So, you need to rent a refrigerated van for an upcoming project or event. Great idea – those vans are ideal for transporting perishable goods or keeping things chilled on the go. But how much will it actually cost you? Refrigerated van rentals vary quite a bit depending on the size of the van, the rental duration, and the season. You’ll typically pay between $75 to $500 per day.
The good news is, for a short-term rental of just a couple days, you can often find a small refrigerated van for under $200 per day. Not too shabby. But if you need a large van for a week or longer during a busy season, the daily rate could be $300 or more. You’ll also want to factor in additional charges like insurance, mileage fees if driving long distances, and generator usage for when the van is parked.
While the cost may be higher than a standard cargo van, a refrigerated van gives you the freedom to transport temperature-controlled goods wherever and whenever you need. Pretty cool, right? With some research and planning, you can find an affordable refrigerated van rental for your upcoming project. Time to get chilling!
Factors That Determine Chiller Van Rental Costs
Renting a refrigerated van, also known as a reefer van or chiller van, allows you to transport temperature-controlled goods. The costs to rent one can vary quite a bit though, depending on several factors:
The size and type of van you need depends on how much cargo space you require and what kinds of goods you’re transporting. Larger vans with more advanced refrigeration units will cost more. Think about things like whether you need a van, straight truck or tractor-trailer and if a single, double or triple temperature zone is necessary.
- The rental duration also impacts the final bill. Longer rentals, like those lasting a week or more, typically offer lower daily rates than a one or two-day rental. Ask about any minimum rental periods as well, since some companies require renting for a certain number of days.
- Fuel costs are usually not included in the rental price, so consider the van’s gas mileage and how far you need to drive it. Diesel-powered refrigerated vans typically get better fuel economy than gas-powered models.
- Additional fees may apply for things like insurance, damage waivers, liners or pads, hand carts or lift gates, and any additional equipment you need. Be sure to understand all potential fees upfront before renting.
- Rental rates are often lower during off-season or midweek periods. If possible, look at renting Sunday through Thursday for the best deals.
- Shop around at different rental companies for the best rate. Do some comparison shopping at websites like Budget Van Rentals, Penske, Ryder and Enterprise Truck Rental.
With some price comparing between companies and consideration of the factors that determine costs, you can find an affordable refrigerated van rental for your needs. Keeping goods at proper temperatures during transport doesn’t have to break the bank!
Average Prices to Rent a Refrigerated Van
So you need to rent a refrigerated van for your business or event. The cost will depend on the size you need and how long you want to rent it.
On average, you can expect to pay between $75 to $200 per day for a small refrigerated cargo van that holds about 10 to 15 cubic feet. These are good for catering or florist businesses. Medium-sized vans, like a Ford Transit or Mercedes Sprinter that hold 20 to 30 cubic feet, will run $150 to $350 per day.
Want more space? Large vans like a 24-foot Freightliner can hold up to 50 cubic feet and rent for $250 to $500 per day. These are ideal if you need to transport perishable goods over long distances or for a big event.
Renting for a week or longer? You’ll typically get a discount of 10% to 30% off the daily rate. Some companies may require a minimum rental period, usually 3 to 7 days for refrigerated vans. You’ll also need to factor in mileage costs if you exceed a certain limit, typically 150 to 200 miles per day.
Don’t forget about other fees like insurance, which protects you in case anything happens to the van during your rental. It usually costs around $20 to $40 per day. You may also need to pay for extras like hand trucks, furniture pads, and appliance dollies to help load and unload.
With some comparison shopping at places like Enterprise, Hertz, and Budget, you can find good deals on refrigerated van rentals for your needs. And by renting only when you need it, you avoid the high costs of purchasing and maintaining your own refrigerated fleet.
Save Money by Renting for Longer Periods
To save money on renting a refrigerated van, consider booking for longer periods of time. The longer you rent, the lower the daily rate.
Weekly and Monthly Rentals
Renting a refrigerated van for a full week (7 days) or month (28-30 days) at a time can save you a substantial amount per day compared to renting for just a couple of days. Most rental companies offer weekly and monthly rates that can be 10-30% less per day. If your schedule allows, this is the most budget-friendly option.
Long-Term Rentals
For long-term rentals of 3 months or more, you’ll often get an even lower rate. Some rental companies offer lease programs for 6-12 months at a time that can save you up to 50% off the daily rate. If you have an extended job or project, a long-term lease is the way to go to keep costs down. You may even be able to negotiate the rate for the full term of the lease.
- Check different rental companies for the best weekly, monthly and long-term rates for the specific type of refrigerated van you need. Compare rates across companies to find the most affordable option for your needs.
