When U.S. Army veteran Erik Thompson launched CK Trailer Rental & Sales LLC in 2026, the idea came from recognizing a need in northeast Ohio for reliable trailer rentals backed by strong customer service.
Thompson saw an opportunity to particularly serve small contractors and subcontractors. For these businesses, the cost of purchasing, financing, maintaining and storing equipment can quickly add to already significant overhead.
CK Trailers was created to help ease that burden by providing reliable trailers when they're needed — without the long-term expense of ownership.
“Our goal is to give contractors access to the equipment they need to get the job done without adding another major expense to their business,” Thompson said.
Based in Lorain, Ohio, CK Trailers offers equipment, utility, enclosed, vehicle transport, deckover and gooseneck trailers, with the fleet continuing to grow as demand increases.
The response to the veteran-owned business has been especially meaningful to Thompson. He said support from fellow veterans and the community has been tremendous. After seven years in the U.S. Army, service and giving back remain important parts of how he wants to build the company.
That includes supporting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, an organization close to Thompson's heart. As a father of two young boys, its mission carries special meaning. His connection began while serving overseas, when he received letters from St. Jude.
CK Trailers now contributes to St. Jude annually, with Thompson setting a long-term goal of growing the business enough to one day fully support a St. Jude family.
Growth plans also include expanding beyond Lorain, with North Ridgeville, Ohio, and the Cincinnati/northern Kentucky area among the markets Thompson plans to serve.
For Thompson, the vision is about more than growing a fleet. It's about building a dependable company that helps contractors control costs, delivers great service and creates opportunities to give back.
This story also appears on Truck and Trailer Guide.
