According to the 2025 benchmarking survey from the National Private Truck Council, private fleets have increased freight volume and shipments for more than a decade to improve both cost control and customer service. In the most recent survey, private fleets reported handling 70% of outbound freight and 43% of inbound shipments.
“Private fleets are capturing enhanced control over the supply chain,” said Tom Moore, executive vice president of the National Private Truck Council. “I think for many years, we've been a cost and customer service-focused community, and now we're talking about adding value back into those corporations that operate private fleets as an extension of their primary business.”
Historically, private fleets have proven their value proposition on the outbound side of the business. However, the increased visibility, the ability to analyze the data and control that has been beneficial on the outbound side of the business are giving fleets more control over costs and service on inbound moves.
Penske Truck Leasing’s full-service leases have been designed to give fleets the benefits of a private fleet while reducing the risks that come with ownership.
Guaranteed Capacity: When shippers control their transportation network, they can ensure they have the capacity they need. They also have greater control over how they prioritize shipments and can make changes if conditions change.
The Ability To Flex: In the current operating environment, it can be useful for private fleets to flex up or down based on current demand, without the long-term commitment that comes with equipment ownership. Whether it is to address a busy season, the addition of a customer or rapid growth, Penske works with its customers to add capacity as needed or right-size a fleet.
Improved Reliability: Leasing enables private companies to achieve greater reliability in shipments and delivery times, and to ensure capacity.
Controlled Costs: With Penske, shippers receive predetermined transportation and maintenance expenses, making it easier to forecast and control budgets.
Detailed Insight: Penske has created its Fleet Insight™ proprietary online tool that provides 24/7 online access to all of a fleet’s information, such as preventive maintenance appointments, invoices and fuel locations. The tool has been designed to help private fleets manage their assets and view detailed information about their trucks, such as the unit, VIN and license, with a few easy clicks.
Like-Operations Benchmarking: Penske’s Catalyst AI™ uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to analyze massive volumes of real-time operational data and deliver detailed benchmarking. Catalyst AI matches fleets based on specific characteristics, including vehicle type, duty cycle and operating conditions, so users receive context-specific benchmarks rather than industry averages. Users can review utilization, fuel efficiency, vehicle performance and other benchmarks at the fleet, hub and driver level to get data-driven insights.