How A lot Does it Value to Lease a Reefer Trailer?

A refrigerated trailer, often called “reefer”, is a mobile unit designed to keep perishable items at specific temperatures during storage and transport. These trailers are essential for industries such as food, pharmaceuticals, and events where it is important to maintain product freshness.

They are equipped with advanced cooling systems that regulate the temperature to keep the goods fresh. They are designed to be towed by standard pickup trucks, making them highly versatile and easy to use. Also, these trailers come in various sizes and can be rented or purchased depending on your needs.

It’s important to understand that the cost of renting a reefer trailer service is different for different sizes of reefers.

Here is a breakdown of the most common reefer trailers:

1. 5ft reefer trailers

• Compact and extremely manageable, 5ft reefer trailers are ideal for small-scale operation.
• Mostly used for local deliveries of perishable items, catering services, small programs, and restaurants and businesses that require the right temperature-controlled storage.
• 125 boxes of alcohol or several hundred bags of ice can be easily stored in it.

Estimated rental rates

$130 – $146 per day

$715 – $800 per week

$2,505 – $2,805 per month

2. 8ft reefer trailers

• Slightly larger than the 5ft variant, 8ft reefer trailers offer increased capacity while remaining easy to tow.
• Suitable for medium-sized catering events, festivals, sports events, farmers’ markets, or small business deliveries requiring temperature control.
• Often used as refrigerated catering trailers or for temporary storage during events.

Estimated rental rates

$165 – $185 per day

$910 – $1,010 per week

$3,185 – $3,320 per month

3. 12ft reefer trailers

• 12ft reefer trailers provide ample space for moderate storage needs without requiring a commercial driver’s license to tow.
• Ideal for larger events, small-scale distribution, or backup refrigeration during equipment maintenance, renovations, or emergencies.
• Commonly used by slaughterhouses, restaurants, meat packers, and beverage companies.

Estimated rental rates

$195 – $220 per day

$1,070 – $1,190 per week

$3,560 – $3,750 per month

4. 20ft reefer trailers

• These trailers offer substantial storage capacity and are often used for commercial purposes.
• Commonly employed by grocery stores, restaurants, or logistics companies for transporting perishable goods.

Estimated rental rates

$250 – $600 per day

$1,210-$1,340 per week

 $1,895 – $2,495 per month

5. 48ft reefer trailers

• 48ft reefer trailers are designed for large-scale transportation needs, offering extensive storage space.
• Ideal for regional distribution centers, large-scale events, or nationwide transportation of temperature-sensitive goods.

Estimated rental rates

 $800 to $1000 per day

$1440 to $1,699 per week

$2,400 to $4,305 per month

6. 53ft reefer trailers

• The largest standard reefer trailers available, 53ft units are essential for high-volume, long-distance transportation.
• Widely used in the food and pharmaceutical industries and for cross-country distribution.

Estimated rental rates

$1050 – $1350 per day

$1600 to $2400 per week

$3000 to $6000 per month

Note

These rates are estimates and can vary based on:

a) Geographic location

Mostly, city locations often have higher prices because more people need them and places outside the city can have better rates.

b) Seasonal fluctuations

Rental prices for refrigerated trailers are significantly impacted by seasonal demand. During holidays, rates typically surge due to peak demand, while agricultural regions often experience price fluctuations during harvest seasons—advance booking is recommended to secure favorable rates.

It’s worth emphasizing that quotes for identical trailer specifications can vary widely among different suppliers. To ensure the best deal, obtain at least three quotes for comparison and carefully verify what’s included in the base price versus additional charges. If you’re seeking a reefer trailer service near you, consider reaching out to JJT Transportation and Logistics for the most accurate, up-to-date, and transparent pricing.

Reefers are known to come with a hefty price tag but little do we know the reasons behind it. Here are the main factors that make it costly whether you are buying it or renting.

1. Advanced cooling technology

Don’t consider refrigerated trailers as your average household fridge. The main distinguishing feature of reefers is that they are built with advanced cooling systems using state-of-the-art technology to provide precise and reliable cooling.

2. Digital thermostats

These allow for exact temperature settings, crucial for transporting sensitive items like food and pharmaceuticals. The ability to maintain exact temperatures adds to the overall cost but is essential for the integrity of the transported goods.

3. Programmable temperature adjustment

Some reefers come with fully programmable settings for easily switching between refrigerator and freezer modes according to your needs. This technology helps you keep your goods at the right temperature without being affected by the external environment.

4. High-quality insulation

The strong the insulation the higher the cost. But remember that high-quality insulation is crucial to keep cold air inside and warm air outside for maintaining a stable internal temperature so that goods stay fresh.

5. PVC strip curtains

These help minimize the loss of cold air when the trailer doors are opened.

6. Frost-free evaporator units

These units help maintain consistent temperatures without manual defrosting.

7. LED safety lighting

Ensures safe and easy access, even in low-light conditions but further increases the cost.

8. Removable stainless-steel sections

Although these sections add to the cost they make cleaning easier and help you keep a hygienic trailer environment.

Renting a reefer is more cost-effective than purchasing for short-term use. However, there are some important conditions and requirements to keep in mind.

1. Insurance

An insurance certificate listing the rented company as a certificate holder is mandatory. This ensures that any possible damage is covered.

2. Damage deposit

A $1,500 damage deposit or a credit card number is required. This acts as a security measure against any possible damage to the trailer during the rental period.

3. Towing vehicle

All refrigerated trailers require a full-size vehicle for towing. Make sure your vehicle is capable of towing the trailer size you plan to rent.

4. Generator requirements

While it’s generally not recommended to use a generator with refrigerated trailers, there are situations where it might be your only option. If you do need to use a generator, it should have a minimum capacity of 6,500 watts to ensure the trailer operates efficiently.

5. Shelving

Some rental companies offer shelving as an optional add-on. If you need organized storage space inside the trailer, inquire about this option when you contact the rental company.

Renting a reefer trailer service near you involves various factors that influence the overall cost, including trailer size, rental duration, seasonal demand, and location. Understanding these variables is crucial for businesses to make informed decisions that align with their operational requirements and budget constraints.

For businesses seeking reliable and customized reefer trailer service near you, we recommend JJT Transportation & Logistics for comprehensive services tailored to your specific needs. With a specialization in perishable products, JJT provides freeze protection services, refrigerated and heated vans, and both Full Truck Load (FTL) and Less-Than-Load (LTL) transportation options. Their commitment to around-the-clock service, expedited delivery, and real-time cargo status updates ensures your goods are transported efficiently and safely.