Uptime Supports On-Time, In-Full Deliveries
Why OTIF metrics are so important
On-time and in-full (OTIF) performance is on the top metrics that matter in logistics and transportation. Shippers increasingly rely on OTIF results to evaluate carrier reliability, enforce service-level agreements and allocate freight. There are several factors that come together to support OTIF metrics, but one of the most important is reliable equipment.
Vehicles that are unavailable due to unscheduled maintenance, roadside breakdowns or regulatory violations can lead to missed delivery windows, rescheduled or cancelled loads, poor driver utilization, and fines and fees. Over time, service failures can increase operating costs, damage shipper relationships and result in lost business.
Equipment Age Matters
As equipment ages, the likelihood of mechanical failures increases, and trucks start requiring more maintenance-driven downtime and major repairs. Plus, older assets often lack the advanced safety, diagnostic and telematics technologies available on newer models. The additional technology can help detect issues earlier and reduce downtime.
Leasing can help fleets maintain access to newer, well-maintained equipment while reducing the risk of age-related failures. In the National Private Truck Council’s 2025 benchmarking survey, fleets that lease the majority of their equipment reported an average equipment age of 3.2 years, compared with 5.34 years for fleets that own most of their equipment. In addition to higher reliability, full-service leases include maintenance and access to replacement vehicles to keep freight moving.
Robust Maintenance Improves Uptime
Regularly scheduled preventive maintenance is critical throughout an asset’s life and can the right maintenance at the right time can improve uptime. Penske follows a rigorous, data-driven preventive maintenance service that analyzes specifications and trends unique to each individual fleet.
Penske also takes a proactive approach to maintenance by analyzing huge amounts of data, including remote diagnostics, to understand when specific components may fail on each vehicle type and schedule a repair before there’s a problem. The maintenance team has broken diagnostic codes up into red, yellow and green categories to help technicians, carriers and drivers understand which codes need immediate attention and which can wait until the next scheduled PM so equipment isn’t pulled from the road unnecessarily.
Driver Inspections Uncover Issues Early
Pre-trip and post-trip inspections also play an essential role in protecting uptime, and drivers are often the first line of defense in identifying issues that can occur while a truck is in use, including tire damage or lighting issues. Thorough inspections can ensure small issues can be addressed before they escalate into breakdowns or roadside violations that remove equipment from service. Penske also serves as a second set of eyes when drivers fuel at Penske fueling locations. Customer service reps walk around the vehicle to perform a visual inspection and top off essential fluids. If they identify issues and coordinate with the maintenance team to address issues.
Regulatory Compliance Keeps Equipment Moving
Equipment-related defects can also lead to out-of-service (OOS) violations during roadside inspections. An OOS violation means a truck or trailer is deemed unsafe to operate and must be removed from service until the issues are addressed. During the CVSA International Roadcheck in 2025, inspectors placed commercial motor vehicles out of service at a vehicle OOS rate of 18.1%. Brake- and tire-related issues were the top OOS violations.
Administrative compliance issues can also sideline equipment until they are addressed. For example, registrations must be current for the tractor and trailer, and equipment can’t be used until all required paperwork is handled. As part of its full-service leases, Penske handles administrative tasks, including managing licensing and registration, permitting, taxes and regulatory paperwork, and simplifies maintenance recordkeeping required to comply with the Department of Transportation’s Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) program.
Planning for the Inevitable
Trucks and trailers have a lot of moving parts and, even with a strong PM program, breakdowns and unexpected repairs can happen. Having a contingency plan helps protect OTIF performance. As part of its full-service lease agreements, Penske provides 24/7 roadside support and replacement vehicles, which keep loads moving. Rental trucks can be a quick option to add capacity if owned equipment is unavailable
Work With Penske
To learn more about how Penske’s full-service leasing program can improve uptime, contact 1-844-847-9519.
What is OTIF in logistics?
OTIF (on-time, in-full) measures whether shipments arrive at the agreed time and with the correct quantity. Shippers use OTIF to evaluate carrier reliability and enforce service-level agreements. Strong OTIF performance helps protect customer relationships and reduce penalties.
How does fleet uptime affect OTIF performance?
Fleet uptime directly impacts delivery performance. Breakdowns, unscheduled maintenance or out-of-service violations can delay loads and hurt OTIF metrics. Proactive maintenance, newer equipment and access to replacement vehicles help keep freight moving.
Does leasing trucks improve uptime compared to owning?
Full-service truck leasing can improve uptime by providing newer equipment, structured preventive maintenance and 24/7 roadside support.
How does equipment compliance affect CSA scores and uptime?
Equipment-related violations — such as brake or tire defects — can lead to out-of-service orders and negatively impact a fleet’s Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) scores. Strong preventive maintenance and administrative compliance support help fleets reduce violations, protect CSA performance and keep equipment on the road.