Just over a year ago, I found myself having pulled many different types of trailers throughout my career, but also never having been the owner of one either. I was in the market for a used trailer and wanted to use all of my learned trucking knowledge to purchase the first one for my fleet, having just applied for my interstate motor carrier independent authority. Sure, everyone has dreams of going out there and starting with a brand spanking new trailer, but I will be the first to admit that I was starting my new step on a budget. Used was the way I had to go and I dove head first into the used trailer market only to be met with strong opposition. Not only are lenders usually not too keen on lending money to the trucking industry, being our equipment is so mobile, but there was also the matter of depleted inventories to contend with as well.
During the recession many large fleets, who are often known for turning large amounts of used trailers out into the market, were actually holding onto them instead to avoid investing capital during tough times. I was forced to buy a “beater” of a trailer that was at least road-worthy and watertight at the price I could afford to invest, since values were inflated due to the low amount of inventory on the market as well. This past week I went back into the very same used trailer 
market looking to add capacity to my fleet, in hopes to gain a second trailer that I could buy. It was like day and night as I clicked through some of the major online classifieds and saw that inventory was eased by an influx of used trailers that companies were either retiring or replacing since last year’s industry rebound. Not only were there actually quality used trailers to be had again, but also prices had actually seemed like they were back down to earth as well!
I knocked on a few of the same doors that I had before in my trailer search and at each one of them was met with options and better prices. One dealer that I had kept in touch with told me that he had just received a fresh lot of quality 2006 trailers from a large fleet and would give me first dibs on them before he went through and de-identified them. I found one I really liked with 
minimal rust and no roof patches and hooked up to it to see how it pulled. My dealer contact, being a stand-up salesman, agreed to let my mechanic go through it with a fine-toothed comb before considering an offer. Everything checked out great and now I am finishing up processing all the paperwork to add it to my fleet.
Buying a used trailer can be a nervous task and requires a great deal of research. Do not be afraid of shopping around, or even walking away from a pushy deal you are not comfortable with. Get to know the used trailer market where you are shopping and never be afraid to ask for an inspection of your own prior to buying, as it may be the only way to truly know what you are going to be getting yourself into. Also remember that the sweetness of a good deal can often be bittered by the sour taste you are stuck with long after the fact, meaning that the best deal often may not be the cheapest price! With a little homework and hunting, you too can look to strike gold in today’s used trailer marketplace!