How Leasing Your Semi-Trailer Can Increase Flexibility In Your Business

Many small trucking companies struggle with capital to buy equipment when they are first starting. Buying trucks and trailers can be expensive, but using a semi-trailer leasing company to provide the trailers can help ensure companies have the right trailer for the work they do. The flexibility also allows the company to change directions and switch to a different trailer setup at a far lower cost than replacing the trailer would cost if they owned them.

Trailer Leases

A semi-trailer lease is a good option when you are trying to start your independent trucking company and will allow you to get started with a dry van or refrigerated van that allows you to haul many different loads. As the business grows, you may want to add more trailers or a different style trailer to increase your available options. 

Adding a flatbed trailer, for instance, can allow the independent trucker to haul loads that would not fit inside a dry van or need loading with a crane or large forklift from the side of the trailer. Semi-trailer leasing companies can often provide the trailers you need with the qualities you require. For a small independent trucker, that may mean one or two trailers, but for a growing trucking company, the number of trailers could be much higher and continue to increase over time.

Trailer Maintenance

Semi-trailer leasing can have some benefits, like trailer maintenance and repair contracts. Often, trailers under a lease will have a provision for service and repair in the contract to ensure that they are kept in good shape while in use.

The kind of repairs may be limited, and if damage occurs because of something the driver did, the lease company may require the driver to pay for the damage., However, general service and damage or wear and tear are often covered under the lease contract to encourage drivers to take the trailer in for repair as soon as a problem becomes noticeable. 

Not all parts are covered, and the semi-trailer lease company should spell out the details in the lease agreement. If you are unsure about what maintenance is your responsibility and what they will maintain, ask the leasing agent to clarify it. They can give you a breakdown that you can use to determine if the repairs are coming out of your pocket or if you should file a claim with the lease provider.

Lease Costs

While semi-trailer lease costs vary across the industry, the monthly payment is often lower than the cost you would pay for the same trailer if you purchased it. The advantage you have with the lease is that as the trailer ages, you can replace it with a new one and continue your payments. 

The downside is that the payments don't stop, so eventually, you own the trailer you purchase outright, but it will get old and require repairs and maintenance later that you will have to pay for out of your pocket.  

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