Roll-off trailer prices (Texas Pride, starting price)
| Model | GVWR | Starting price |
|---|---|---|
| Roll-off 16K 7x14 bumper pull, tandem axle | 14k-18k GVWR | $13,895 |
| Roll-off 16K 7x14 gooseneck, tandem axle | 14k-18k GVWR | $14,595 |
| Roll-off 26K 8x20 gooseneck, dual wheel | 22k-26k GVWR | $20,695 |
Trailer cans (Texas Pride, factory pickup)
| Length | Capacities | Prices |
|---|---|---|
| 12' long | 11 / 15 / 18 yd | $3,450 / $3,750 / $4,100 |
| 14' long | 13 / 17 / 21 yd | $3,750 / $4,050 / $4,400 |
| 16' long | 15 / 20 / 25 yd | $4,250 / $4,550 / $4,950 |
| 20' long | 18 / 24 / 30 yd | $5,000 / $5,300 / $5,700 |
Trailer vs truck
| Trailer + pickup | Roll-off truck | |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment cost | Trailer from $13,895 + cans | Used trucks in one Sep 2026 snapshot $59,500-$75,900; new $212,900+ |
| Container size | Up to ~30 yd on a 20 ft can | Standard 10-40 yd |
| CDL | Depends on combined ratings (see below) | Required (26,001+ lbs GVWR) |
| Driveway footprint | Lighter, easier residential placement | Heavier |
| Capacity | Fewer tons per trip | More tons per trip |
CDL rules (49 CFR 383.91). A single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 lbs or more is a Group B (Class B) vehicle. A combination with a GCWR of 26,001 lbs or more and a towed unit over 10,000 lbs GVWR is Group A (Class A). Full-size roll-off trucks are well above 26,001 lbs GVWR, so drivers need a CDL; whether a pickup + roll-off trailer needs one depends on the combined ratings of both.
The math that decides it
Contribution per rental = price - disposal - fuel/time. A trailer operation usually charges residential rates for 10-20 yard cans. Run your price through the pricing calculator and your equipment through the startup cost calculator (choose “roll-off trailer”).
Starting with a trailer? You can join too
RollOffDesk is in development. Founding operators get $99/mo flat for up to 3 trucks and unlimited containers, locked for life. No payment now - tell us about your fleet and we will set up a 20-minute discovery call if you want one.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to start a dumpster trailer business?
Texas Pride roll-off trailers start at $13,895 and its trailer cans at $3,450, so a trailer plus 4 cans is roughly $28,000-$35,000 in equipment if you own a capable pickup, before insurance and setup.
Do I need a CDL for a dumpster trailer?
Under 49 CFR 383.91, you need a Class A CDL if the combination is rated 26,001 lbs or more and the trailer is rated over 10,000 lbs. Check your truck and trailer ratings.
Is a dumpster trailer business profitable?
It can be, because equipment costs are low - but cans are smaller and each rental carries its own disposal cost. Model it before buying.
Sources
- Texas Pride Trailers - Roll-off trailers (starting prices) (accessed 2026-09-23)
- Texas Pride Trailers - Roll-off dumpsters for sale (factory pickup prices) (accessed 2026-09-23)
- eCFR - 49 CFR 383.91 Commercial motor vehicle groups (CDL classes) (accessed 2026-09-23)
- TrashTrucksOnline - Roll-off trucks listings (asking prices, snapshot) (accessed 2026-09-23)