Avoid the Rush: The Importance of Building Business Partnerships To Stay Ahead
How to build relationships ahead of demand to increase agility
Freight and shipping needs can change rapidly, and having the right partners in place can provide businesses with the agility they need to pivot when demand shifts, new opportunities emerge or challenges arise. Increased flexibility is becoming increasingly important amid growing uncertainty.
According to the 2025 Council of Supply Chain Management’s State of Supply Chain report, with 55% of executives expecting major disruptions this year, companies are proactively enhancing collaboration.
Penske offers a range of solutions, including short-term and seasonal options, that enable fleets to scale up or down as needed. Being proactive and getting agreements in place even before demand hits can make the process even faster and ensure fleets have the right access at the right time. Solutions include:
Truck Leasing: Leasing offers businesses the flexibility to scale capacity to meet a fleet’s exact needs without tying up capital or incurring the risks and hidden costs associated with ownership. Leases provide access to well-maintained, late-model equipment and include maintenance and support services, reducing downtime and administrative overhead. Penske has a wide range of equipment, including box trucks for smaller loads, Class 8 tractors and 53-foot trailers, to accommodate fleets’ specific demands.
Truck Rentals: For short-term or unexpected needs, truck rentals offer one of the most flexible solutions to add capacity. Whether it's a breakdown, a temporary contract or a last-minute surge in demand, rentals make it possible to add capacity in just a few hours. Penske offers a wide selection of vehicles, ranging from light-duty to heavy-duty, and convenient access across geographic regions.
Used Trucks: More than one-third of private fleets — 34% — use a combination of ownership and leasing of heavy-duty equipment, according to the 2024 National Private Truck Council Benchmarking Survey. Used trucks can offer even more flexibility because they are readily available and can be more cost-effective than a new equipment purchase. Having a trusted used truck partner can save time and money. Penske provides access to a wide inventory, detailed condition reports, transparent pricing and flexible bidding options through an online auction platform.
Fleet Maintenance: With proven fleet maintenance solutions, Penske adds value to your business by managing the complex process of keeping vehicles up and running smoothly. After an initial assessment, you’ll receive a customized truck service contract focused on your business. Maintenance contracts come with access to a nationwide network of truck maintenance facilities, on-site maintenance at your location, or centralized maintenance management – whatever fits best with your day-to-day needs.
Freight Brokerage: Freight brokers play an important role for carriers and shippers alike. For carriers, brokers connect them with shippers who need to move freight, helping them secure loads, reduce empty miles and improve equipment utilization. Brokers also assist with communication, rate negotiations and the payment process, which can reduce the administrative burden on fleets. For shippers, carriers provide access to a vast network of carriers, extending their reach without the need for in-house logistics teams.
Dedicated Contract Carriage: Dedicated contract carriage (DCC) provides the benefits of a private fleet, including visibility, control and reliability, without the burdens of ownership. DCC can help shippers reduce costs, increase truck capacity, flex as needed and transfer liability to an outside provider. The DCC offerings at Penske provide customers with a fully managed, well-maintained fleet, highly trained drivers and access to the latest technology.