How Much Does it Cost to Rent a Food Truck?

We live in a world that moves at an ever-faster pace and few people nowadays have time to enjoy breakfast or lunch in a restaurant or at home. Always on the run, many prefer to buy a snack or sandwich on the go and eat at the office. That’s why these very busy and active people are the perfect customers for an entrepreneur who wants to start a street food business – as selling food on the street is called.

A food truck located near a business center would be an option that should definitely be considered. In this way, you can count on a certain average number of customers who will come to buy food from the trailer at least during peak hours, i.e. in the morning and around noon. In addition to fast food, you can also sell sweets and soft drinks.

How Much Does it Cost to Rent a Food Truck?

The cost of renting a food truck is affected by several factors such as the type of truck, the place where you are living, the features included, the age of the truck, and the terms of the contract. You should plan on spending anywhere between $110 and $1,100 per day or $2,100 to $11,000 per month for renting a food truck.

As a food truck owner, you should expect to spend around $10,500 per month, according to the mobile-cuisine.com website.

If you want to hire a food truck, you should budget anywhere between $1,100 and $3,100 per month, says SmallFoodBizz.

Depending on the condition, age, and type of truck, you should be prepared to spend around $2,100 per month for renting a food truck, according to BusinessNewsDaily.

Which are the additional expenses?

There are some food truck owners that are able to offer you trained staff for an hourly fee. Or you can run the food truck on your own.

There are also food costs that should be considered, specifically, the cost related to the products needed to create the foods on your menu.

Cleaning expenses should also be considered.

In case you want to rent a truck that has your company logo on it, there will be fees related to this during the rental period.

Most food truck owners will require that you return the truck with a full tank of gas.

Similar to a car rental, if you return the food truck with any damage, you will respond for it.

Important things related to food truck rental

If you are just starting out with the business, it is preferable to start with one car. Along the way, with the expansion of the business and the increase of capital, you can rent a larger number of food trucks.

You can also book a food truck for any type of event, like corporate events.

You might also like our articles on the cost of fire trucks, ice cream trucks, or Menards truck rentals.

For a street food business, you need a certain type of food truck, which is equipped with all the necessary equipment. Thus, it must comply with the following basic conditions:

• to be equipped with refrigeration equipment, stove, and containers for storing ingredients;
• have a new transmission;
• to have a fire extinguisher, in case of fire;
• have an electric generator and water containers;
• to have an interior and exterior lighting system;
• have a very good ventilation system (a special hood that removes steam).

Keep in mind that hygiene must be the basic rule because you will need health certificates and permits and you will be checked periodically. Everything must be clean and fresh, and the ingredients must be stored in the best conditions.

Another important detail is where you will place the food truck to sell the products. You must have available parking and obey traffic laws.

Do not neglect the collaboration with a mechanic, who will come to repair the food truck as soon as it is needed. All these details matter a lot because they will save you from many troubles that you don’t even think about.

The main advantages of a food truck

The main advantages of such a business are:

• the rapid adjustment of the product range ensures business diversification, customer loyalty, and attracting of new customers;
• a food truck can be repositioned periodically. Changing the location ensures the choice of a place with a larger commercial front leading to the success of the business;
• the possibility of opening such a business with a reduced budget compared to opening a restaurant;
• less waiting time for customers compared to a classic restaurant.

Tips for saving money

Usually, you can find a food truck for renting online on third-party websites. Look for multiple price offers before considering renting one. Also, compare their capabilities and features as these vary from one truck to another.