Cargo trailers are available from equipment rental chains, moving companies, and independent dealers, usually by the day or week

A cargo trailer rental puts a weatherproof box on wheels behind your vehicle, letting you haul goods without loading a truck bed or van interior. You can rent one for a single day, a week, or longer depending on what you need to move. The cost and what's included — insurance, mileage limits, delivery — varies significantly between rental companies and by location, so comparing a few options before you book saves money and frustration.

The three main sources are national equipment rental chains (U-Haul, Home Depot, Sunbelt Rentals), moving companies (Allied, Penske, Budget), and local independent trailer rental shops. Each has different pricing models, vehicle availability, and policies on where you can take the trailer. National chains tend to have more locations and flexible drop-off points; local shops often cost less but may require you to return to the same location.

Key Takeaways

  • Cargo trailers rent by the day, week, or month from equipment chains, moving companies, and local rental shops, with prices ranging based on trailer size and rental length.
  • You will need a valid driver's license, proof of insurance on your towing vehicle, and sometimes a credit card hold or deposit before you can take the trailer.
  • Most rentals include basic liability coverage, but your personal auto insurance may or may not cover a rented trailer, so contact your insurer before you rent.
  • Trailer weight limits, hitch compatibility, and towing capacity of your vehicle are your responsibility to verify — renting a trailer your car cannot safely tow creates legal and safety risk.
  • One-way rentals (picking up at one location and dropping off at another) cost more than round-trip rentals and are not available from all companies.

What rental companies require before you take a trailer

You will need to show a valid driver's license and proof of insurance on the vehicle you plan to tow with. Most companies require the insurance to cover towing or pulling a trailer; if your policy does not, you may need to add a rider or purchase coverage through the rental company. Have your vehicle's registration and VIN ready when you call or visit.

The rental company will place a hold on your credit card for a security deposit, typically $200 to $500 depending on the trailer size and the company's policy. This is not a charge — it releases when you return the trailer in the agreed condition. Some local shops ask for a cash deposit instead. You will also sign a rental agreement that spells out your responsibility for damage, fuel or propane (if applicable), and late fees.

A few companies ask for a second form of ID or a phone number to verify your identity, especially for longer rentals or if you are renting a high-value trailer. If you have never rented from that company before, the process may take 30 to 45 minutes; repeat customers often complete it in 10 to 15 minutes.

Comparing prices and what they typically include

Daily rates for a standard enclosed cargo trailer (6 by 12 feet) range from $40 to $100 per day depending on location and company. Weekly rates are usually cheaper per day — often $150 to $300 for the week. Monthly rentals drop further, sometimes to $400 to $600 for 30 days. Larger trailers (8 by 16 feet or bigger) cost more; smaller utility trailers cost less.

Most daily and weekly rentals include basic liability coverage (damage you cause to someone else's property), but not collision coverage (damage to the trailer itself). You can usually buy collision coverage for $10 to $20 per day. Mileage is unlimited on most rentals, though some local shops cap it or charge per mile. Fuel or propane is your responsibility — you return the trailer with the same level you rented it with, or you pay to refill it.

One-way rentals (different drop-off location) cost 50 to 100 percent more than round-trip and are available only between certain locations. U-Haul and Penske offer one-way options; many local shops do not. Delivery to your home or job site is available from some companies for an extra fee, usually $75 to $150 each way.

Checking your vehicle's towing capacity before you book

Your vehicle's owner manual lists its maximum towing capacity — the total weight it can safely pull. This is your responsibility to verify, not the rental company's. Towing a trailer heavier than your vehicle is rated for creates brake failure risk, transmission damage, and legal liability if you cause an accident.

A loaded cargo trailer weighs 2,000 to 5,000 pounds depending on size and what you put in it. Your vehicle's hitch must match the trailer's coupler size (typically 1.25 or 2 inches), and you need a ball mount rated for the trailer's tongue weight (usually 10 to 15 percent of total trailer weight). If your hitch is the wrong size or your vehicle cannot tow the weight, you cannot safely rent that trailer.

Before you call a rental company, look up your vehicle's towing capacity online using your year, make, and model, or check your manual. Then ask the rental company for the empty weight and estimated loaded weight of the trailer you want. If the loaded weight exceeds your vehicle's capacity, choose a smaller trailer or make multiple trips.

