Whether you’re a small business needing to transport bulk items or a manufacturing firm with various production facilities, renting semi-trailers or trucks just makes sense. Semi trucks have a crucial role in the movement of goods within the supply chain, from production to delivery to customers. 

They can transport large volumes of cargo and travel long distances. These trucks are cost-effective and efficient when it comes to moving goods anywhere in the country.

If you are looking for semi-trailers for rent, it is important to have a good understanding of semi trucks and the usual contracts involved in leasing one. In this article, we’ll give you tips on renting trailer trucks and help you learn more about semis so you can make informed decisions when it’s time to sign the rental papers.

Advantages of Renting Instead of Buying a Semi-Trailer

If you are occasionally sending cargo at long distances, taking advantage of rentals might be beneficial for you and your business. Here are some benefits of renting a semi: 

Reduce Operating Costs

Reducing operating expenses is among the top priorities of most businesses, and some companies are finding creative ways to do so. Renting a semi-trailer is one solution. There is no doubt that renting is a more cost-effective option than owning a large delivery vehicle or contracting with a shipping company for a long time.

If you are not making deliveries every day, owning a semi-truck can be expensive. In addition to taking care of maintenance costs, you must also hire technicians to do the job. Additionally, you must comply with all safety regulations; there are no exceptions.

You should also make sure your insurance is up to date, and large delivery vehicles are expensive to insure. A commercial driver’s license is also required to operate the vehicle, so you may need to pay for CDL training. If you sign a contract with a shipping company, it can also be expensive if you need to move cargo only occasionally. 

Improved Flexibility

It is typically necessary to plan out your schedule several weeks or even months in advance when working with a shipping company. You may not be able to fit a delivery into the schedule of the shipping service if you don’t manage your delivery in advance.  

Shipping companies don’t always have trailers or drivers available if you have emergency shipments since you aren’t their only customer. Occasionally, despite your best efforts and carefully managed schedule, surprises can still sneak up on you.

On the other hand, plenty of options are available when you rent a semi-trailer. A trailer can be rented to handle emergency orders. The trailer can be hooked up to the cab, and a driver will go out to pick it up. 

It can save you time and ensure your customers receive your goods on time, as there is no need to scramble to make the delivery. If you don’t have a cab or driver, the rental outfits can also provide you with one.

Types of Semi-Trailers: Which One Do You Need?

Depending on the load or freight, various types of semi-trailers are available for you to choose from. Finding the right type for your needs can make all the difference in ensuring and facilitating the successful and safe delivery of your cargo. Here are some of the most common types of semi-trailers that you can rent:

• Flatbed trailers. This is perfect for transporting construction materials, heavy equipment, and oversized cargo or loads with unusual shapes. This semi-trailer has a flat deck and opens on all sides for easy loading and transporting of cargo.

• Drop deck trailers. Also known as step deck trailers, these have two deck levels and are also open on the sides like flatbeds. These are perfect if you need to transport extra-tall and heavy cargo. A drop deck trailer features a flip axle on the deck, which can be flipped down to ship heavy cargo easily.

• Lowboy trailers. If you are in the business of transporting heavy equipment like excavators, backhoe loaders, and bulldozers, this type of trailer is the perfect choice. This trailer has two drops in the deck height, which allows for an extremely low deck for hauling large equipment.

• Reefer trailers. These refrigerated trailers are perfect for transporting produce, plants, meat and poultry, fish, dairy, and pharmaceutical products. Not only are these trailers ideal for keeping perishable products fresh; they also protect temperature-sensitive cargo against frigid outside weather.

• Dry van trailers. These enclosed or box trailers are perfect for transporting non-perishable cargo. You should rent this trailer if your goods don’t require a controlled temperature environment but need protection against the elements. 

Tips For Renting a Semi-Trailer

Renting a semi-trailer involves many considerations. It’s a convenient option whether you need a semi-trailer for the day or a short-term project. First, you need to narrow down a few specifics before scheduling a semi-trailer rental, such as what type of trailer you need. 

Depending on how long you’ll need to keep it, you may also choose a short-term or long-term rental. When renting a semi-trailer, you must consider several things:

• Find the right semi-trailer for your needs. As previously mentioned, there are various types of trailers that you can rent depending on your cargo. So, before you pay for that rental, you should narrow down your business needs.

• Make sure you have a truck for the trailer. One important thing you need to know when renting a trailer is that you will need a truck for hauling it. If you do not have one, you can look for a semi-rental that also offers semi-truck or tractor-trailer leasing.

• Consider the length of your needs. Determine how long you will need the rental. You can rent a semi-trailer weekly, monthly, or annually. Multi-year rental agreements are also available. For long-term rentals, make sure to check for maintenance options.

• Choose a reliable rental company. Since safety is always important when transporting anything, you have to make sure to rent your semi-trailer only from a reputable dealer. You can check the reviews on the local rental companies in your area to know their policies, inventory, and customer service. 

Best Rental Practices

Before signing the rental contract, make sure to inspect the semi-trailer you are renting thoroughly. Take note of any existing damage and let the rental company know; this will help you avoid being held responsible for it. 

You also need to understand what your maintenance and repair responsibilities are. Some rental companies will cover routine maintenance costs. Lastly, be responsible and return the rentals in their agreed-upon condition.