The Essentials Statistics You Should Know About Trailers and Why Renting Is the Best Option

Understanding the numbers: Trailer Safety, Ownership Trends, and Why Renting a Trailer is a Smart Choice 

Date Published:  09/15/2024

Overview: What This Guide Covers

Whether for personal use or business purposes, trailers play a vital role in transporting goods and equipment. However, owning a trailer comes with responsibilities, including maintenance, insurance, and security. Renting a trailer can often be the smarter choice. In this blog, we’ll explore:

1. Trailer Ownership Statistics in the U.S. – How many trailers are on the road and why many are turning to rentals.

2. Trailer Safety and Accident Statistics – How renting a well-maintained trailer reduces your risk.

3. Inspection and Maintenance Data – Why it’s easier to rent a trailer that’s already inspected and maintained.

4. Theft and Loss Prevention – How renting minimizes your financial risks.

5. Economic Benefits of Renting vs. Owning – Save money and hassle by choosing a rental.

1. Trailer Ownership Statistics in the U.S.

Trailer ownership has grown in the U.S., but the cost of purchasing, maintaining, and insuring trailers can be high—especially if you only need a trailer for occasional use. For this reason, many individuals and businesses are turning to trailer rentals instead of ownership.

Key Statistics:

• As of 2022, there were 9.3 million registered trailers in the U.S., according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

• Despite the high ownership numbers, many users only need trailers for short-term projects, which makes renting a more cost-effective option.

• Renting a trailer can save you thousands in upfront costs and ongoing maintenance, especially if you only need one a few times a year.

Why Renting Makes Sense:
Trailer rentals offer flexibility and convenience. Instead of spending money on purchasing and storing a trailer that you may only use occasionally, renting gives you access to a variety of trailer types when you need them without the added costs of ownership.

2. Trailer Safety and Accident Statistics

Accidents involving trailers are unfortunately common, and many can be attributed to improper maintenance or poor loading practices. Renting a trailer from a professional service like HIC Rentals ensures that the trailer is well-maintained and regularly inspected, reducing the risk of accidents.

Key Statistics:

• According to the NHTSA, approximately 50,000 trailer-related accidents occur each year in the U.S., resulting in an average of 450 fatalities.

• Improper loading or weight distribution accounts for 22% of all trailer-related accidents. Renting a trailer from experts who can guide you on proper loading reduces this risk.

• Trailer sway, caused by faulty hitches or uneven loads, is responsible for 17% of trailer accidents. A properly maintained rental trailer minimizes the risk of sway.

Why Renting Makes Sense:
When you rent from HIC Rentals, you know you’re getting a trailer that has been professionally maintained, reducing the risk of brake failures, sway, or other hazards. Our staff can also help you load the trailer safely, ensuring proper weight distribution for a smooth towing experience.

3. Inspection and Maintenance Data

Keeping a trailer in top condition requires regular maintenance, inspections, and part replacements. Many trailer owners fail to keep up with this maintenance, leading to costly repairs or safety issues. When you rent a trailer, you avoid these maintenance responsibilities.

Key Statistics:

• In a 2021 study conducted by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), 24% of trailers inspected at roadside checkpoints were issued violations for safety issues.

• The most common violations were related to faulty brake systems (15%), damaged reflectors (10%), and non-functioning lights (8%).

• Trailers that undergo regular maintenance and inspections are 40% less likely to be involved in accidents compared to those that are not.

Why Renting Makes Sense:
At HIC Rentals, our trailers are inspected and serviced after every rental, so you can feel confident knowing that you’re using a trailer that meets all safety standards. You don’t have to worry about brake checks, tire inspections, or replacing broken lights—we’ve got it covered.

4. Trailer Theft and Loss Prevention

Trailer theft is a major concern for owners, particularly when trailers are left unattended or improperly secured. Renting a trailer eliminates the risk of long-term theft and ensures you’re only responsible for the trailer during the rental period.

Key Statistics:

• Over 12,000 trailers are stolen annually in the U.S., with utility trailers being the most commonly targeted.

• Trailer thefts are difficult to recover, with only 20% of stolen trailers being found.

• The average loss from a stolen trailer is $8,000, not including the value of any cargo or equipment inside.

Why Renting Makes Sense:
When you rent a trailer, you aren’t burdened with the long-term risk of theft or damage. If you’re only renting for short-term projects, you can return the trailer as soon as you’re done, minimizing the time it’s left unattended or vulnerable to theft.

5. Economic Benefits of Renting vs. Owning

Owning a trailer might seem like a good long-term investment, but for many individuals and businesses, renting is the more economical choice. The upfront cost of a trailer can be significant, and ongoing maintenance and insurance add to the total expense.

Key Statistics:

• Utility trailer prices range from $2,000 to $10,000 depending on the size and type, with larger trailers costing significantly more.

• Annual maintenance costs can reach up to $500 or more, depending on the trailer's usage and wear.

• Renting a trailer can cost as little as $50 to $100 per day, allowing you to pay only for the time you need it.

Why Renting Makes Sense:
With renting, you avoid the significant upfront investment, storage hassles, and ongoing maintenance costs. Whether you need a trailer for a weekend move or a longer project, HIC Rentals offers flexible rental periods at affordable rates, giving you access to high-quality trailers without the financial burden of ownership.

Final Thoughts

The statistics around trailer ownership, safety, and maintenance highlight why renting is often the smarter and more economical choice. Whether you need a trailer for a few hours or several days, renting from HIC Rentals gives you peace of mind, knowing that the trailer is safe, reliable, and ready to go. Renting saves you time, money, and the stress of long-term maintenance.

For more information on our available trailers and rental options, visit hicrentals.com today and get the trailer you need for your next project!