Owning and operating a fleet of trucks and trailers to transport products from production facilities to distributors and retailers is a common practice. However, there are times when there is a need for an increase in the number of trucks available to haul trailers. During times of increased demand, periods of fast growth and when unexpected mechanical failures occur, shippers are faced with a dilemma. Either they can purchase new equipment to meet demand, or they can partner with a logistics company that offers power only trucking services.
Increased Demand
Most every business faces times when there is an increase in the amount of demand for their products. For some, this may be during the warm summer months, while others see higher levels of demand during the holiday season. In both cases, the trucks within the fleet may not be able to keep up. During these times, a logistics provider that offers power only solutions is a great ally. Rather than investing in new equipment, shippers take advantage of the resources already owned by the trucking company. Trucks are dispatched to a warehouse, dock or production facility where they pick up a trailer and deliver it to the destination, thus keeping up with demand.
Growth Spurts
One of the main goals of any business is to grow profits by increasing the amount of sales that are made. When this happens, profits soar and companies are able to expand. It’s imperative that the logistical aspect of the supply chain is capable of keeping up with the company’s growth, otherwise, growth will be stunted. While it may be tempting to add more vehicles to an existing fleet, the capital outlay that is required may not be justified. Rather than investing in new fleet vehicles, many shippers choose to outsource part of their needs to a power only logistics provider through growth periods.
Mechanical Failures
Even the most well maintained trucks can experience mechanical failures, it’s just the nature of the beast. When this happens, especially in a smaller fleet, the ability to deliver shipments on time is greatly diminished. Waiting days, or weeks for a truck to be repaired is simply unacceptable, and alternative solutions must be considered. Power only service providers are commonly called upon to step in when these situations arise. The benefit is that the truck repairs will not have a negative impact on the supply chain, and the company can continue to provide excellent service and fast deliveries.
If you own your own fleet of trucks and trailers, you already know how difficult it can be to keep up with your customer’s needs. When you experience periods of increased demand, growth, or mechanical failures it’s even tougher. Partnering with a power only service provider in these instances will keep your supply chain working properly, while at the same time keeping your budget intact.
