When figuring out how to buy a fleet vehicle, you need the right resources. We'll outline four factors you must consider before investing in a new fleet for better results and performance.
Your trucking fleet must support your intended purpose. Trucks have many specifications and features, so understanding what your company needs to complete jobs can help you narrow down options. Consider the routes you will take and the truck's load capacity before purchasing.
Your routes will play a significant role in the type of truck you buy. Local climate and road conditions will determine which trucks can transport goods safely to and from destinations. For example, your fleet needs will differ depending on whether you drive primarily along highways and deliver to warehouses or drive off-road and deliver to individual homes.
Routes can also determine factors like truck size and fuel type. Larger trucks might have more difficulty navigating cities or locations with narrow roads. A smaller truck might be inefficient for traveling long distances but will be great for local deliveries.
Load capacity is another factor that will contribute to your truck's purpose and functionality. If you carry oversized items, you will need a truck to accommodate their size. If you carry small items, you can purchase a smaller truck or fit more into a large truck for quicker deliveries.
When companies prepare to buy fleet vehicles, they often judge their worth based on the upfront costs. However, you can get a better idea by looking at the total cost of ownership. Other than the initial investment and purchase costs, some expenses of truck ownership include:
Considering long-term costs can help you make a more sensible financial investment as you purchase fleet vehicles. Many features that are expensive upfront can boost your return on investment later. If you want to eventually sell your vehicles, you can get a better price for increased performance and quality.
Look for promotions and discounts if you want to save money on your investment. Many manufacturers offer discounted pricing for buying in bulk. Purchasing from the same dealership or manufacturer can lead to rewards — they might offer deals for purchasing a certain amount over a designated period. For example, you might get discounted trucks if you invest in five from the same location over the course of one year.
Standardizing your trucking fleet can offer several benefits, including:
Companies investing in a new fleet vehicle can narrow options to fit their standards. You can also standardize fleets by function. If you have a local fleet, those trucks might have different specifications than long-distance options.
Understanding and implementing your drivers' needs into the decision process can increase satisfaction and performance. When you equip drivers with the tools they need, they can better complete jobs and deliver goods safely, pleasing your customers and partners in the process.
Some factors drivers value include the following:
Catering to your drivers' needs can increase employee satisfaction for higher retention rates and loyalty. Like your trucks, they are valuable investments that support your operations and partnerships.
When determining how to get a fleet of trucks, you need the right tools and resources to optimize costs and management. Bestpass provides a commercial toll payment and management platform that centralizes toll payments for fleets guarantees payments and reduced errors.
Because new trucks are expensive, Bestpass will help identify where you can reduce toll costs and avoid violations for increased savings and cost-efficiency. We work with over 50 toll authorities nationwide to provide better visibility and accuracy at the tolls.
Contact Bestpass today to schedule a demo and discover how to purchase fleet vehicles while optimizing your finances.
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