Short answer
Reefers rent for about $65 to $120 a day (REPOWR); REPOWR's 2025 marketplace average was $39.61 a day, up from $36.65 in 2024 (FreightWaves). Fuel for the reefer unit is usually on you.
Before you hook up
Check the fuel tank
The reefer unit burns its own diesel from a tank under the trailer. Note the level on the pickup paperwork; lessors bill or expect a refill on return.
Read the unit hours
The controller shows engine hours. Write them down at pickup and return; some agreements bill unit hours.
Pre-cool
Run the unit to the set point before loading. Loading warm freight into a cold box, or cold freight into a warm one, causes condensation and claims.
Set continuous or cycle
Continuous run keeps air moving for produce; cycle (start-stop) saves fuel for frozen loads. Follow the shipper’s instructions on the bill of lading.
Check the seals and drains
Door seals that do not close tight and blocked floor drains are the two most common reefer problems found at return.
Temperature ranges people rent for
Hale Trailer lists about 55 °F for general commodities, about 36 °F for produce and perishables, and 0 to -20 °F for frozen loads (Hale Trailer). Always use the set point on the shipper’s instructions.
Telematics
Many rental reefers report temperature and location; XTRA includes tracking on over-the-road vans and reefers (XTRA FAQ), and Premier includes tracking with a fee for full access (Premier FAQ). Ask for a temperature download if the shipper wants proof of the run.
Compare reefer and dry van costs in the estimator.
Questions people ask
Who pays for reefer fuel on a rented trailer?
Usually the renter. The unit runs on its own diesel tank; the level is noted at pickup and you return it at that level or pay a refuel charge set in the rental agreement.
Do I need a CDL to pull a rented reefer?
Yes, for almost every semi trailer. A tractor and trailer with a gross combination weight rating of 26,001 lb or more, where the trailer is rated over 10,000 lb, is a Class A vehicle under 49 CFR 383.91, so the driver needs a Class A CDL.
Sources
- Hale Trailer: Interior and exterior dimensions of a 53 foot trailer (August 19, 2025)
- XTRA Lease: FAQs
- Premier Trailer Leasing: FAQ (account setup, insurance, billing)
- REPOWR: How much does trailer rental really cost? (November 25, 2025)
- FreightWaves: REPOWR data shows it cost more in 2025 for a short-term dry van rental (John Kingston, December 23, 2025)
Last reviewed October 29, 2026. Rates, branches and terms change; confirm with the lessor before you book.