Five Ways Leases Help Manage Fluctuating Capacity
As the freight industry continues to navigate through fluctuating demand and evolving market conditions, fleet operators have to remain agile and ready to respond to shifts in capacity.
According to ACT Research, fleets are entering 2026 with deferred replacement cycles and aging assets after a sharp pullback in 2025 orders and production. At the same time, the industry is undergoing a slow rebalancing between capacity and freight demand. Leasing offers several advantages for fleets, whether they’re managing deferred replacements and aging assets or simply trying to remain agile and ready to respond to customer demands.
Here are five ways leases can help fleets address capacity fluctuations:
1. Preserve Capital: In a time when both private and for-hire fleets may be hesitant to make significant capital expenditures, leasing allows them to access newer, more reliable trucks without the upfront costs that come with purchasing new equipment. Full-service leases include maintenance, so fleets can take advantage of predictable costs and avoid unexpected repair expenses.
2. Remain Flexible: Leasing can make it easy for businesses to adjust and right-size their fleet. With customizable terms and a range of vehicle options, companies can align leased equipment with need and demand. This flexibility helps balance capacity, ensuring fleets have the right mix of vehicles without the burden of ownership.
3. Access Newer Models: Truck leases give fleets access to late-model equipment that is more fuel-efficient, has better safety features and improves uptime. Late-model equipment often includes more driver comfort features, which can help fleets attract and retain drivers. Plus, fleets return vehicles at the end of the lease term, which can allow them to upgrade to newer models sooner than they would under traditional ownership models.
4. Mitigate Risk: Given the uncertain freight levels and the ongoing rebalancing of capacity the trucking industry is currently experiencing, leasing can mitigate some of the risks associated with long-term asset ownership.
5. Improve Benchmarking: Data plays an increasingly important role in fleet management and the ability to adapt to changing needs. With Penske’s Catalyst AI™, fleet managers can access personalized benchmarking tools that allow them to compare their fleet’s performance against similar fleets, identify performance gaps and make adjustments to improve utilization, reduce expenses, increase efficiency and right-size their fleet.
To learn more about leasing with Penske, contact us today.