remember that every small step brings you closer to your vision.✌️
Justin Hubbard
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