Why is the delivery fee higher for a single unit rental?

Question

I'm gutting my only bathroom for a renovation that'll take about six weeks, so I got a quote for one standard portable toilet. The monthly rental rate is reasonable, but the delivery fee is almost as much as the rental itself. The unit will sit on my driveway, which is flat asphalt, and the truck can pull right up to it, no obstacles. I expected the delivery fee to be a smaller add-on, not such a big chunk. What drives that fee? Is it always this high for a single unit, or does it drop if you rent more? Just trying to understand the breakdown before I commit.

Marcus B. · Answer

The delivery fee is higher for a single unit rental because the fixed costs of sending a truck and a driver are spread over only one unit, not several. The driver's time, fuel, and the truck's operation cost the rental company about the same whether they drop off one unit or a full truckload. Your driveway's easy access does not lower the fee because the truck still makes a dedicated trip just for your single unit.

The delivery fee is a fixed cost that drops on a per-unit basis when you rent more units. A rental company will charge the same delivery fee for one unit as for a full truckload, but if you rent multiple units, that fee is divided among them, making the cost per unit much lower. The monthly rental rate covers the unit's use and weekly service, but the delivery fee covers the transportation to and from your site.

For a six-week residential job, a standard portable toilet on your driveway is the right choice. You will need weekly service to keep it clean and functional. The invoice should show the delivery fee, the monthly rental rate, and the service visits as separate line items.

Why is the delivery fee higher for a single unit rental?

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