Industry

Companies of all sizes must transport their goods in some manner, essentially becoming "shippers." In this world of JIT (just in time), transportation by truck is one of the most efficient, timely and safe modes of transportation available.

A shipper has several modes of truck transportation from which to choose:

• For-hire carrier - A traditional trucking company selling transportation services by the truckload. The trucking company simply moves goods for their customer, but does not represent the shipper's company to the customer.
• Private fleet ownership - A shipper choosing to own and operate its own fleet of trucks to move goods to market. This significant investment in trucks, private maintenance facilities and employees is usually undertaken to control the delivery method completely, and to represent the best possible image of the shipper to its customers.
• Small private fleet ownership - Although services industries that own a handful of trucks may not be considered private fleets, they must also invest in equipment and manage fleets to accomplish their business mission.
• Vehicle leasing - Shippers and small fleet owners choose to lease their fleets from full service lessors to gain the benefits of a private fleet, while removing the headaches and costs of ownership. Fleming NationaLease provides fleet management and maintenance expertise that a small fleet owner may be unable to access. We can leverage our maintenance facilities, personnel and systems over a large number of vehicles, offering a level of sophistication out of reach for most small vehicle operators. From the customer's perspective, leasing has other advantages as well. Most importantly, choosing the leasing option leaves available valuable capital that can be better utilized elsewhere.

When compared to other transportation options discussed above, leasing companies account for the fastest growing segment of new truck purchases over the last ten years. In fact, leasing accounts for nearly 40 percent of new purchases of vehicles greater than 10,000 lbs.

It is easy to see why full service truck leasing is the option of choice for many shippers and fleet operators. They recognize the advantages of a dedicated fleet, combined with access to fleet management expertise otherwise out of reach. Leasing gives a company a well maintained fleet they can rely on, and lets them dedicate their time and energy toward developing their core business.