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Southwest Trailer Leasing

FAQ

Questions? We've got answers

The most common things clients ask us before leasing or buying. We've been at this since 1976. Don't see your question here? Just reach out.

Leasing & Billing

A freight (or cargo) trailer is built for over the road hauling. It moves with a truck as part of your freight operation. A storage trailer is delivered once and stays put on your lot, used as stationary space rather than for transport. We lease and sell both, and the right one depends on whether you're moving goods or just need extra space.

Both. We offer operating leases, short term rentals, and lease with purchase option plans, and we also sell new and used trailers outright, including a range of Wabash National van models. If you're building your own fleet rather than leasing long term, ask us about purchasing.

It depends on what you need. We work with clients on short term rentals for a few weeks, as well as operating leases that run for a year or more, with lease with purchase option arrangements available too. Tell us your timeline on the quote form and we'll structure terms around it.

Pricing depends on trailer type, size, lease length (or purchase vs. lease), and delivery location. Rather than publish a generic rate that may not apply to your situation, we quote every request individually, usually within the same business day.

We'll coordinate pickup on the date your lease ends, work with you on an extension, or, if you decide you'd rather own it, talk through a purchase option. There's no penalty for letting us know your plans early.

Delivery & Site Setup

In most cases we can get a trailer to you within days of confirming your order, depending on current fleet availability and your location within Southern California. Submit a quote request and we'll give you a firm delivery timeline.

Yes. We offer local cross border trailers between Mexico and the U.S., and given our San Diego and Calexico locations, we handle trailer inspections at those crossings directly. If your freight moves across the border, ask us about this as part of your quote.

It depends on your city, zoning, and how long the trailer will be on site. Municipalities across Southern California vary on this. We're happy to share what we typically see, but we'd recommend confirming with your local planning department for your specific property.

Equipment & Maintenance

Our fleet ranges from 28' to 53', with both spring ride and air ride suspension options on freight units. If you need something outside that range or a multi-unit setup, let us know on the quote form. We regularly source custom units.

Yes. Alongside our dry van freight and storage trailers, we carry flatbeds for oversized, palletized, or awkward loads like equipment and building materials. See the Flatbeds section of our fleet page for details.

We deliver every trailer in solid working condition, and our mobile mechanic service comes to you to keep leased trailers road ready: brake, lighting, and suspension inspection/repair, preventive maintenance, and B.I.T./DOT inspections. Day to day care, keeping it clean and reporting any damage promptly, is on the lessee. Specifics are covered in your lease agreement.

Yes. We offer secure, paid yard space exclusively for our rental customers, with 24/7 surveillance, electric fencing, easy freeway access, and plenty of parking. Ask us about yard storage when setting up your lease.

Yes. Every active client gets access to a client dashboard showing lease status, key documents, and trailer location, built on the satellite tracking we use across our fleet. You'll get login access once your lease is confirmed.

Still have questions?

We're happy to walk through your specific situation, no obligation.