top of page

Is Cold Truck Rental Better Than Third-Party Delivery?

  • Ha Na-bi
  • Apr 11
  • 3 min read

Index:

Introduction

In Malaysia, the need for efficient cold logistics is growing rapidly. Whether you're running a food delivery business, supplying frozen goods, or delivering pharmaceuticals, maintaining temperature control during transportation is critical. Amid rising demand, many businesses are now asking: Should we rent our own cold truck or rely on third-party delivery services?

Let's break it down!


Understanding Cold Truck Rental in Malaysia

Cold truck rental services allow businesses to lease refrigerated trucks for transporting temperature-sensitive items. In Malaysia, this has become a popular choice, especially in KL, Selangor, Penang, and Johor, where food delivery, catering, and e-commerce are booming.

Why it’s growing in Malaysia:

  • Rising demand for home food deliveries and frozen products

  • Strict halal and food safety standards

  • Increasing pharmaceutical and biotech logistics

Related Keywords: cold truck hire, refrigerated truck Malaysia, cold logistics, rent freezer truck KL


What Is Third-Party Delivery?

Third-party delivery providers offer ready-made logistics services—including vehicles, drivers, and delivery systems. Think of companies like Lalamove, GrabForBusiness, or specialized cold chain logistics providers.

Advantages:

  • Low upfront cost

  • No maintenance or fleet management needed

  • Fast access to established delivery networks


Disadvantages:

  • Limited control over handling & timing

  • High cost for frequent deliveries

  • Potential inconsistency in temperature maintenance


Cold Truck Rental vs. Third-Party Delivery: A Quick Comparison

Factor

Cold Truck Rental

Third-Party Delivery

Control

Full control over scheduling & handling

Depends on provider’s schedule

Cost Efficiency

Cost-effective for regular use

Expensive for high-frequency needs

Flexibility

Custom routes and delivery times

Limited customization

Branding

Can brand the truck

No branding opportunities

Responsibility

You manage operations

Provider handles logistics

When Should You Rent a Cold Truck?

Consider cold truck rental if you:

  • Have regular or bulk deliveries

  • Need full control of logistics

  • Want to build your brand with customized trucks

  • Handle sensitive items like seafood, meat, or vaccines


Popular industries using rentals in Malaysia:

  • Frozen food suppliers

  • Catering services

  • Floral businesses

  • Pharmaceutical companies


When Is Third-Party Delivery Better?

Choose third-party delivery if you:

  • Have occasional, one-off deliveries

  • Operate a small business with minimal logistics

  • Want a plug-and-play delivery solution


Good for:

  • Startups and SMEs

  • Low-volume operations

  • E-commerce stores with sporadic cold delivery needs


Did You Know?

  • Malaysia’s cold chain logistics market is projected to grow at over 7% annually source.

  • Improper cold storage accounts for up to 30% in food loss globally.

  • Many Malaysian SMEs are moving toward hybrid models, combining rental fleets with third-party support.


Tips for Choosing the Right Option

  1. Assess your delivery volume – Daily, weekly, monthly?

  2. Calculate cost-per-kilometer for both options.

  3. Evaluate your need for real-time tracking.

  4. Factor in branding opportunities (truck wraps, logos).

  5. Consider insurance, maintenance, and risk responsibility.


Conclusion: Which Is Better for You?

If your business needs consistent, high-volume cold transport, renting a cold truck offers better control, cost-efficiency, and flexibility in the long run. For smaller or occasional delivery needs, third-party providers are ideal.

Think about your logistics as a long-term investment. The right cold logistics decision can reduce spoilage, increase efficiency, and build your brand’s credibility.


FAQs

1. Is cold truck rental cheaper in the long run?

Yes, especially if you have regular deliveries. It reduces per-trip costs over time.


2. Can I rent a cold truck for a single day in Malaysia?

Yes. Many providers in KL and Johor offer daily or hourly rental options.


3. Do I need a special license to drive a rented cold truck?

Not for smaller 1-ton or 3-ton trucks, but larger vehicles may require a commercial license.


4. Which cities in Malaysia have the most rental options?

Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Johor Bahru, and Penang lead in availability.


5. Can I brand a rented cold truck with my logo?

Some companies allow custom branding for long-term leases—check with your provider.


 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page