Renting a Trailer, is it worth it? What is your experience?

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by ElijahJohn1, Jun 24, 2019.

  1. ElijahJohn1

    ElijahJohn1 Light Load Member

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    I was interested in renting either a reefer or dry van trailer for a month, but have no experience doing so. For those of you who have done it, how thorough do the renters background check you/your company? Also did it end up being worth the cost & hassle in the end? Thanks
     
    Last edited: Jun 24, 2019
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  3. mp4694330

    mp4694330 Road Train Member

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    What type of trailer?
     
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  4. blade

    blade Heavy Load Member

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    I was going to lease a step from Tnt rentals in St. Louis. The process there was pretty simple just fill out a credit app and wait for approval. Decided the cost to rent slash lease was more expensive than buying so I bought a trailer elsewhere instead. In my opinion there are to many places where a good deal on a van or reefer can be found to waste the extra money on leasing or renting but that’s just my opinion
     
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  5. 86scotty

    86scotty Road Train Member

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    When I called around a year or so ago most wouldn't lease to a new authority. I found one that did and kept it for about 3 months before I decided to just buy. I was concerned about having a relatively new one to keep brokers and shippers happy but I've never once been asked what year my trailer is.

    My advice? Buy a clean cheap older one instead.
     
  6. Dino soar

    Dino soar Road Train Member

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    I have been looking into renting also.

    It's probably best as a short-term solution so that you can work a bit and get some cash and just buy a trailer, unless you just find something older that's really inexpensive.

    My main concern with renting is that at different times when I was a driver I would pick up rental trailers and return them. At least for Xtra lease, they would look over that whole trailer and every Nick and every ding they would charge you for. So you had to be really careful that they marked everything down when you check that trailer out because if you missed something you would get charged for that.
     
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  7. snowwy

    snowwy Road Train Member

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    Some of the copper plants won't load trailers over 10 years. And they verify registration.

    I think some on here mentioned paper too.

    May not matter. If you never plan on hauling.
     
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  8. Midwest Trucker

    Midwest Trucker Road Train Member

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    I always rented trailers until I knew I had a long term need and then I would buy. As I grew further I would rent more until the same conclusion, then I would buy more.

    Use it to your advantage. Renting and buying are very similar costs through Xtra anyway. 399/mo plus .04/mi for new vans.

    So, renting only hurts your building equity. It’s a good trade off not to get ahead of yourself but once your confident that need is there you might as well be building equity.
     
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  9. Dave_in_AZ

    Dave_in_AZ Road Train Member

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    Paper & auto parts are the two that come up for van.
     
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  10. Dino soar

    Dino soar Road Train Member

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    I have heard that auto plants will not load you unless your trailer is less than 10 years old.

    I've also heard that there are some places that won't load you if you have a plywood trailer.

    I believe Convoy says your trailer needs to be 2007 or newer. Yet I know other guys have said their trailer is older and it was not a problem.

    I've heard of other guys that bought an old trailer like even in the 90s, and they've never had a problem.

    Maybe someone with more experience with all of that can comment.
     
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  11. Ridgeline

    Ridgeline Road Train Member

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    With the price of trailers on the used market, why rent?
     
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