RSG051: Thomas Gard on Partnering With Uber and Lyft Drivers

One of the main reasons why I started my site was to help other drivers.  Now we obviously work with a lot of advertisers to support our efforts but I’ve always felt that there’s plenty of room for business opportunities to line up with helping others.  Thomas Gard started out driving for Lyft in his spare time and he now owns a min-fleet of 4 cars that he rents out to Uber and Lyft drivers.

But Thomas isn’t just another fleet owner, he actually considers his renters partners and does everything from helping them get signed up to hosting meet-ups in his home to discuss driving strategy.  So whether you’re already a driver or looking to rent out a few cars, I know you’ll get a lot of value out of this interview.

If you’d like to read a transcript of this podcast, please click here.

RSG051: Thomas Gard on Partnering With Uber and Lyft Drivers

Intro

  • Welcome to episode 51! Today we’re talking with Thomas Gard, a Rideshare Guy reader who started out as a driver and now rents out cars
  • It’s a pretty interesting transition, from rideshare driver to someone who rents out cars, and it shows you another way of working smarter, not harder
  • If you’re having trouble tracking your mileage and want to make sure you’re taking advantage of all tax benefits, check out Triplog! Use the code ‘RSG‘ when you sign up to save an additional 20%! Make sure you’re taking advantage of every tax benefit you can as a driver!
  • Missed an episode of one of our podcasts? Click here

An Interview With Thomas Gard

  • Thomas has a full time job but started driving for Lyft to make some extra money
  • Got into HyreCar because he started renting out his car to a friend
  • Realized renting out cars could be pretty profitable and a good way to make extra money while not driving
  • HyreCar is a marketplace where owners list their vehicles for people who want to drive for Uber and Lyft. Those car seekers can rent a car and go drive for Uber and Lyft

Meeting Up With Other Drivers

  • Thomas has made it a priority to meet up with other drivers to talk strategy, driving times, etc.
  • Opportunity to ask questions and make sure people are driving efficiently and maximizing the amount of money they can make
  • There is a lack of communication and cohesion among drivers, so this is a good opportunity to get together

HyreCar

  • First started on HyreCar renting out a Toyota Prius, and it’s grown from there (4 cars total)
  • The difference between using HyreCar and being a fleet owner is that, as the car owner, Thomas cares about drivers earnings and livelihoods as much as they do
  • Thomas is always looking for additional ways to hustle, like a website and an app for drivers
  • There is a bit of risk and financing involved, so being a fleet owner isn’t for everyone

How to Be a Fleet Owner

  • Dodge Journey ex. – both cars priced the same, $40 a day. For other cars, cost is less.
  • Next, fleet owners email HyreCar and let them know the car is listed
  • Drivers then communicate with HyreCar and go through their process to rent the car
  • Thomas then meets with the drivers and discusses driving and what they’ll need with them
  • You do have to estimate what you’re going to list your car out for – there’s no set price and you may have to adjust depending on your city
  • There is effort involved (maintenance and meeting with drivers), but being a fleet owner is a rewarding experience and worth investigating

Outro

  • As always, there are a ton of ways to diversify as a rideshare driver, including being a fleet owner or working with HyreCar!
  • It’s also really rewarding to be able to work with drivers, something that Thomas highlights and something that I like to do as the Rideshare Guy
  • Reach out to Thomas here via email
  • Don’t forget to track your miles with Triplog! Use the code ‘RSG‘ when you sign up to save an additional 20%!
  • Feel free to reach out to me at harry[at]therideshareguy.com or follow me on Twitter @TheRideShareGuy
  • Leave comments, questions and feedback below!

If you’d like to read a transcript of this podcast, please click here.

Drivers, what do you think about Thomas’ story and renting cars to Uber and Lyft drivers?

-Harry @ RSG

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