Custom Trailer Builder with a Rented Workshop

Farms and ranches, contractors, landscapers, small businesses and private owners who want something that off-the-shelf dealers don't offer.

A fixed price per build, quoted on materials, labour and a margin, plus extra for options like ramps, racking and paint. Repairs and modifications fill the gaps between builds.

• Welding and metal fabrication
• Reading drawings and quoting accurately
• Customer service and managing deposits

• Check Transport Canada's rules for trailer manufacturers, including safety standards, compliance labels and any company registration
• Check your province's rules for registering, inspecting and assigning serial numbers to newly built trailers
• Commercial general liability and product liability insurance, since a trailer failure on the road is a serious risk
• Check whether customers or your insurer expect certified welding, and whether your province requires it for structural work
• WCB/WSIB coverage once you hire, with rules varying by province
• Steel prices can change between quote and delivery, so use deposits and quote validity dates
• Spring and summer are often busiest, so plan cash flow for slower winter months

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $25,000 to $80,000, depending on your workshop rent, tools, welding equipment and materials stock. Treat this as an estimate and price up your own unit and equipment before committing.

Check Transport Canada's rules for trailer manufacturers, including safety standards, compliance labels and any company registration. Also check your province's rules for registering, inspecting and assigning serial numbers to new trailers, and whether certified welding is expected.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on how many trailers you build, your pricing and the season. Spring and summer are often busiest, so plan cash flow for slower winter months.