Renting a semi-trailer costs $600–$800/month for dry vans, $1,200–$1,800/month for reefers, and $800–$1,000/month for flatbeds. Costs vary by type, location, and season. Additional expenses include $50–$100 for insurance and $0.10–$0.15/mile for mileage overages.

Renting a Semi-Trailer for a Month

A standard dry van trailer starts at about $600 to $800 a month for the most basic rentals. Refrigerated trailers, otherwise known as reefers, have cooling systems in them and start at about $1,200 to $1,800 a month. Flatbeds are used for oversized goods and are usually between $800 to $1,000 a month. The specialized ones, like lowboys or tankers, fetch upwards of $2,000 a month.

Newer trailers are more expensive, while the costs can be over $1,000 a month for dry vans. Used ones are cheaper and can be had from $500 to $700 a month. Maintenance-inclusive rental agreements can add $100-$200 to the monthly fee, but they also can offer some piece of mind by covering surprise repairs. Companies that include full-service maintenance in the rental can quote as high as $900 a month for a dry van trailer.

In high-demand areas, like Los Angeles or New York, semi-trailer rentals could be as high as 10% to 20% more than areas less populated. Using a metropolitan area, a dry van trailer may cost $750 a month while the same could be rented for $650 in rural areas. During high seasons, such as around holidays, rates may raise by 15% up to 25%.

The cost for comprehensive insurance for a semi-trailer ranges from $50 to $100 per month, depending on the provider. Some rental companies place a limit on miles driven, charging $0.10 to $0.15 per mile over the agreed-upon mileage. Taxes and fees vary per state, but can add up as much as 5% to 8% on top of the overall cost of renting. renting a flatbed trailer in California might cost $1,000 monthly, but after adding insurance, taxes, and potential mileage overages, the final cost could reach $1,200 or more.