Start a trailer rental yard with delivery
Run a small yard with a mixed fleet of trailers, rented to homeowners and trades, with optional delivery.
- $20k-100k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Estimates for a small start in the US, not guarantees.
Official data
6,386 US businesses with employees in this field, +1.2% in a year
NAICS 532120 “Truck, utility trailer, and RV (recreational vehicle) rental and leasing”. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023.
What it is
A rented or owned lot where you keep a larger, varied fleet, such as cargo, car hauler, equipment, dump and flatbed trailers. Customers book online or by phone and collect from the yard, or you deliver for a fee.
Your first three steps
- Research local demand and competitors, then plan a starter fleet and budget, including used trailers
- Find a lot or storage yard and check zoning and lease terms allow equipment rental
- Form an LLC, get an EIN, and arrange insurance quotes before buying trailers
Who pays
Contractors, landscapers, event crews, small businesses and households with bigger moving or hauling jobs.
How it makes money
Daily, weekly and monthly rental rates, delivery and pickup fees, and add-ons such as straps, ramps and hitches. Repeat business from contractors helps fill the fleet during the week.
Skills that help
- Trailer maintenance and safety checks
- Customer service and sales
- Fleet scheduling and record keeping
Watch out for
- Commercial insurance covering the fleet, customers' use and your premises; ask brokers who handle equipment rental
- Check state and local rules on registration, plates, lighting and safety inspections
- Check local business license, zoning and sales or rental tax requirements
- Workers' compensation insurance once you hire staff
- Theft, damage and unpaid rentals, so consider security, deposits, ID checks and a solid contract
- Delivery needs a suitable tow vehicle and possibly extra insurance; check any license rules for the weights you tow
Deep research report · US
Everything you need to start: trailer rental yard with delivery
Researched with live web search for United States: 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 rental yard?
Startup costs are typically estimated at around $20,000 to $100,000, depending on the lot, the size and mix of your fleet, insurance and any delivery vehicle. Treat this as an estimate and price your own fleet and premises before committing.
How much can a trailer rental yard earn?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on fleet size, rental rates, how often trailers are booked and whether you charge for delivery. Revenue is not profit, so subtract lot, insurance and maintenance costs.
What rules and insurance should I check before opening a trailer rental yard?
Check commercial insurance covering your fleet, customers' use and premises, plus state and local rules on registration, plates, lighting and safety inspections. Also check business license, zoning and rental tax requirements, and any license rules for the weights you tow if you deliver.
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