Trailer Rental 101: Dry Van vs. Reefer

Not every owner-operator owns a trailer, and not every trailer owner wants to tie up cash in a second one for a different freight type. Renting by the week is often the simpler answer — here's how to think about which type to rent.

Dry Van: The Default for General Freight

A 53-foot dry van is the standard choice for palletized, boxed, or general freight that doesn't need temperature control. It's the most widely available equipment type on load boards, which usually means more freight options and fewer empty miles.

Reefer: When the Load Needs Climate Control

Reefer trailers are built for temperature-sensitive freight — produce, dairy, pharmaceuticals, and anything else that needs to stay within a set range. Reefer loads often pay a premium over dry van, but the trailer itself requires more maintenance, including CARB compliance in states that enforce it.

What to Ask Before You Rent

• Is maintenance and DOT inspection included in the rental, or on you?
• Is the trailer approved for 48-state use, or restricted to certain lanes?
• Is billing weekly, with a flexible return, or is there a minimum term?
• How fast can you actually get the trailer once you apply?

Fair Miles' rental trailers answer all four: maintenance included, 48-state use, weekly billing with flexible return, and most setups completed the same week.

Renting Doesn't Require Being Leased On

You don't have to be a Fair Miles lease-on driver to rent a trailer — it's open to outside carriers dispatching under their own MC too. See the full equipment list for everything else Fair Miles dispatches.