Whether you're delivering fresh produce, frozen meals, dairy, or beverages, maintaining strict temperature control is crucial. Refrigerated trucks—also known as reefer trucks—are essential for businesses in the food and beverage industry. But with prices often exceeding $100,000, many companies turn to leasing refrigerated trucks for food and beverage delivery to keep operations efficient and cash flow steady.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about refrigerated truck leasing, including benefits, cost estimates, lease types, and how to choose the right option for your business.
Assess your temperature control and delivery needs
Choose the right truck size and reefer specs
Compare lease quotes from dealers and fleet providers
Submit your business credit and documentation
Sign the lease and schedule delivery
Leasing offers key advantages over purchasing:
Lower upfront costs—preserve capital for inventory and staffing
Access newer vehicles with better fuel efficiency and tech
Flexible lease terms (24–60 months)
Maintenance included in many full-service lease packages
Tax-deductible payments in many cases
Related: How Equipment Leasing Can Boost Your Company’s Cash Flow
Reefer truck leasing is available for:
Light-duty vans (e.g., Ford Transit, Ram ProMaster with reefer units)
Medium-duty box trucks (14'–26')
Heavy-duty refrigerated trucks for regional transport
Electric refrigerated trucks for urban routes
Multi-temp vehicles with separate temperature zones
✅ You can also lease reefer trailers, ideal for wholesalers and distributors.
| Truck Type | Estimated Cost | Term | Monthly Lease (Est.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light-Duty Reefer Van | $60,000 | 48 months | ~$1,050/month |
| 18-ft Reefer Box Truck | $85,000 | 60 months | ~$1,400/month |
| 26-ft Refrigerated Truck | $110,000 | 60 months | ~$1,850/month |
Lower payments
Return or upgrade vehicle at lease-end
Ideal for growing or seasonal food businesses
Higher payments, but you own the truck at the end
Best if you plan to keep the truck long-term
Bundles vehicle, maintenance, registration, and tracking into one payment
Reduces operational headaches for busy delivery companies
Tip: Choose providers offering temperature monitoring systems to ensure FDA compliance during transport.
Most leasing companies will ask for:
Business license or EIN
Valid CDL (if applicable)
Vehicle use and route estimate
Insurance proof
Business bank statements or tax returns
Personal or business credit score (500+ often accepted)
You can lease from:
National dealers (Ryder, Penske, Enterprise Fleet Management)
Specialty reefer providers (Thermo King, Morgan Truck Body dealers)
Independent lessors and brokers
OEM finance programs from Ford, Freightliner, Hino, etc.
Compare at least 3 quotes and check for hidden fees like mileage limits or maintenance exclusions.
Operating lease
for flexibility and lower upfront costs
Lease-to-own for long-term vehicle use
Full-service lease for bundled vehicle and maintenance support
Delivering perishables is all about reliability and compliance. With leasing, your business can operate a modern, efficient fleet of refrigerated trucks—without the financial chill of full ownership.
Ready to scale your food or beverage delivery operations?
Apply now for flexible reefer truck leasing options—with competitive rates, fast approvals, and expert support to keep your goods fresh and your business moving.