Business fleet vehicles can be a wise investment or a money pit depending on how business owners go about their purchase decision. Asking the right questions and doing some research ahead of time can help ensure you’re happy with your fleet vehicle purchase choice.

What Is Your Fleet Vehicle’s Primary Use?

Commuting

Sometimes employees need a company car for long-distance or interstate travel. Employees reliant on their fleet vehicles to get to important client or investor meetings on time need cars, trucks or SUVs that are exceptionally dependable. Unexpected breakdowns or mishaps that cause them to arrive late can leave clients with a poor impression of your business.

Since you’ll also be footing the bill for fuel and maintenance, it’s likely in your best interest to seek out vehicles that require minimal maintenance, get good gas mileage and have a reputation for functioning well even at high mileages.  

Transportation

If your organization’s vehicles will be transporting passengers, such as a taxi or shuttle, its size is important. Beginning your search with a clear idea of how much space will be needing to transport an entire group and their belongings/equipment will help ensure you find a properly sized passenger van. Also familiarize yourself with interior features for these types of vehicles so you can quickly tell whether the pre-owned commercial vans you’re looking at are in good condition.

Delivery

Safety and fuel efficiency are often key characteristics most businesses want from fleet vehicles used primarily for making deliveries. Safety is obviously important for liability reasons and your workers’ wellbeing. Your drivers’ personal responsibility and training will play a major role in minimizing your business’s liability risks, but the vehicle they’re using will also contribute to the safety equation.

Fuel may represent one of your business’s biggest operating expenses if delivery is a core component of your service offerings. Even seemingly minor improvements in fuel efficiency may result in significant savings over the course of a fiscal year.

Service

Companies that provide services like plumbing, HVAC maintenance and installation, roofing or construction services require vehicles with ample storage for equipment and supplies. These service vehicles should offer appropriately sized storage that can be reliably secured to prevent theft or expensive equipment from falling off during transit between jobs.

What Secondary Uses Will Your Fleet Vehicle Serve?

Personal Use

Employers must determine if their employees can take the vehicles home or use them for personal use on their off hours. Taking company vehicles home saves travel time, but the increased usage may result in accelerated depreciation. Personal use could increase the chance of accidents.

Branding

Vehicles that prominently feature the company’s name, logo or contact information help increase brand awareness. This is an excellent advertising opportunity, especially for small, local businesses. Conversely, an employee who drives recklessly or causes an accident in a company-branded vehicle could generate negative publicity.

What Vehicle-Specific Factors Should I Consider?

Safety

Safe vehicles are vital for ensuring your team’s health. When accidents happen, employees in cars with low safety ratings face a heightened risk of suffering life-changing injuries that impede their performance of essential duties. If poor fleet vehicle maintenance is responsible for a serious car crash in which passengers in other vehicles are injured, your business could face significant liability claims or even lawsuits.

Safe vehicles are especially important to reduce the risk of accidents and the business problems they cause. The safety rating of your vehicles may also impact your commercial auto insurance rates.

Fuel Efficiency

Fuel efficiency is a crucial factor for delivery or other vehicles that travel long distances. Gas expenses will quickly add up, especially if your company is operating several large vehicles that are often carrying heavy loads.

Capability

Cargo vans and work trucks offer a diverse array of features, some of which are more expensive than others. Work vehicles that must tow large objects or navigate rough terrain may require features like all-wheel drive because it is essential to the job. A cargo van that will just be making runs on city streets won’t necessarily have to deal with rugged terrain, but factors like fuel efficiency, maneuverability or door size may be key.

Go into your fleet vehicle search with a clear idea of the features you want or need.

What Else Should I Consider?

Lifespan

As a rule of thumb, the 70,000-mile mark is when fleet vehicles still require little maintenance but have high resale value. If you are interested in selling your fleet vehicle, 70,000 miles may be the ideal time. Direct Car Buying can make you a competitive offer.

Buying Options

You can buy, lease or rent fleet vehicles. Renting has the steepest price tag, so it is best reserved for instances where you need a vehicle temporarily, like if you require a specialty vehicle for a specific assignment. Leasing is a good option if you want the vehicle for an extended period but don’t want the commitment of ownership. Buying is often optimal because your company owns the vehicle, may customize it as desired and could be eligible for certain tax benefits.

Buy Great Fleet Vehicles in Washington D.C. or Baltimore

Are you interested in a fleet vehicle for your company? If you are, browse our inventory of vehicles to find options that meet your company’s needs. Contact us today with any questions.