Why does a small trailer problem matter?
A trailer light out is a ticket. An air leak is a brake problem. An ABS fault is an out-of-service order at the next scale. These aren't comfort items.
What if the reefer unit is down?
If the reefer unit is down and the load is temperature-sensitive, say so first. Reefer repair is its own specialty with its own techs, and the clock on the load is the only thing that matters. Tell dispatch the set point, the current box temperature, and what the unit is doing.
What should you tell dispatch?
- Trailer type: dry van, reefer, flatbed, tanker, lowboy.
- Loaded or empty.
- What's wrong, and whether the tractor is still attached.
- Whether you're staying with it or dropping it.
- Location and your callback number.
What does trailer repair cost?
Mobile trailer work is billed like mobile truck repair: a service call fee of $150 to $350, labor at $125 to $225 an hour, plus parts. Reefer diagnosis carries a premium. Shop work for floors, doors, and structural repair is quoted by the job.
When is trailer repair available?
Mobile trailer service runs around the clock in most markets. Trailer shops run weekdays. Reefer specialists are often 24/7 because loads are.