7 Tips for Semi-Trailer for Lease
There are many determinants to acknowledge when analyzing semi-trailer leasing. Whether you are engaged in a short-term project, a business trip, or need a semi-trailer that day, leasing is always a convenient option. Here are some reasons to consider semi-trailer leasing:
- Need to store trailers for a limited time
- Your company wants to take advantage of annual tax benefits
- Require contract or short-term project trailer
- Your business requires certain technologies but is not ready for long-term investment
Explore some points to consider when semi-trailer leasing
1. Find a semi-trailer leasing that suits your needs
As mentioned above, there are several types of semi-trailers. Before you pay the cost of leasing a semi-trailer, you need to narrow down what your business needs to achieve with trailers. What kind of goods and equipment do you transport? Are you transporting heavy equipment or fresh food? Do I require to use a particular technology? Do I need to stay within the lease range of a specific semi-trailer? Once you have determined your needs and budget, it will be easier to find a commercial trailer leasing that meets your requirements.
2. Consider the specific needs of a specific model
Now that you know what you need from the trailer, let us check the type of cargo assigned to each trailer type.
Dry truck: suitable for food, non-perishable liquids, textiles, plastics, automobiles, household transportation
Coolant: very suitable for charging that requires temperature control. Shipments may include pharmaceutical products, perishable food and beverages, and tobacco products
Carrier: It can safely transport flammable or potentially toxic goods such as liquids, gases, chemicals, and fuels. In addition, pneumatic tanks can transport dry bulk materials such as sand, clay, and plastic particles.
Discharge: Used for projects that require aggregates, such as rocks, gravel, sand, garbage, minerals, and other building materials
Lowboy: Designed to install tall, heavy, or large equipment, such as excavators
Before leasing a semi-trailer, you need to make sure that the car lease company has a trailer that can keep your cargo safe.
You may also need to access certain technologies. One of the advantages of leasing a semi-trailer is that the trailer is continually renewed with excellent technology and equipment. Some features that can be included in a lease are:
- Temperature control and tracking
- Self-steering shaft
- Corrosion-resistant technology
Finally, identifying the status along the way is very helpful. The road type, conditions, weather, and distance can be calculated for the selected trailer type. Specifically, if you plan to drive in winter weather, it is recommended to choose a trailer suitable for severe weather conditions. In addition, if you are moving across the country, a trailer with GPS may be more suitable.
3. Make sure you have a vehicle that matches the trailer
One essential thing to remember when leasing a trailer is that you require a truck ready to tow the trailer. If you do not have a truck, we suggest that you consider leasing a trailer or semi-truck and trailer. You should be familiar with the size and weight guidelines of the U.S. Department of Transportation.
For simplicity, let’s check the configuration of each commercial truck.
Hybrid trucks: These “18 wheels” are 5-axle semi-trailers. Depending on the length of your trip, use a truck with a sleeping berth or a day taxi. The cargo hold unit is 40-53 feet long. However, some states allow trailers to be 59 feet 6 inches tall.
Straight or single truck: This commercial truck is very suitable for tasks such as beverage delivery, luggage delivery, concrete mixing, construction waste dumping, garbage compaction, snow shoveling, etc. It can be seen that the chassis and the power supply unit are permanently connected.
Longer Hybrid Vehicles (LCV): Unless you can allow freight trucks over £80,000, you may not see them often. They have groups of three or four units, allowing one long trailer or three short trailers up to 48 feet long.
4. Make sure the trailer is properly connected to the truck
You might think that there is nothing worse than showing up in front of a trailer that is not properly connected to the truck. However, driving a car with an unlocked trailer may cause danger and injury to your cargo. Before departure, a thorough inspection is required to ensure that the trailer is in place and the road ahead is ready. Checking the compatibility of the trailer with the trucks in the fleet in advance can prevent inconsistencies in the combination of trucks and trailers. For a complete overview of acceptable formulations, please refer to the U.S. Department of Transportation guidelines above.
5. Consider how long it will take to leas a semi-trailer
Semi-trailer leasing usually provides multiple lease terms. Determine whether your company needs weekly, monthly, annual, or multi-year contracts. Then check if the trailer you need is available at the right time. It is also important to check the maintenance options offered by the leasing company for the lease. In many cases, it ranges from networking to full-service maintenance. However, the lease term determines the amount of maintenance you register.
If your fleet needs commercial trailers for more than a year, it is best to consider buying a trailer rather than leasing a trailer. In the following situations, leasing a commercial trailer is an ideal choice:
- Seasonal use
- Short-term method or new account
- Leas includes maintenance and road services
- Regular upgrades and access to equipment only needed for a short period
- Reduce prepaid expenses
If this is not the case, then buying a semi-trailer may be the best choice. Some of the benefits of buying a trailer are:
- Expand your company’s assets
- Unpaid extra time for various leasing
- Make sure you always have a semi-trailer available
6. Check your leasing before getting off the bus
Checking your semi-trailer lease status before you leave can reduce the hassle of having to return to the leasing desk. It also helps prevent accidents when you fall. Please check this list when you arrive to collect the lease.
Check the compatibility of the trailer and the truck: Of course, it is essential to check the compatibility of the trailer. Be sure to get what you ordered.
Electrical components and technical testing: This includes lighting, hydraulics, sensors, air conditioning, cooling, and other necessary additional components. This process also helps to ensure that the technology you need is available.
Note the existing damage. Make sure that the brakes, wheels, and other common functions are working and ready. For lease trailers, it is best not to leave any damage to the last driver. This is about your safety and responsibility.
7. Choose a trusted distributor
When the safety of your fleet is threatened, it is very important to choose a reliable and high-quality dealer. You can first check the reviews of your local trailer and truck dealers. Then discuss their policies and inventory with someone in the agency. Remember, there is nothing wrong with visiting multiple locations and assessing semi-trailer leases before making a final decision. Choosing the right agent will ensure a smoother lease experience.
Conclusion
Through the lease-purchase contract, make more money in a shorter period. The holder is accountable for sustaining and repairs. Most lease contracts do not support this.