Is Operating a Private Fleet Right for Your Business Long-Term?

Mar 27, 2025

If your organization operates its own private fleet, this guide is for you. When was the last time you evaluated your private fleet and considered how it might compare to outsourcing?  

Ruan is an asset-based third-party logistics provider that understands the challenge of deciding whether outsourcing or keeping your fleet in-house is the correct decision for your business. Operating a private fleet has many challenges, and partnering with an experienced dedicated carrier can improve your supply chain, including growing your business efficiently.  

This guide will walk you through the various operational challenges of managing a private fleet and highlight the benefits of partnering with Ruan. Expenses related to accidents, breakdowns, driver recruitment, training, and more can impact your business’s bottom line. By partnering with Ruan, you gain a seamless extension of your operations—without the challenges of fleet management.  

Managing a private fleet today is far more complex than it was 20 years ago. According to An Analysis of the Operational Costs of Trucking: 2024 Update by the American Trucking Research Institute (ATRI), private fleets faced higher total marginal costs per mile compared to for-hire fleets, with driver wages, benefits, and truck and trailer payments being the most significant factors. Ruan offers stability by providing shippers with guaranteed capacity at predictable rates.  

ELIMINATE DRIVER HIRING, TRAINING, TURNOVER, LITIGATION, AND HR ADMINISTRATION  

 

By partnering with Ruan, you can shift the burden of fleet management to us, allowing your team to focus on running your business and serving your customers. Say goodbye to concerns about driver recruitment, training, compliance, equipment maintenance, daily operations, human resources administration, and more. Additionally, when transitioning from a private fleet to Ruan’s Dedicated Contract Transportation solution, we typically retain 85% of a company’s qualified drivers, ensuring continuity and stability.   

REDUCE YOUR LIABILITY AND THE EXPOSURE OF OPERATING A PRIVATE FLEET  

 

Ruan recognizes the rising threats of nuclear verdicts within the trucking industry. Our team includes legal experts specializing in trucking litigation, and we take a proactive approach to compliance with state and federal regulations. Through strict on-road safety protocols and comprehensive training, we provide the tools needed to reduce risk and liability exposure.   

Due to the litigious environment, insurance premium costs are on the rise. It’s important to consider your organization’s spend on insurance for your private fleet, and potential excessive deductibles. Partnering with Ruan and our Dedicated Contract Transportation solution shelters your organization from these costs. We diligently train team members on safe practices and ensure compliance with all regulations, including Department of Transportation (DOT) policies, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations and specific Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations and requirements. In an environment of ever-changing regulatory requirements, private fleets run the risk of falling behind. Ruan ensures you stay ahead.     

FREE UP CAPITAL FROM YOUR ORGANIZATION’S EQUPMENT COSTS WHILE STAYING COMMITTED TO YOUR BRAND 

 

Choosing Ruan's dedicated fleet solution frees up capital currently tied to costly equipment such as trucks and trailers. Ruan is an asset-based 3PL and offers late-model, well-maintained equipment, which allows shippers to reduce transportation capital expenditure and risk while maintaining service levels and brand awareness. Ruan acts as an extension of your team and offers equipment branding to increase awareness around your company by advertising it on the road.   

From our professional drivers to local managers, our team understands your brand and is committed to protecting it through our day-to-day interactions with your customers. If it’s nearing time to make equipment replacements and updates within your fleet, now is the perfect time to explore whether a partnership with Ruan can help you save on these significant investments.    

After reading this guide, ask yourself: What is your organization’s long-term vision? 

If it’s partnering with a dedicated carrier who acts as an extension of your business, let’s have a conversation! Email Allison Meiners for more information.