industry articles

Rising operational costs, labor challenges and increased regulatory scrutiny are putting mounting pressure on trucking companies to do more with less. Back-office teams often spend hours each week on manual administrative work, including data entry, compliance documentation, mileage and fuel tax reporting, and maintenance recordkeeping. The work is important, but it can pull staff away from higher-value work or revenue-generating activities.
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Fuel costs remain the second-largest expense for fleets, just behind labor, and even marginal improvements in fuel economy can translate into meaningful gains in profitability, resiliency and sustainability.

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Equipment decisions directly influence safety records, customer satisfaction, operating margins and a fleet's ability to scale. Procurement strategies can directly affect the total cost of ownership, uptime and available capacity. Changes in performance and utilization, coupled with shifting regulations and rising equipment prices, can expose cracks in traditional acquisition cycles.

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Some of the most expensive breakdowns can start with seemingly minor maintenance oversights. Comprehensive preventive maintenance and better visibility into the minor issues that can lead to big problems can improve uptime and keep freight and drivers moving.
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Penske is redefining vehicle maintenance by combining real-time vehicle data and advanced artificial intelligence (AI) to detect maintenance issues early, reduce unscheduled repairs and transition from reactive to proactive, predictive maintenance.

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As temperatures drop, keeping fuel from gelling is critical to keep engines running. As regular diesel, often called No. 2 diesel, gets colder, the waxes and heavier components in the fuel can crystallize, causing cloudiness, plugged filters and engine troubles.
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Renewable diesel — an advanced fuel option that reduces greenhouse gas emissions while meeting the same specifications as petroleum diesel — can be added to existing fuel truck systems to help lower a fleet’s carbon footprint. As a drop-in fuel that can be used in place of ultra-low-sulfur diesel (ULSD), renewable diesel is helping bridge the gap as the trucking industry moves toward zero-emission vehicles without the extra equipment or infrastructure costs associated with battery-electric vehicles.
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Aftertreatment systems on Class 8 trucks are often a source of common faults, and some faults tend to occur more frequently in the winter months due to colder temperatures and increased moisture. Proper precautions and proactive preventive maintenance can keep equipment functioning as temperatures drop.

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Shippers are reassessing their sourcing, production and distribution strategies to increase supply chain resiliency, control costs and minimize the risks from geopolitical uncertainty. Shifting production and sourcing locations can also help shorten lead times and reduce emissions. Changing freight patterns can increase capacity needs, and fleets may need to add equipment to meet changes in demand.
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For the past 11 years, companies have been increasing the number of shipments, as well as the volume and value of their in-house transportation freight movements, in an effort to gain greater control over their supply chains, improve service and manage costs.

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Snow, ice and freezing temperatures can increase the risk of downtime for all vehicles if the equipment and fuel that power them aren’t properly maintained. Breakdowns can result in delayed drivers, missed deliveries and poor customer service.

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Uptime is always critical, but it becomes even more so during peak season. Keeping equipment running and ensuring enough capacity to meet heightened demand can keep freight moving.

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Higher equipment costs combined with regulatory and economic uncertainty often push fleets to hold onto Class 8 trucks beyond their typical trade cycles. While extending trade cycles can reduce capital expenses, fleets often run into an economic tipping point where running older trucks begins to drive operating costs higher. As trucks age, fuel efficiency declines, maintenance costs rise and downtime can become more frequent.

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With shifting economic pressures, evolving regulations and volatile trade conditions, agility has become a top priority for fleets. Leased trucks offer a flexible, cost-effective tool fleet operators can use as they plan for the year ahead. Incorporating leasing into strategic planning can unlock capital, simplify operations and enhance adaptability.

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Freight and shipping needs can change rapidly, and having the right people 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.

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A collision of any kind can create a stressful situation for fleets. Lost time, repair costs and quality are all concerns, and choosing the right collision repair facility is critical to minimizing downtime and ensuring the integrity and safety of equipment. Not all repair centers are created equal, especially when it comes to heavy-duty vehicles like Class 8 trucks.

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Sudden spikes in demand, increased inventory holding requirements or the need to pull ahead freight can all strain capacity. Strategically utilizing trailers offers a flexible, scalable solution that allows fleets to quickly adapt to changing transportation or storage needs without the long-term costs of adding trucks or leasing warehouse space.

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Branding commercial trucks and trailers can make equipment stand out, increase brand visibility and reinforce a fleet’s market presence. There are several ways fleets can ensure their name, logo and identity are prominently displayed on equipment, whether it is leased, rented or owned.

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Inflation, changing trade policies, regulatory requirements and OEM costs are just some of the factors that can drive the cost of equipment higher. As equipment costs increase, many fleets adjust their trade cycles on owned equipment and operate it for a longer period of time. As equipment ages, regular and comprehensive maintenance becomes even more critical to ensure peak performance and extend its operational life.

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The trucking industry tends to be cyclical, often fluctuating between periods of overcapacity and tight markets. When the market shifts and capacity becomes tight, spot rates can surge, making it difficult to book a load. Shippers who are considered a shipper of choice are better positioned to secure space and ensure their freight gets where it is going.

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