You might not know the term “semi-trailer.” It means a trailer that doesn’t have a front axle. A semi-truck or tractor unit typically tows it. If you see both a semi-trailer and a tractor or semi-truck together, most people just call that a semi.
You can see these vehicles all over the road, but especially on the highway. When you see one barreling down the street, it might have just about anything in it. America uses these large vehicles all the time to get products onto store shelves.
You can also find semi-trailers for rent fairly easily if you need one. They have many uses. However, if you have never rented a semi-trailer before, you might have several questions. We will attempt to address some of the most common ones right now.
Why Might You Need to Rent a Semi-Trailer?
When you see semi-trailers on the road, they usually belong to a company that owns and operates a fleet of them. They typically hire drivers as well. The drivers might occasionally own the semi-trailer that they drive.
You can also find some companies that rent individual semi-trailers. If you need one, maybe you have a shipment that’s going somewhere, but you don’t have to repeat the shipment.
Perhaps you make a product, but it’s only a limited release. Maybe you’re just doing a trial run, and you won’t decide whether to make this an ongoing occurrence till you see how your products sell.
You get both flexibility and cost-efficiency when you rent a semi-trailer. This makes the situation ideal if you have fluctuating demand. If you’re making a seasonal product, it’s likely you will only need to rent a semi-trailer occasionally.
You might also rent a semi-trailer because you want to try out some different ones to see which of the styles will fit your company’s needs best. You may require one because you have an emergency situation and need to transport some products or equipment.
You will also reduce your overhead costs significantly if you rent a semi-trailer rather than buying one. If you own a semi-trailer, or a whole fleet of them, then you must think about getting the proper insurance. You must also repair and maintain the semi-trailer or fleet.
How Much Does Such a Rental Usually Cost?
You can look at different semi-trailers and companies if you feel that you need one. What each one costs will often vary dramatically.
The company that you approach will want to know what you’re doing with the trailer, where you’re taking it, and how long you require it. You might find companies that will charge anywhere from $600 to $1,000 to use the trailer for a month. However, that number might fluctuate.
A company might charge you more if you’re transporting something volatile. They may charge you more at certain times of the year, like around the holidays.
The trailer’s condition might come into play. A company may want more for a brand-new trailer versus a used one that’s not in great condition.
Your location also matters. A trailer might not cost as much if you live in a smaller city. If you’re trying to rent a semi-trailer in a large city like New York, Los Angeles, or Chicago, you can probably expect a higher price tag.
Who Can Drive Your Semi-Trailer?
You will also need someone to drive the semi-trailer you rent once you have it. You need a special license to drive a semi-trailer. It’s not the same as getting behind the wheel of your family sedan.
You can probably hire a driver with experience if you look around. Many times, drivers have regular gigs with companies. However, you might find someone who’s willing to do some moonlighting on the side if they have availability. You may also find a driver who is between regular gigs.
No matter whether you find someone who’s regularly employed or not, though, you must make sure they have the right license, and you need to have the proper insurance policy in place before you hand over the keys. You should also check into the regulations and laws that govern a driver’s behavior. For instance, they can’t drive for more than a set number of hours before they need to legally pull over and take a break.
You will need to talk to any driver you’re thinking about hiring to make sure they have the requisite experience. If you find a semi-trailer driver who claims they have the experience but then can’t produce a valid license, or they don’t have a record of employment, then you should probably hire someone else instead.
How Can You Know You’ve Found a Suitable Company from Which to Rent?
If you’re thinking about renting a semi-trailer, you will also need to look at the various companies that have them available. If you live someone more rural, you likely won’t have as many options. In certain parts of the country, though, you will probably have many more rental companies.
Look at the company’s track record and reviews. Do they have plenty of positive feedback from previous customers? Do they seem to have reasonable prices?
It makes sense for you to shop around, the same as you would if you wanted to hire an HVAC maintenance company or a roofer. The best companies usually have many positive reviews, friendly employees, and a stable of well-maintained semi-trailers from which you can choose.
If you rent a trailer more than a few times, you will probably get into a routine with it. You might eventually reach a point where you will prefer to buy a semi-trailer or even a whole fleet of them.
Even if that never happens, you may establish a relationship with an existing semi-trailer rental company and the employees there. At that point, after multiple positive interactions, you will know that you can trust this business entity. Long-term relationships help businesses, and this scenario certainly applies.
