Trailer hire depot with a larger fleet
Run a rented yard with a wider range of trailers for trades, farms and households, with online booking and delivery.
- £40k-150k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Estimates for a small start in the UK, not guarantees.
Official data
7,895 UK companies in this field, 21% registered in the last 2 years
SIC 77390 “Renting and leasing of other machinery, equipment and tangible goods n.e.c.”. Source: Companies House, November 2026.
What it is
A full-time trailer hire business based at a rented yard or unit, with a mixed fleet such as plant, car transporter, tipper, livestock and luggage trailers, plus basic servicing on site.
Your first three steps
- Research local demand and compare hire rates, then choose a yard with secure access and room to turn vehicles
- Get quotes for fleet insurance, premises cover and trailer purchase or finance
- Build a booking system, hire agreement and check-in checklist, then contact local trades and farms for first bookings
Who pays
Builders, landscapers, farms, event crews and households needing a trailer for longer jobs or moves.
How it makes money
Daily, weekly and monthly hire rates by trailer type, plus deposits, delivery charges and optional accessories. Repeat trade customers can give steady bookings.
Skills that help
- Trailer maintenance and safety checks
- Fleet and booking management
- Dealing with trade customers and handling disputes
Watch out for
- Planning permission or change of use for the yard; check with your local council
- Business rates and lease terms for commercial premises
- Insurance covering hired-out trailers, premises, stock and employer's liability if you take on staff
- Trailer safety, maintenance records and checks that hirers' vehicles and licences suit the load; check current DVLA and DVSA guidance
- Higher upfront cost and cash tied up in trailers, so plan for quiet months
Deep research report · UK
Everything you need to start: trailer hire depot with a larger fleet
Researched with live web search for United Kingdom: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start a trailer hire depot?
Estimates suggest startup costs typically around £40,000 to £150,000, depending on your yard and fleet. Cash is tied up in trailers, so it is worth planning for quiet months before you commit.
How much can a trailer hire business earn?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £2,500 to £10,000, depending on fleet size and demand. Customers can include builders, landscapers, farms, event crews and households needing a trailer for longer jobs or moves.
What planning and safety rules should I check for trailer hire?
Things to check include planning permission or change of use for the yard with your council, business rates and lease terms, and insurance for hired trailers, premises, stock and employer's liability. Also check current DVLA and DVSA guidance on trailer safety and hirers' licences.
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