Loader Best Practice: Truck or Trailer?

We know that Loaders are always looking for ways to pick up more orders and efficiently complete more jobs. After all, it’s all about making money, right?

Choosing the right equipment can greatly impact efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and overall job satisfaction.

The junk removal industry always starts with the vehicle, the most important thing in running a successful hauling business. That’s why choosing the right vehicle for your financial goals is important!

Using a trailer for junk removal jobs comes with advantages, such as increased efficiency. But, there are some downsides to attaching a trailer to your vehicle over driving a truck.

The biggest benefits of using a junk trailer attached to your vehicle begin with cost efficiency, maneuverability and versatility, as most trailers can attach to various types of vehicles.

• Cost Efficiency: Save money by starting off with a trailer instead of an expensive truck.
• Maneuverability: Navigate crowded urban streets with ease, thanks to a trailer’s agility.
• Versatility: Attach trailers to many types of vehicles for flexibility in different job scenarios.

📣 FYI: If you choose to use a truck + trailer combo, you can increase capacity by 50%.

The two biggest issues that people find with trailers are limited capacity, and the difficulty that arises when Loaders are required to load bulky, heavy items.

• Limited Capacity: Trailers often offer less space compared to dump trucks, which can be a challenge for larger jobs.
• Loading Difficulty: Handling bulky, heavy items can be dangerous without equipment like a hydraulic lift, making loading a trailer a potential hazard.

While a standard truck is a good way to dip your toes into the industry, dump trucks and box trucks have been a staple in junk removal, and can often be the best solution for a lot of bigger jobs. However, just like with trailers, there are still a few disadvantages to consider.

Similar to the trailer’s advantages, there are three key areas of focus when it comes to determining why you should choose a truck over a trailer, mostly dealing with capacity and ability to scale jobs.

• High Capacity: Trucks, including trucks with trailers attached, offer more capacity to load items, making it easier to handle full property clean outs with efficiency.
• Efficient Loading And Unloading: Trucks are often equipped with hydraulic lifts or other helpful equipment that makes loading and unloading much easier.
• Ability To Vary Job Sizes: Higher capacity loads leads to bigger jobs. You’ll have more ability to take on any kind of job, where as trailers may have limitations.

The real disadvantages to a truck are the same reasons that make trailers a potentially better option. First off, dump trucks can be expensive, which is difficult for a new Loader.

Secondly, trucks can be tougher to drive. These vehicles are easy to drive around in rural areas, but not so much in crowded cities. Lastly, if you’re working with a standard truck, your capacity and efficiency are severely limited.

And here’s the answer you’ve all been waiting for … Well, maybe not. The truth is, there is no real clear answer as to which is better for completing junk removal jobs, a truck vs. a trailer.

Details To Consider

You’ll want to take account for where you are, what type of jobs you want to do as well as well as other important factors in order to influence your decision.

• Have years of experience? You may want to use a truck because you can complete bigger jobs more efficiently.
• Just starting out? You might want to opt for a trailer, as this will help in residential areas, typically where most new junk removal specialists start.
• Where are you operating? Trucks are typically better for rural areas, while trailers may be of better use in cities and urban areas.
• Focusing on big jobs or smaller, residential jobs? Trucks are typically better for big jobs like property cleanouts, while trailers are better for smaller residential jobs.

Considering these type of questions are a good way to start the decision process. If you’re a seasoned vet that has years put into your business, you may want to invest in a truck. If you’re just starting out, you might want to opt for a trailer.

The good news is, whichever avenue you decide will ultimately lead to jobs if you’re diligently working. Plus, if you’re using LoadUp’s platform, you get a great Loader support team that will help guide you along the way!

Related Articles from the Trash Talk Blog:

• How to make more money as a Loader
• Tips to earn your own money with a pickup truck
• Preparing for furniture and appliance assembly jobs
• The guide to making your own money with a box truck
• Learn best practices on how to start a hauling business