A former Texas Instruments engineer, embarrassed from having to borrow a friend’s pickup, created an Uber-like truck rental company that’s taking off in Texas.Who hasn’t had to borrow a pickup?
Texas businesswoman Brenda Stoner banked on that notion, gave it an Uber twist and ended up with a fast-growing business dubbed pickupnow.com.
The Star-Telegram reports that Stoner started the business last year after feeling embarrassed about borrowing a friend’s pickup.
Now, people with pickups are seeking out Stoner for a chance to hire-out their trucks.
The business now has over 100 drivers. Military veterans, police officers or firefighters looking for a second income are preferred driver applicants, Stoner says, because they tend to have more impressive driving records and people skills, including a greater willingness to help load and unload the truck.
After using the PICKUP app, drivers show up typically in five to 20 minutes ready to haul just about anything except animals, hazardous materials and people. That’s right. Customers who want their stuff hauled can’t ride with the driver.
Trips below 10 miles are usually covered by the base charge of $45. After that, it’s $1.50 per mile and 80 cents per minute. Pickup loads are insured for up to $20,000.
“We have a crop of really great guys who drive their own pickup trucks,” Stoner told the Star Telegram.
Stoner, a former Texas Instruments engineer, has attracted several investors, including Ross Perot Jr. Her Addison-based business is expanding beyond the the Dallas-Ft. Worth area.
The PICKUP app is available for free on iTunes or Google Play. For more information visit pickupnow.com.
