Short answer
Expect a commercial credit application, about 2 to 3 years in business, trade references, $1 million liability naming the lessor as additional insured, and physical damage cover or the lessor's damage waiver (Premier, Milestone). The driver needs a Class A CDL (49 CFR 383.91).
Checklist
| Item | What lessors publish |
|---|---|
| Business account | XTRA rents to credit-qualified commercial businesses (XTRA); Premier looks for 2+ years in business, a commercial address and verifiable trade references (Premier); Milestone asks first-time customers for proof of 3 years in business (Milestone). |
| Liability insurance | $1 million combined single limit auto and general trailer liability, lessor named additional insured (Premier). |
| Physical damage | Cover naming the lessor as loss payee, or buy the lessor's loss damage waiver instead (Premier). |
| Certificate of insurance | Equipment is released once the lessor has a compliant certificate (Premier). |
| Payment | Premier bills Net 15 and does not take credit cards; ACH, EFT, wire and checks (Premier). |
| Driver | Class A CDL for a combination of 26,001 lb or more with a trailer over 10,000 lb (49 CFR 383.91). |
Not a trucking company?
Premier says retailers, warehouses, venues and nurseries rent too, under the same credit and insurance rules (Premier FAQ). If you have no tractor or CDL driver, rent a storage trailer the branch delivers, or hire a carrier to move it.
Startups and young authorities
A carrier with under two years of history will struggle with national lessors. Options: a co-signer or larger deposit with a regional lessor, a peer-to-peer marketplace, or a lease-purchase from a dealer.
Questions people ask
Can I rent a semi trailer without a business?
Not from the national lessors listed here: they rent to credit-qualified businesses. Individuals usually rent from smaller local dealers or marketplaces, still with insurance and a CDL driver.
Can a startup trucking company rent a trailer?
It is harder. Premier looks for 2+ years in business and Milestone asks first-time customers for proof of 3 years. Ask regional lessors and marketplaces, and expect a deposit.
Sources
Last reviewed October 29, 2026. Rates, branches and terms change; confirm with the lessor before you book.