The real cost of moving
When planning a move, most people compare two DIY options: hire a trailer and tow it yourself, or rent a small truck. At first glance, truck hire might seem more convenient — no need for a tow bar. But the total cost is often very different from the advertised rate.
Trailer hire: what you pay
On TrailerConnect, trailer hire typically costs:
- Cage or box trailer (8×5): $40–$70/day
- Large trailer (10×5 or 10×6): $60–$100/day
- Enclosed trailer: $70–$130/day
Your vehicle provides the power, so there are no additional fuel surcharges beyond your normal fuel use — and a trailer adds relatively little extra fuel consumption.
Truck hire: what you actually pay
Truck hire companies advertise low base rates (sometimes $49–$79/day), but the final bill is often significantly higher once you add:
- Per-kilometre charges: most hire companies charge $0.25–$0.40/km on top of the daily rate
- Fuel: trucks are diesel, consume 18–25L/100km, and you return it full
- Insurance excess reduction: optional but most people take it — $25–$45/day extra
- After-hours fees: many depots charge $50–$100 for pickups or returns outside business hours
- Young driver surcharge: applies to drivers under 25 at many companies
A truck hire for a 30km round trip with fuel, insurance reduction, and kilometric charges can easily reach $200–$300 for what was advertised as a $79/day hire.
Cost comparison: real example
| Cost item | Trailer hire | Truck hire |
|---|---|---|
| Base daily rate | $60 | $79 |
| Fuel (30km round trip) | ~$5 extra | ~$15 (truck fuel) |
| Km charge (30km) | None | $10–$12 |
| Insurance | Check your car policy | $35/day add-on |
| Total (approx) | $65 | $140–$160 |
When a trailer wins
- You already have a vehicle with a tow bar and adequate towing capacity
- You're doing a local move (under 50km)
- You have a one-to-two bedroom load that fits in a large cage or box trailer
- You want flexible pickup — local owners on TrailerConnect often have better hours than depot-based hire companies
When a truck makes more sense
- You have a full house load that genuinely won't fit in a trailer (even with multiple trips)
- You're moving long distance (100km+) where multiple trailer trips aren't practical
- You don't have a tow bar or your vehicle can't tow the size trailer you need
- You're moving fragile furniture and want the enclosed security of a van-body truck
The hidden advantage of trailer hire
With a trailer, you can load at your own pace. You park the trailer at your front door, load it across the day, and drive once when you're ready. With a truck, the clock is running the moment you leave the depot. Trailer hire is inherently more relaxed — and for most moves, that calm matters.