Insurance coverage and what your personal policy may or may not cover

Your personal auto insurance may cover a rented trailer, but many policies exclude it or limit coverage to trailers you own. Call your insurer before you rent and ask whether your policy covers a rented cargo trailer. If it does not, the rental company will offer coverage you can buy at checkout — usually $15 to $25 per day for collision and liability combined.

The rental company's liability coverage pays for damage you cause to someone else's vehicle or property while towing the trailer. It does not pay for damage to the trailer itself unless you buy collision coverage. If you damage the trailer — a bent fender, a torn tarp, broken lights — you will be charged for repairs, which can run $500 to $2,000 depending on the damage.

Some credit cards offer rental car coverage that extends to trailers; check your card's benefits before you rent. If your personal insurance covers the trailer and you have a high deductible, buying the rental company's collision coverage for a short rental may cost less than paying your deductible if something happens.

Pickup, return, and late-fee policies

Most rental locations are open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends, though hours vary by location. You can reserve a trailer online or by phone, but you must pick it up in person with a valid ID and payment method. Reservations hold the trailer for 30 minutes to an hour after your scheduled pickup time; if you are late, the company may release it to another customer.

Return the trailer by the time and date in your rental agreement. Late returns are charged at the daily rate — if you rent for one day at $60 and return it four hours late, you may be charged for a second day. Some companies charge an hourly late fee instead; ask when you rent. Return the trailer clean and with fuel or propane at the level you rented it, or you will be charged for cleaning and refill.

If you need to extend your rental, call the company as soon as you know — do not just keep the trailer. Many companies can extend your reservation if another customer has not booked it next, and extending is cheaper than paying late fees. If you cannot return the trailer on time and the company will not extend, you may be charged for an extra day or more.

Finding rental locations and comparing companies

U-Haul has over 20,000 locations nationwide and offers cargo trailers in most sizes. Penske and Budget have fewer locations but often competitive pricing. Home Depot rents trailers at many stores for short-term moves. Sunbelt Rentals serves contractors and businesses but also rents to individuals. Search "[your city] cargo trailer rental" to find local independent shops, which often undercut national chains on price.

Call or visit at least two companies to compare prices for your specific dates and trailer size. Prices vary by location and demand — renting during peak moving season (May through September) costs more than off-season. Ask about discounts for longer rentals, military, or AAA membership. Some companies offer online booking discounts or waive the deposit if you pay upfront.

Read recent customer reviews on Google or Yelp, focusing on comments about damage charges, late fees, and whether the trailer was in the condition described. A company with many complaints about surprise charges or equipment problems is worth avoiding even if the daily rate is lower.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a special driver's license to tow a cargo trailer?

No. Most states do not require a special license for towing a cargo trailer, even a large one, as long as your vehicle is rated for the weight. A few states have restrictions on total vehicle weight or trailer size; check your state's DMV website if you are towing a very large trailer across state lines. Your regular driver's license is sufficient in almost all cases.

Can I rent a cargo trailer if I do not have a hitch on my vehicle?

No. You must have a hitch installed and rated for the trailer's weight before you can rent. If your vehicle does not have one, you can have a hitch installed at a shop (usually $200 to $500) or rent a different type of vehicle that has one. Some rental companies offer hitch installation services; ask when you call.

What happens if I return the trailer damaged?

The rental company will inspect it and charge you for repairs. Minor damage like small dents or scratches may not be charged if it is within normal wear. Significant damage — bent frame, torn tarp, broken lights, or mechanical problems — will be billed to your credit card. Charges range from $100 for minor repairs to $2,000 or more for major damage. Collision coverage you buy at rental covers this; without it, you pay out of pocket.

Can I rent a cargo trailer for a one-way trip across the country?

U-Haul and Penske offer one-way rentals between many locations, but availability and pricing depend on demand and direction. Renting a trailer from California to New York costs significantly more than the reverse because more people move that direction. Check availability online or call ahead; one-way rentals must be booked in advance and are not available from all companies or all locations.

What if the trailer breaks down while I am towing it?

Call the rental company when ready. Most provide roadside information or will arrange a tow to the nearest service center. You are not responsible for mechanical failure if the trailer was in working order when you rented it. If you caused the damage (overloading, hitting something), you will be charged for repairs. Keep the rental company's phone number in your phone before you leave.