Leasing in a Freight Slump

Trailer leasing is still expanding, but growth has shifted into a lower gear during the freight recession. Industry growth slowed to 8.3% this year, down from 17.7% last year. Utilization has also stepped back from the pandemic peak. Many leasing fleets now sit around 80-85% utilization for leases and about 70% for rentals. Large players like Premier still run in the mid-90% range, but face intense competition for every lane.

Fleets extend trailer life cycles and favor shorter terms and newer equipment. They want flexibility without locking up capital. Steel and aluminum tariffs push new trailer prices 15-20% higher, which keeps many buyers in “wait-and-see” mode. Trailer orders remain muted and backlogs look more normal, not like the 2021-22 surge.

Amid this cooler cycle, leasing still offers clear advantages. Fleets can access specialized equipment, manage maintenance through established networks and right-size capacity quickly. TLC works with shippers and carriers to balance owned and leased trailers, protect cash and stay agile. When the market turns, our partners stay ready to move first — with TLC keeping freight on track.