Dumpster Rental Equipment 101: Roll-Off Trucks, Trailers, Dumpsters & Tariff Impacts

Transcript: Dumpster Equipment with Keystone Waste Solutions and RolliSkate

Matt:
In this episode of Roll-Off Rundowns, we’ve invited Keystone Waste Solutions and RolliSkate to talk to us about dumpster rental equipment. We’re covering trucks, trailers, dumpsters, and everything in between. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re looking to grow from hundreds to thousands of dumpsters, this episode has something for you. Let’s jump in.

Matt:
All right, well let’s start by covering the basics. So Bram, I’d love to ask you—what are the different kinds of trucks and trailers that a dumpster rental business uses?

Bram:
If you look at that from a high level, you’ve really got two different styles of hoist trailers: hook lift and cable style. Two different apparatuses in the way they pick up containers—each with advantages and disadvantages. Then the other big factor is under-CDL versus CDL.

When it comes to trailers, there are many different options—everything from 14,000 GVW under-CDL to 26,000. Both hook and cable styles exist. Most hook lift trailers today are made in Canada, but there’s a new domestic option coming soon.

Then, once you move into trucks, it gets a little more complicated. Again, under-CDL versus CDL, hook versus cable, and different truck classes.

For example:

• An F-550 is a 19,500 GVW truck (under-CDL), typically set up for a 10 to 12-yard container and a 12,000 to 16,000 lb hoist.
• A class 6 truck, 22,000 GVW, handles 10 to 14-yard containers and typically uses a 16,000 lb hoist.
• A Freightliner M2 at 25,999 GVW is right at the CDL threshold, still technically under-CDL.
• Over 26,000 GVW, you’re in CDL territory. The most common is a 33,000 GVW truck, which allows more capacity and typically uses a 30,000 lb hoist.
• Then there are Class 8 trucks, 56,000 to 66,000 GVW, for the big 20, 30, 40-yard containers. These are what you see hauling large debris boxes down the road.

So there’s a wide range—trailers and trucks, under-CDL and CDL, hook and cable.

Matt:
Great, thank you, Bram. Let’s talk dumpsters. Jeff, what are the common size dumpsters that haulers typically rent?

Jeff (RolliSkate):
That’s a good question. I can only talk about my experience, but Bram definitely has a broader view because he sells dumpsters across the board. From what I’ve seen, everyone wants to get to the 20-yard size. It works for both non-CDL and CDL trucks. Guys running smaller trucks aspire to get to the 20s—it holds them until they’re ready to move up to a heavier chassis.

I started small myself, with a non-CDL setup, and now I’m running trucks pushing 72,000 pounds with tri-axles. So I’ve been there, done that.

Matt:
For a hauler starting out with limited capital, what types of equipment offer the best balance of cost and functionality?

Bram:
That depends on your starting point and your goals. If you already own a ¾-ton or 1-ton pickup, you can pair that with a small roll-off trailer and some 15 or 20-yard cans. That’s your lowest entry point—no big investment on the truck side.

But if you only have a half-ton pickup, and you’re thinking of buying a bigger truck and a trailer, you might be close to the cost of just buying an under-CDL truck with a hoist already installed.

Smaller equipment is more affordable, but it limits you to a smaller market. You’ll quickly realize the best route is to go as big as you can afford from the start—but always in line with your business plan and long-term goals.

Matt:
That’s key—goals. Some folks are weekend warriors, others want to grow a serious business. Speaking of that, what about financing? Do you offer lease or finance programs for people just getting started?

Bram:
Yes, we’ve partnered with several finance and lease companies. Some require two years in business, but others will finance based on personal credit. So if you’re starting out and you’ve got good credit, you can launch your business using personal credit.

Some lenders will finance just against the asset value, too. We keep close relationships with a range of lenders and encourage people to shop around and understand the terms. Rates are expensive, but there are aggressive lenders who will work with startups.

Matt:
So if your credit score is 320… maybe just sit tight?

Bram:
Ha, yeah—or figure out how to cash flow it and get that credit moving in the right direction.

Matt:
Let’s talk common mistakes. Jeff, I know you’ve never made one—but what have you seen when it comes to choosing equipment?

Jeff:
Oh, I’ve made plenty. I started in 2002 with a Switch-N-Go setup—a proprietary, non-standard rail system. It let me get into the roll-off space, but switching from that to a standard rail, then to a hook lift system, was a huge financial burden. That transition sets you back, financially and operationally.

The key is picking the right equipment from the start and having a business plan that looks forward. A common mistake is choosing gear that won’t scale. You can’t predict everything, but reassessing your plan over time helps you avoid major roadblocks.

Matt:
Let’s talk about innovation. RolliSkate is doing something cool—what is it?

