How to Know If You’re Getting What You’re Paying For

White commercial truck on black background filled with black and red question marks.
March 21, 2023
Posted by: Suppose U Drive

Renting commercial trucks is a daunting task. You never know what you’re getting from a truck rental company until you’ve dealt with them after you sign on the dotted line.

How do you know that you’re getting your money’s worth from the rental company?

Below is a guide that can help you maximize your investment, enjoy better service, and rent from a company that has your business’s best interests in mind.

3 Ways to Know You’re Getting What You’re Paying For

Truck rental companies are willing to rent out trucks, but you need to find a company that considers your best interests by offering:

  • Rental terms that meet your needs
  • Customer service that is reliable and there when you need them most
  • Maintenance programs that keep rented vehicles in good condition

Rental companies must keep their trucks in good condition so that you can stay on the road. If you don’t know if a company is giving you your money’s worth, consider the following:

1. Do They Have Multiple Rental Options?

When you work with a rental company, it’s important that they offer you multiple rental options that fit perfectly into your business’s:

  • Budget
  • Needs

Truck rental is a big business, and it’s projected to keep growing through the next decade. When renting commercial trucks, ask if they offer:

  • Short-term Lease: Sometimes, all you need is a short-term rental. If you need a truck for a day or a week or two, a short-term rental is the best choice. You’ll have the option to meet customer demands and then return the truck.
  • Long-term Lease: Long-term leases may last longer, but the commitment leads to lower costs throughout the lease and a truck that you can use for the long term. Long-term leases are a good choice if your business isn’t ready to take the plunge and purchase a new rig.
  • Custom Plans: What custom plan options are available? Business needs are unique, and a custom plan allows for the utmost flexibility when renting a truck or multiple trucks. These plans are tailored to meet your needs on terms that are agreeable to all parties.

Companies that offer short-term and long-term lease options to their clients know that their business can change rapidly, and ask the right questions to ensure that you get the lease term that works best for you.

After all, it’s difficult to find a truck rental company that you can rely on to help meet your business’s demands.

By offering multiple rental options, the rental company is committing to helping your business grow by accommodating your needs today and in the future.

2. Is Their Customer Service On-Point?

Is your truck rental company there when you need them? If you have a question, is someone there to pick up the phone and answer it?

If not, then you’re not getting your money’s worth.

Truck rental companies should take pride in providing first-rate customer service. If you have questions or concerns, you should be able to stop by their office at any time, and reach them via telephone or email, too, if that’s what you prefer.

No matter which commercial truck rental company you work with, customers should always be their top priority. And if they’re not happy to personally meet with you to assist you in finding the best solution for your trucking fleet needs, then you’ve likely made the wrong choice in companies.

3. Do They Offer Maintenance Programs?

Preventive maintenance can mean the difference between staying on the road and losing money. Maintenance can help prevent or reduce roadside breakdowns that can unexpectedly leave your trucks in the shop for days or weeks.

Truck maintenance is a big expense – upwards of $15,000 per year per truck.

If your truck rental company doesn’t offer a maintenance program, then are you really getting your money’s worth?

Maintenance programs save you time and money because they help catch problems early on and keep trucks running optimally.

Three types of maintenance programs to keep your fleet in tip-top shape are:

  • PEG Maintenance: Provides bumper-to-bumper truck maintenance, including 24/7 roadside assistance, washings, discounted fuel and more at a predictable monthly rate.
  • PM+ Maintenance: Provides preventive maintenance, BIT inspections, washings, discounted fuel, discounted parts and labor, and more.
  • Time & Materials: Ideal for companies that only need professional truck maintenance and nothing more. Additional services can be provided if requested.

Maintenance services should also include:

  • Scheduled and non-scheduled maintenance service
  • Towing
  • Tires and tire service
  • Oil and lubricants
  • More

Truck rental companies can also provide driver training programs as well as safety and risk management services.

Additionally, custom maintenance arrangements should be available if you have needs that do not fit into one of their plans, with the ability to tailor a maintenance plan that meets your specific situation – and budget.

Do Your Homework

Renting a truck fleet is an investment. It’s important to make sure that you’re getting your money’s worth from your truck rental company. At Suppose U Drive, we don’t do things like big-box companies do. We offer options that meet your needs and have a state-of-the-art maintenance program to keep your trucks running optimally. Our team is here to help you every step of the way because your success is our success.

If you don’t think you’re getting your money’s worth with your current provider, get in touch with us to see how we can help.

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