- Consider renting for the minimum number of days you’ll need the van and returning it as soon as your job or delivery is done. The longer you rent, the more it will cost overall, even with a discounted rate.
- Ask about any available discounts or promotions when booking for longer periods. Many companies run specials on weekly, monthly and long-term rentals that can add to your savings.
- Negotiate the best possible rate for long-term leases. Don’t be afraid to ask for a lower price, especially if you’re renting for 6 months or more. The worst they can say is no, but you could end up with an even better deal.
Renting a refrigerated van for the time you need at the lowest possible rate comes down to doing your research, comparing options, and negotiating the best deal you can. With some planning, you can keep more money in your pocket while still getting the van you require.
Additional Fees and Charges to Be Aware Of
When renting a refrigerated van, the base rental fee typically only covers the van itself. There are additional fees and charges to be aware of before signing on the dotted line.
Mileage charges
Most refrigerated van rentals allow for a certain number of miles per day included with your base rate, usually around 150-250 miles. Anything over that will incur extra mileage fees, typically around $0.30-$0.50 per mile. Make sure you have an accurate estimate of how many miles you need to avoid surprise charges at the end of your rental.
Fuel charges
Refrigerated vans are not known for their fuel efficiency, so fuel costs can add up quickly. Rental companies will often require you to return the van with a full tank of fuel. Some may offer prepaid fuel options to avoid having to refuel right before drop-off. Compare the prepaid fuel price per gallon to local fuel prices to determine the better deal.
Damage coverage
Basic rental insurance typically only covers liability. For extra protection, consider additional coverage like damage waiver or loss damage waiver to avoid paying for dents, dings or other damage out of pocket. The exact offerings and pricing will depend on the rental company.
Cleaning fees
If you return the refrigerated van dirty, spilled goods or messy, you may face extra cleaning charges. Make sure the van is swept and wiped down before returning. Some companies charge by the hour for deep cleaning, ranging from $50 to $200 per hour. Do a final inspection to avoid these unnecessary fees.
Additional days
Most refrigerated van rentals are charged by the day, so returning the vehicle late will result in charges for additional days. Be sure to schedule enough time for loading, unloading and any unforeseen delays to avoid late return fees which can cost $50-$500 per day or more depending on the rental company.
With some upfront planning, you can avoid or minimize many of these additional refrigerated van rental fees. Make sure you understand all charges involved before driving your cold storage on wheels off the lot.
Top Tips for Getting the Best Deal on Refrigerated Van Rentals
When renting a refrigerated van, a few tips can help you score the best deal. Shop around at different rental companies and check websites like Kayak, Priceline, and Hotwire which compare rates across brands.
Compare Weekday vs Weekend Rates
Weekdays, especially midweek, often have lower rates than weekends. If your schedule allows, renting Tuesday through Thursday can save you money.
Look for Coupons and Discounts
Search online for promo codes and coupons from brands like Budget, Enterprise, and Hertz. Some may offer 10-25% off for students, military members, or members of organizations like AAA. Loyalty programs can also net you free days.
Ask About Deals and Negotiate
Don’t be afraid to ask if there are any current deals or special offers on refrigerated vans. You may be able to get a discounted or upgraded vehicle for the same rate. Negotiating the rate, especially for longer rentals, is also fair game. The worst they can say is no.
Compare Extras and Add-ons
Look at what’s included in the base rate, like mileage. Get an estimate of miles you’ll drive to avoid surprise fees. Also check the cost of extras like insurance, which can add significantly to your total but provide coverage for any damage. Only opt for what you really need.
Reserve in Advance
For the best selection and rates, reserve your refrigerated van at least a week ahead of time, if not more during peak seasons. Booking last minute often means higher prices and fewer vehicle options to choose from. Advance booking also allows more time to shop around at different companies for the best overall deal.
Following these useful tips will help ensure you get an affordable refrigerated van rental. Comparing rates, looking for discounts, negotiating when possible, and reserving in advance are all easy ways to save money on your rental. With some time and patience, you’ll find a refrigerated van at a price that suits your budget.
Conclusion
So there you have it, an overview of what’s involved in renting a refrigerated van and how much it typically costs. As you can see, prices vary quite a bit depending on the size of the van, the duration of your rental, and any additional features. But in general, for a standard cargo van for a few days, you’re probably looking at a few hundred bucks. Not too bad if you’ve got a catering gig or product delivery that requires temperature control. Just make sure you shop around at different rental companies, check their refrigeration specs and insurance coverage, and see if you can find any deals or discounts to save some dough. Good luck keeping everything chilled – now go rent that van and get your cargo where it needs to go, cold and fresh!