Jeff:
We created a dumpster underlayment system called RolliSkate. Originally, we built it for ourselves to prevent property damage and make our customers feel better about having dumpsters on their driveways.

We beta-tested it, then opened it to the public four or five years ago. Haulers across the country use it. Some are still skeptical, but the ones who’ve adopted it aren’t going back. It reduces damage, keeps customers happy, and avoids litigation.

Matt:
Bram, is it more cost-effective to offer a limited number of dumpster sizes, or should haulers specialize?

Bram:
It depends on your market, but simplicity helps logistics. One hauler I know runs 1,600 dumpsters and only offers 15- and 30-yard options. It keeps things simple—15s for residential and 30s for commercial. Less variation means lower logistics costs.

That said, niche markets are growing. There are skids for portable toilets, concrete washout containers, flatbeds, etc. If you’re going into one of those, your product mix may vary—but fewer sizes in core roll-off helps efficiency.

Matt:
Let’s talk scaling—going from one trailer to a fleet. What are some key considerations?

Jeff:
We’re living it again now. We got rid of our 10s and 15s and now only offer 20s, 30s, and 40s. That’s because those sizes fit our current truck chassis and provide better dump angles and load release. Residential customers ask for smaller, but we charge them 15-yard rates and deliver 20s—they’re happy, and we stay efficient.

Bram:
Totally agree. Think about growth before you buy. Insurance is another big one—moving from a trailer to a truck changes your premiums. And of course, truck cost is much higher than trailer cost.

Also, partner with local haulers. Align your equipment with theirs, build relationships. If you need backup while scaling, they might help fill gaps until you’re ready to grow independently.

Matt:
Now let’s talk maintenance. Jeff, how do you handle that?

Jeff:
All our trucks are maintained by Kenworth. We don’t keep trucks long—usually two to three years—so maintenance is minimal. We also have quality local mechanics for quick service. Choosing equipment with local dealer support is critical.

Matt:
How long do you usually keep trucks?

Jeff:
Two to three years. Around 40,000 miles on smaller trucks, closer to 90,000 on Class 8s. It gives us a great resale value and keeps our fleet modern.

Matt:
Bram, what about dumpster maintenance?

Bram:
Grease. That’s the key. Grease rollers, hinges, anything that moves. Most wear issues come from poor maintenance. Carry a battery-powered grease gun and use it weekly.

Also, have a preventive maintenance schedule. If you’re a one-truck operation and it breaks, your whole business stops.

Matt:
Let’s talk about tariffs. Steel prices have been crazy. How is that affecting equipment pricing?

Bram:
Steel jumped 40% almost immediately. Since steel is 50–60% of container cost, pricing had to follow. We saw daily price increases for two weeks straight. It’s starting to level out now, but yes—it’s affecting both new and used pricing.

Matt:
Does that push haulers to buy used?

Bram:
Yes, but used prices are close to new. And used dumpsters often need floor or rail replacements, which is expensive. Some people also go into their boneyard and repair what they already own.

Jeff:
We forecast purchases six months out and lock in pricing with suppliers. That’s allowed us to avoid price hikes on some products, especially plastic ones. Since launching RolliSkate, we haven’t raised prices once. Efficiency, smarter machines, and bulk raw materials help us manage costs.

Matt:
Final thoughts—what advice do you have for haulers when it comes to equipment?

Bram:
Have a plan. Think 10 years out. Know your exit strategy. Buy equipment that aligns with your market—and with the buyers who may acquire you one day. Mismatched equipment can kill your sale value.

Work with a supplier who consults—not just sells. We help haulers avoid costly mistakes and align for scalable growth.

Jeff:
Property protection is key. Educate your customers, prevent damage, and use tools like RolliSkate. We designed it for that purpose. It creates peace of mind and keeps both hauler and customer happy.

Also, ditch the wood—it’s not safe, not sustainable, and it’s a liability on the road. Use purpose-built underlayment.

Matt:
Thanks to both of you. This was packed with value. Appreciate your time, and we’ll see everyone on the next episode.

Dumpster Equipment Advice from Industry Pros

In this episode of Roll-Off Rundowns, Keystone Waste Solutions and RolliSkate deliver hard-earned advice on choosing the right equipment for your dumpster business. Whether you’re just getting started with a trailer or scaling up to Class 8 trucks and thousands of dumpsters, this conversation is packed with real-world takeaways.

Key points discussed:

• Choosing between hooklift and cable systems
• Under-CDL vs. CDL truck considerations
• How to scale from one truck to a fleet
• Financing options for new haulers
• Why equipment standardization matters
• Common buying mistakes and how to avoid them
• Maintenance tips that save thousands
• The impact of tariffs on dumpster prices
• How RolliSkate helps prevent property damage