Though there has been an incredible shift in the past few decades toward desk work, there’s still something about being outside, working with your hands, that gives a sense of accomplishment you won’t find anywhere else. And yes, while many jobs are switching to computer-based ones, there is still a healthy need—and likely always will be—for hands-on work.
Couple this ever-present demand for work with the blossoming realization that you can create your own business these days much more easily than before, and you’ve got all the necessary ingredients for something new and exciting.
The Need for a Fleet
If you have been in business for years, you’ll recognize the inherent and basic need for transportation.
Every sort of job that requires manual labor, like Solar, Wind, Construction, and Infrastructure to name a few, needs tools and equipment to make the end result possible. But how do you transport all that equipment? Create your own fleet of trucks using fleet rental companies.
How to Start Building Your Fleet
You have three primary options when building up your fleet: purchasing the vehicles yourself, leasing, or renting from a separate company. Both options look drastically different from a budget standpoint.
- What is it going to cost you to run this business?
- If you’re already in business, what does your overhead look like?
- How much do you have to put toward transportation expenses?
- What can you budget for repairs and maintenance?
Take some time to crunch the numbers and compare. You’ll more than likely find that it makes more sense to run your business with the help of fleet truck rentals.
Once you’ve made that decision, the rest is easy. Consider what you can afford right away, and get in touch with a fleet rental company. Discuss their rates and your options and get started. Most fleet rental companies offer all kinds of trucks to rent as well as additional perks like low-price guarantees.
The Benefits of Fleet Rental Companies
Taking that all-important first step of starting to build your fleet can be intimidating, so don’t simply take our word for it that it’s worth it—take a look at the following list of reasons why.
Improve Cash Flow
Commercial rental agreements typically do not require a downpayment. At Barco, we do not require a downpayment. We offer month-to-month rentals for the flexibility of returning a truck and saving money. Some companies work seasonally or project-based. Renting allows you to pay for work trucks when you need them.
Managing your cash is critical for any business. If you have more on hand, you’ll be better able to respond to other opportunities quickly, which can translate almost directly to an improved position and situation within the market.
Increase Access to Vehicles
When you go to a fleet rental company for vehicles, they do the work of acquiring precisely what you need. Should your needs fluctuate in the future, the company will be responsible for making those adjustments. This easy scalability definitely beats purchasing more vehicles outright than you end up needing and then scrambling to recoup your investment.
Outsource Redundant Administrative Tasks
Vehicle owners have a lot of responsibility. So much so that if you own a fleet, it’s likely you’d need to hire at least one employee to manage that element of your business.
When you rent instead of own, these tasks will stay with the company you’re renting from, so you won’t have to worry about the minor issues that come up with the trucks. Instead of getting bogged down with filing paperwork, you can focus on running your business.
Greater Flexibility
Renting gives you the flexibility to utilize your trucks on a month-to-month basis. This is beneficial for short-term or long-term projects. At Barco, we are here to support your project and make sure you and your team are able to get the job done. To ensure our support you are able to trade your old trucks for new trucks every 12 – 15 months. This helps keep maintenance costs down, the probability of the trucks breaking down low, and your fleet looking great.
More Management Support
Fleet companies keep records to track statistics like fuel expenditures, mileage, local tracking, insurance claims, roadside assistance uses, etc. When you sign on to rent fleet vehicles, you’ll likely have access to these records, which can help you boost productivity and manage workflow both in the office and out on the road. Having GPS tracking can help add a level of safety for your team members when they are out working in the field alone.
Enhance Corporate Image
Proper branding and good marketing make a difference. When your company looks professional, it sends a clear signal to potential customers that you’re a company they can trust. Barco offers high trim levels and current model year trucks that look very presentable to your customers.
Renting fleet vehicles can provide the uniformity and autonomy your company needs to send those signals. Driving the vehicles around with your logo or information on them will help spread awareness about your company and your work.
Support Your Financial Bottom Line
Since rented vehicles will depreciate over time, you’ll get to purchase the used vehicle at a significantly lower price than what you would spend on a new one—plus, they don’t have to be reported to the IRS as assets or debts. They would instead fall loosely under the category of business expenses. This will ultimately benefit the company and save you money in the long run. Also, this saves you the hassle of having to sell your used high mileage trucks.
What is the Difference Between Renting and Leasing?
You may be thinking that renting and leasing a vehicle is the same thing. There are a few differences between the two.
- When you lease a vehicle you commit to “owning” it for a certain amount of time, usually years at a time.
- Rental agreements are set up on a month-to-month basis. This allows you flexibility if you have a job that only will last a few months.
- Leasing usually requires a down payment.
- Renting typically does not require a down payment.
- Leases also have a set payment amount that is due for the length of the agreement.
- Rental agreements will have a monthly fee but allow you the flexibility to turn the vehicles in early if you complete your project before schedule. Or to keep your vehicles longer if you need some extra time.
- Renting has shorter commitment times which keeps maintenance costs down.
What to Look Out for When Renting Fleet Trucks
As with any business decision, there are a few questions you should ask yourself when considering starting up a fleet of rental trucks for your company or business. These questions will help you determine the reasons you need the trucks and what they’ll be used for. Ultimately, asking yourself these questions will help you figure out what kinds of rental trucks you need.
- How will your vehicles be used?
- Do you plan to buy or rent?
- What maintenance facilities are available?
- Are there perks and benefits that come with renting from this particular company?
Should I Purchase the Trucks After the Rental Agreement is Up?
There are many benefits associated with renting a fleet truck. Once the agreement on your truck is up, it’s usually beneficial to consider purchasing the vehicle. This way, you can slowly build up your own fleet without spending a great deal all at once.
Renting puts you in an excellent position to focus initially on your business model. At the end of the lease, you can reconsider your options and decide whether purchasing is the better choice at that point.
Types of Industries We Can Serve
If your company needs transportation of crews or equipment, then Barco Rent-a-Truck is likely a good fit for you. Our trucks are designed to handle all kinds of equipment transportation, including towing larger, heavier items. You should consider our fleet truck rentals if your business is similar to the following:
- Construction Companies
- Telecom
- Infrastructure
- Maintenance Crews
- Plumbing Companies
- Heating and Cooling (HVAC) Repair and Maintenance
- Renewable Energy Companies: Wind, Solar, and, Environmental
- Electrical Companies
- Environmental Infrastructure
Barco Rent-a-Truck is the Best Choice for US Fleet Lease and Sales
If you’re in the market for fleet vehicles and are considering renting them, look no further than Barco Rent-a-Truck. We offer rental trucks all over the continental United States, and we’re the best choice for US fleet leases and sales.
Every vehicle we lease has the full manufacturer’s warranty, qualifies for delivery and pickup across our service area, and has 24/7 roadside assistance. Our trucks are top quality, and we have a price-match guarantee. So if you find deals better than ours, we’ll alter pricing to match them.
Get your quote on a Barco rental today and get to work with our trucks transporting you, your crews, and your equipment.