Lift Trucks on Demand

Technological advancements in RFID and sensor technology have created an opportunity for distribution managers in managing their mobile equipment fleets.  Equipment suppliers, like Hyster and Crown, are now offering “pay by the hour” programs which track equipment usage and charge hourly rates for that usage.

This option has merit for companies that struggle to size their fleet for operations that undergo periodic peaks in volume due to seasonality, intra-week imbalances and opportunity purchasing.  A truck might sit idle 75% of the time making it an underutilized asset or, a truck might be overused during peak periods causing excessive wear & tear and maintenance costs.  A “pay by the hour” program allows managers to right-size their fleet and mitigate those fleet management challenges.  Currently, not many operators are asking for quotes on this option - but expect this to change as soon as folks become more aware that the option is available.

Add comment April 29th, 2008