Sustainability is a key focus for the majority of sectors, but particularly in the logistics industry, with more businesses looking for smarter ways to hit their sustainability goals. One such way, is with commercial trailer rental, which helps to support a greener future by reducing fuel usage, carbon emissions and energy consumption, giving businesses access to modern and efficient trailers without the high upfront costs of ownership.

Short-term rental reduces the number of idle commercial vehicles on the road, supporting long-term environmental goals. With fewer assets being manufactured, maintained and scrapped, the overall environmental impact is dramatically reduced across the whole supply chain, cutting emissions and lowering the use of raw materials and energy in trailer production.

Commercial trailer rental also enables logistics companies to adapt quickly to ever-changing government regulations and customer expectations. By integrating newer, more fuel-efficient and sustainably designed trailers into their fleet, operators can boost operational efficiency and align with corporate sustainability objectives, without the need to invest in new equipment every few years.

Are commercial trailers environmentally friendly?

Of course, trailers themselves do not emit CO₂ but their impact on efficiency and emissions is significant. Old or badly maintained trailers can increase drag and wear on the towing vehicle, making them less efficient which can make a significant environmental impact, especially in large fleets.

In contrast, modern trailers can make a significant difference thanks to their aerodynamic shaping, low-rolling resistance tyres, weight-reducing materials and smart design features, which all play a part in improving sustainability.

At Fleet Assess, we ensure that every commercial trailer for hire is built and maintained to high standards. Our fleet includes models designed for compatibility with electric vehicles and low-emission trucks and each trailer is maintained to high sustainability levels to prevent inefficiencies such as flat tyres, brake drag and misalignment.

By renting from a provider that prioritises environmental performance, fleet managers can make significant savings on running costs, actively contribute to reducing transport-related emissions and support green initiatives. Logistics companies can also update their equipment regularly without environmental or financial waste, so they can support the latest fuel-saving technologies and adhere to emissions regulations across both UK and EU markets.

Environmental benefits of renting vs owning trailers

Ownership locks businesses into long-term use of trailers which might become outdated, inefficient or non-compliant with changing regulations, whereas renting allows businesses to scale their fleets sustainably, without committing to large, upfront costs or negative environmental impact.

Renting Trailers – Environmental Benefits

Access to new, fuel efficient and sustainable trailer designs

Regular, professional maintenance that supports emissions compliance

Lower energy consumption due to better usage and shared access

Reduced need for permanent storage, lowering energy use and space demand

Flexibility to use trailers only when needed, reducing idling and underuse

Compatible with EVs and future low-carbon commercial vehicle systems

Avoids wasteful production and disposal

Reduces carbon emissions and promotes environmental consciousness

Compliance with new legislation without fleet replacement

Aligns with ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) frameworks

Owning Trailers – Environmental Drawbacks

Significant upfront investment to access low-emission equipment

Can lead to retention of outdated trailers to maximise ROI, increasing emissions

Maintenance may not match professional standards

Idle trailers take up space and require energy for storage

Limits ability to trial or adopt new fuel-saving or emissions-reducing technology

In summary, Renting helps companies focus on cleaner alternatives to fossil fuels, reducing consumption and improving carbon reporting. Many businesses also find it easier to trial new sustainable technologies via rental before committing long term, minimising the upfront financial investment and allowing businesses to adjust their fleet size based on real demand.

Explore Fleet Assess’s commercial trailer rentals

Reducing your carbon footprint with trailer sharing

Trailer sharing models help logistics companies reduce their emissions and fuel use by increasing trailer usage. Rather than multiple businesses purchasing underused equipment, trailer sharing allows fewer assets to serve more needs, reducing the demand for raw materials, energy and manufacturing processes which are key contributors to environmental degradation.

Fewer trailers produced means fewer emissions generated during production, and less waste at the end of the lifecycle. It also limits emissions from the storage and maintenance of surplus equipment, while making better use of each commercial vehicle across its lifetime.

Fleet Assess provides flexible trailer sharing through hire models which match fleet needs to customer demand, so businesses can rent trailers only when they need them, helping to optimise route planning and keeping emissions as low as possible.

This reduction in ‘empty running’ helps lower Scope 1 and Scope 3 emissions under environmental reporting standards, and for businesses adopting ISO 14001 or similar environmental management frameworks, trailer sharing also helps reduce the overall footprint of logistics operations.

Shared resources also make logistics more responsive, which means that businesses can adjust loads and routes based on availability, cut back on partial loads and reduce their overall emissions. It’s a flexible, modern solution that delivers environmental and operational benefits, without the burden or expense of ownership.

Improving sustainability through trailer maintenance

Maintenance is often one of the most overlooked contributors to sustainability in logistics. An efficient, well-serviced trailer reduces emissions, lowers energy consumption and typically lasts longer, which delivers better value and reduces environmental impact across the fleet.

Fleet Assess’s fleet repair and maintenance services are designed to keep trailers in peak condition for both safety and sustainability. Services include:

Regular inspection and calibration of brakes and suspension

Tyre checks and replacements

Ensuring aerodynamic features remain functional and secure

Lubrication and cleaning to minimise wear and prevent damage

Repairs using recycled or environmentally preferred components where possible

Smart Technology – trackers – to improve visibility and utilisation, reduce parked days. On Board brake monitoring – reducing workshop movements, monitors brake during normal utilisation.

Maintenance – we come to you, therefore not need to move to a workshop via a truck

Well-maintained trailers require less energy to operate and are less prone to faults that cause emissions spikes. Fleet Assess uses a structured maintenance plan to extend trailer lifespan and keep every asset running cleanly, including emissions testing, safety reviews and data-driven monitoring to flag potential inefficiencies early. This ‘closed-loop’ maintenance process maximises the lifecycle of each trailer, reduces resource waste and also supports circular economy principles.

Find your trailer rental partner

Fleet Assess offers short and long-term trailer hire to businesses looking to reduce emissions, improve operational efficiency and meet sustainability targets. To discuss your requirements, call 01282 123456 or contact us online.