Hooklift vs cable roll-off
| Cable hoist | Hooklift | |
|---|---|---|
| How it loads | Winch cable pulls the container up tilted rails | Hydraulic arm hooks a bail on the container and lifts it |
| Container fit | Standard cable-style roll-off containers (the US norm) | Needs containers with a hook bail; many haulers add hooks to cans |
| Driver effort | Driver hooks the cable at the container | Mostly from the cab |
| Best for | Hauling standard 20-40 yd containers | Mixed bodies (dumpster, flatbed, other bodies) swapped on one truck |
Hoist brands that show up in listings include Galbreath, SwapLoader and Galfab. Ask the seller for hoist capacity (60,000 lb is common in the listings below) and container length range.
Asking prices: one listings-site snapshot (Sep 23, 2026)
| Truck | Hoist / rating | Asking price |
|---|---|---|
| 2027 Peterbilt 567 | SwapLoader hoist | $236,900 - $237,900 |
| 2026 Kenworth T880 | Galfab hoist | $289,500 |
| 2026 Freightliner 114SD | SwapLoader hoist | $212,900 |
| 2025 Kenworth T880 | Galbreath hoist | $249,500 |
| 2023 Peterbilt 567 | Galbreath cable hoist | $199,000 |
| 2019 Freightliner 114SD | - | $125,000 |
| 2014 Hino 338 | 33,000 lb | $75,900 |
| 2011 Peterbilt 365 | Galbreath hoist, 60,000 lb | $69,000 |
| 2008 Kenworth T800 | Galbreath hoist, 60,000 lb | $69,000 |
| 2007 Autocar Xpeditor | Galbreath/Pak-Mor hoist | $59,500 |
CDL and the trailer alternative
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.
That is why many starters begin with a dumpster trailer behind a heavy pickup: Texas Pride lists roll-off trailers from $13,895 (16K bumper pull) to $20,695 (26K gooseneck dual wheel).
What a truck costs per rental
Divide the truck’s all-in hourly cost - payment, insurance, fuel, maintenance and a CDL driver (BLS May 2025 median for heavy truck drivers: $28.19/hr before payroll burden) - by the rentals it runs. The pricing calculator turns that into a price per size; the startup cost calculator shows payback for new vs used.
One truck? Get software priced for it
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 a roll-off truck cost?
In a 2026-09-23 snapshot of one listings site, new 2026-2027 roll-off trucks were asking $212,900-$289,500 and older used trucks $59,500-$75,900. Specs, hoist and mileage move the price.
Hooklift or cable roll-off: which is better?
Cable hoists handle standard US roll-off containers and are the common choice for dumpster rental; hooklifts win when one truck swaps many body types. Match the hoist to the containers you will buy.
Do you need a CDL to drive a roll-off truck?
Yes for any single vehicle rated 26,001 lbs GVWR or more (Class B under 49 CFR 383.91), which covers full-size roll-off trucks.
Should I buy new or used?
Used lowers the payment and payback time but raises downtime risk. Run both through the startup cost calculator.
Sources
- TrashTrucksOnline - Roll-off trucks listings (asking prices, snapshot) (accessed 2026-09-23)
- Texas Pride Trailers - Roll-off trailers (starting prices) (accessed 2026-09-23)
- eCFR - 49 CFR 383.91 Commercial motor vehicle groups (CDL classes) (accessed 2026-09-23)
- BLS OEWS May 2025 - Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers (53-3032) (accessed 2026-09-23)