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XTRA Lease

A leading provider of trucking trailers and storage containers, operating as XTRA Lease, acquired by Berkshire Hathaway in 2001.

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XTRA Lease

Founded: 1980s Acquired by Berkshire: 2001 Status: Berkshire Hathaway subsidiary

Overview

XTRA Lease is a major provider of trucking trailers and storage containers for lease in the United States. The company operates a large fleet of trailers and containers serving the transportation and storage industries.

Business

Equipment Leasing

  • Semi-trailers for trucking companies
  • Storage containers for shipping and storage
  • Specialty equipment for specific industries

Fleet Size

XTRA maintains one of the largest trailer fleets in the United States:

  • Over 100,000 trailers
  • Strategic locations nationwide
  • Comprehensive maintenance services

Why It Fits Berkshire

Capital-Light Business Model

Trailer leasing doesn't require significant capital compared to owning assets:

  • Customers pay for usage
  • Equipment returns after lease term
  • Smaller capital requirements than trucking

Counter-Cyclical Potential

Trailer demand can increase during economic expansions when trucking demand rises.

Related

Source

Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meetings