4 Reasons Why Trucking Maintenance Costs Are Rising

The cost of doing business for the trucking industry is on the rise, with maintenance expenses rising 3.7% in the final quarter of 2021 and jumping over 10% compared to the preceding year. Other factors, like higher fuel prices and acquisition costs, also contribute to the ballooning budgets. However, fleet maintenance is a factor fleets can directly influence. Understanding what’s driving up maintenance expenses can help fleets better plan their budgets for the coming year.

1. Vehicles remain in service for longer. Vehicle shortages affected the auto industry at all levels, forcing fleets to delay taking their vehicles out of service as intended. Finding replacement vehicles became almost impossible, and the available options were often too costly to entertain. Extra mileage resulted in unexpected breakdowns and unplanned maintenance and forced many fleets to increase their scheduled maintenance. While planned maintenance is less expensive than unplanned maintenance, it still drives up operating costs.
2. Vehicle parts remain scarce. Sourcing replacement parts became a significant challenge during the pandemic. Parts that used to arrive within a few days may take weeks or months to procure. As a result, repairs and maintenance take longer, and fleets lose money while waiting for the mechanics to finish their work.
3. Labor rates continue to rise. The demand for qualified mechanics and technicians has dramatically outpaced the availability of skilled labor. Accordingly, fleets have to offer higher wages to avoid losing their employees to competitors.
4. Vehicles are more complex. Part of the mechanic and technician shortage is due to the required knowledge base. Modern fleet vehicles come equipped with software and technology which stretches the limits of many mechanics’ abilities. While technology has undeniable value for fleets, it raises maintenance costs for diagnosing, recalibrating, and repairing the problem. Vehicle complexity isn’t showing signs of slowing as electric vehicles become more mainstream.

Operational costs are only going to continue to rise in the coming years. Fleets need knowledgeable technicians to help them perform diagnostics on modern commercial trucks and mitigate unscheduled maintenance for aging vehicles. Knowing when and how fleet vehicles need maintenance is essential for reducing the risk of roadside breakdowns. Contact Interstate Motor Carriers to learn more about reducing risk within your organization.