Utilize Leases and Rentals To Build an Agile Fleet as Capacity Tightens

The factors adding to a fleet's ROI

Multiple white semi-trucks drive up a road in the desert.

Leases and rentals allow companies to scale up quickly when new opportunities arise and scale down when capacity tightens. The ability to flex up and down as needed is always essential during the typical holiday surge, but it may be even more critical in today’s freight market.

Trucking is beginning to emerge from a prolonged downturn. After years of excess capacity, the supply side of the market is rebalancing. Carrier exits continued throughout 2024 and 2025, and several regulatory requirements related to professional drivers could reduce the number of long-haul drivers available.

ACT Research views 2026 as a foundational year and expects the industry to continue working through excess capacity and stabilizing operations. The economy is also showing signs of improvement, exceeding expectations in late 2025.

“AI- and wealth-driven economic growth helped to absorb overcapacity into the end of 2025, and the economy appears to have good momentum into early 2026,” said Ken Vieth, ACT’s president and senior analyst, when releasing the North American Commercial Vehicle Outlook. “Looking forward, the high likelihood the Supreme Court strikes down IEEPA tariffs as unconstitutional may lead to an inventory restock, further bolstering for-hire volumes.”

Leases and rentals provide long- and short-term solutions to give transportation providers flexibility in the number of vehicles they keep. Having the proper contracts in place ahead of a rush can help fleets and shippers ensure they can meet their transportation needs during the busy season.

Penske offers a variety of equipment types and sizes to help companies meet their specific needs. Options include high-roof cargo vans, straight trucks with liftgates, flatbed trucks, and tractors and trailers. Penske's team can work with fleets to ensure they have the right equipment, even as their businesses change, allowing them to pursue new opportunities without being bound by long-term capital investments.

An additional benefit of full-service leases is that preventive maintenance is included, so customers don't have to worry about failures. If a problem does occur, Penske can provide a short-term rental replacement unit to keep freight moving. Plus, as capacity tightens, maintaining drivers is crucial. New, well-maintained equipment can help attract and retain quality drivers.

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