Launch a Truck, Trailer, and RV Rental Business in Burnaby
This page explains how to start a Truck, Utility Trailer, and RV Rental and Leasing business in Burnaby under NAICS 532120. You’ll find a practical, five-step blueprint covering essential requirements, permits, costs, and a clear timeline to move from idea to first rental. It's designed for hopeful entrepreneurs who want a steady path to launch—no fluff, just actionable guidance.
You’ll learn the five starter requirements to launch, from choosing a business structure and registering in Burnaby to securing commercial vehicle insurance, registrations, and BC permits. We’ll cover the permits you may need, how insurance costs affect your budget, and practical fleet financing tips. Expect a realistic budget range, ongoing maintenance costs, and onboarding steps for a smooth rollout. Finally, you’ll get a practical timeline from setup to your first rental.
Burnaby’s location near Vancouver, solid business demand, and easy road access make it a smart spot to grow a rental fleet. Local guidelines are clear, and starting in Burnaby gives you a strong foothold for expanding into the wider Lower Mainland.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a truck, utility trailer, and RV rental and leasing business in Burnaby is Business Number (BN) Registration. This BN is issued by the Canada Revenue Agency and you need it to legally handle taxes, file returns, and set up program accounts such as GST/HST and payroll. You cannot legally operate without a BN. Related to this, BC also requires BC Business Name Registration if you’re using a trade name (Sole Proprietorship or Partnership), so registering your business name is a necessary step before you start taking bookings or running fleet operations.
Mandatory Operational Requirements: Health, safety, and permits come first. In BC, employers must have WorkSafeBC Coverage and Registration to protect your workers and comply with provincial health and safety rules. This is non-negotiable for any business with employees or contractors. You should also be aware of local Burnaby requirements for permits or approvals related to vehicle storage, parking, and rental activities, and ensure your fleet is maintained and roadworthy in line with safety standards.
Business Registration & Tax: As you lay the groundwork, plan how BN, BC Business Name Registration, and tax accounts fit together. Your BN will be used for GST/HST Registration and Payroll Deductions Registration. If you reach the GST/HST threshold or choose to register voluntarily, you’ll collect and remit GST/HST to the federal government. If you hire staff, you’ll need to manage payroll deductions (income tax, CPP/QPP, EI) and report these through CRA processes. Keeping these registrations organized helps you bill correctly and stay compliant.
Encouragement: Ready to move forward? Start by confirming your business structure and name, then file BN registration with CRA and BC Registries, apply for GST/HST and payroll accounts, and enroll in WorkSafeBC. Once these essentials are in place, you can confidently plan your fleet, insurance, and Burnaby-specific licensing, and be
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a truck, utility trailer, and rv (recreational vehicle) rental and leasing in Burnaby:
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Business Number (BN) Registration RequiredA 9-digit Business Number is required for most businesses operating in Canada. It is used to interact with the Canada Revenue Agency and other federal programs. Required for GST/HST, payroll, corporation income tax, and import/export accounts. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) at canada.ca. Takes 15-30 minutes. As of November 3, 2025, online registration is MANDATORY for new BNs - phone registration no longer available. You'll need: business name, address, owner SIN, business type, and start date. BN (9-digit number) issued INSTANTLY online. Available 21 hours/day, 7 days/week (closed 3-6am ET for maintenance).
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BC Business Name Registration (Sole Proprietorship/Partnership) RequiredRegistration of sole proprietorship or partnership business names with BC Registries Register sole proprietorship or partnership at bcregistry.gov.bc.ca. Name reservation: $30 (standard) or $100 (priority 1-2 days). Registration fee: $40. Total: ~$70. Name reserved for 56 days after approval. Registration is continuous (no renewal required). No name protection for sole proprietorships. Personal names operating under own name do not require registration. Contact BC Registries: 1-877-526-1526.
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GST/HST Registration ConditionalRequired if annual taxable revenue exceeds $30,000 (small supplier threshold). Taxi/ride-share drivers must register regardless of revenue. Businesses with gross revenues over $30,000 in any single quarter or over four consecutive quarters must register for, collect, and remit GST/HST. Small suppliers (under $30,000) may register voluntarily. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when your revenue exceeds $30,000 in any 4 consecutive quarters (small supplier threshold). Takes 15-30 minutes. You MUST register within 29 days of exceeding threshold and start charging GST/HST immediately on the sale that made you exceed it. Need your BN (or get one simultaneously). As of Nov 3, 2025, online registration is mandatory. Voluntary registration available anytime for input tax credits.
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Payroll Deductions Registration ConditionalRequired if you pay salaries, wages, or other remuneration to employees. Must register before first pay period. Required if you have employees. You must withhold Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Employment Insurance (EI), and income tax from employee wages and remit to CRA. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when you hire your first employee. Takes 15-20 minutes. You'll need your Business Number (BN) or can get one simultaneously. Payroll account (RP) added to your BN instantly. Register BEFORE your first pay date. Required to deduct CPP, EI, and income tax from employee wages. For 2025: CPP rate 5.95%, EI employee rate $1.66/$100 insurable earnings.
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WorkSafeBC Coverage and Registration ConditionalRequired if you have workers in BC. Workers compensation insurance coverage through WorkSafeBC for employers in British Columbia WorkSafeBC coverage required for most BC employers. Average base premium rate: 1.55% of assessable payroll ($1.55 per $100). Register online at worksafebc.com. Apply 30 days before starting business or hiring workers. Processing: ~10 business days. Premium rates vary by industry classification (514 classification units). COR certified employers eligible for 10% rebate. Contact: 604-276-3100 or 1-888-967-5377.
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