June 2020 - 29

sive mileage, it may be in their best interest to
purchase new vehicles for the warranty benefits,
longevity, driver comfort, and latest technologies.
"Fleets should take into consideration their
business model to see if payments of a new truck
make sense and can support their business," Rihm
Kenworth's Seth says. "If it is a low annual mileage
haul, a late-model used truck might be a better
option for the lower upfront
cost. If you have a high-mileage
operation a new truck may be a
much better option."
On the other hand, if a fleet's
needs are more basic or shorthaul, a new truck might not be
worth its initial cost.
"Outside of the owner-operator market, typically, used
trucks work best for regional
operations for port work in
many parts of the country,
and for those who need trucks
in agriculture operations, or
for low-mileage construction
jobs," says PacLease's Davis.
"The key is having the trucks
close by, running lower miles.
That way if there is an issue
with downtime, that truck is
nearby for repairs."

Making the
purchase
There are many resources
available online to research
and determine the best option
for a fleet looking to purchase
new or used trucks, but a trusted dealership partner may
provide the most comprehensive information.
"I always encourage buyers
to purchase from a trusted
source - where the truck has
gone through an inspection
before being offered for sale,"
says PacLease's Davis.
Kenworth Sales Company's
French says it is a good idea
to consider safety and driver
retention, and also calculate
the estimated cost per mile
for each option.
When buying new, it is
important to ensure the fleet is
getting the best possible price
and financing terms, that the
trucks are specified exactly
to the fleet's needs, and that
warranty information is clearly spelled out.
A used truck can present a
challenge because not all of its
flaws may be visible. Still, it is
important to check the basics.
"Pay particular attention to
high-cost replacement items -

like tires," Davis says. "Tires should have at least
half their tread life left. There should be 50 percent
brake life remaining, no 'check engine' lamps illuminated, no fault codes showing."
When it comes to acquiring commercial trucks,
fleets may find that signing the paperwork for a
new or a used truck purchase is the easy part. It
is often the research and considerations ahead of

that purchase that require assessment.
There are many factors to consider when determining whether to purchase new or used trucks, but
it is important to take the time to look at them all and
make the best possible choice for the fleet's future.
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June 2020 | VehicleServicePros.com

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June 2020

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of June 2020