What's the best way to compare fleet operation models?

1 Ownership vs leasing

One of the first decisions you need to make is whether to own or lease your fleet vehicles. Owning gives you more control and flexibility over your assets, but also requires more upfront investment and ongoing maintenance. Leasing allows you to avoid depreciation and reduce capital expenditure, but also limits your customization and usage options. Depending on your budget, cash flow, and vehicle requirements, you may opt for a mix of both ownership and leasing models.

2 Maintenance and repair

Another important factor to consider is how you will handle the maintenance and repair of your fleet vehicles. You can either do it in-house, outsource it to a third-party provider, or use a combination of both. In-house maintenance can save you money and time, but also requires skilled staff, equipment, and space. Outsourced maintenance can provide you with access to experts, technology, and network, but also involves more coordination and quality control. You need to weigh the pros and cons of each option and find the optimal balance for your fleet.

3 Fuel and emissions

Fuel is one of the major expenses and environmental impacts of fleet operations. You need to compare how different models affect your fuel consumption, efficiency, and emissions. You can choose from various fuel types, such as gasoline, diesel, hybrid, electric, or alternative fuels. You can also implement fuel management strategies, such as route optimization, driver training, telematics, or fuel cards. You need to consider the availability, cost, and performance of each fuel option and how they align with your sustainability goals.

4 Insurance and risk

Insurance and risk are another critical aspect of fleet operations. You need to compare how different models affect your insurance costs, coverage, and claims. You can either buy insurance from an external provider or self-insure your fleet. You can also use risk management techniques, such as driver screening, safety policies, accident reporting, or driver monitoring. You need to assess the level of risk and liability that each model entails and how they match your risk appetite and budget.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?