In response to growing supply chain complexities, many corporations have turned to private trucking fleets for greater control over their logistics. One prominent example is Procter & Gamble, which launched its private fleet in 2019 and has rapidly expanded to 800 drivers. This shift reflects a broader trend across the industry, as evidenced by the National Private Truck Council’s (NPTC) 2024 benchmarking survey, which showed consistent growth in shipment volume and fleet size over the past decade.
The survey, the largest and most comprehensive in NPTC’s history, revealed that private fleets now handle 75% of outbound shipments, marking the highest percentage ever recorded. With 122 fleets participating, the average private fleet in the survey operates 601 Class 8 trucks, 512 drivers, and 879 trailers across 44 locations. This increasing reliance on private fleets is largely driven by the desire for companies to mitigate risks and control costs, particularly in the face of challenges like the pandemic and fluctuating transportation rates.
Private fleets have proven their value during crises, such as the tight trucking capacity in 2018 and the supply chain disruptions caused by COVID-19. Companies like Brakebush Transportation and Packaging Corporation of America (PCA) have seen their private fleets recognized for stabilizing costs and maintaining service levels when external logistics options became unpredictable or prohibitively expensive.
Key trends from the NPTC survey indicate that private fleets are not only growing in size but also becoming more sophisticated, with increased use of advanced technology and a strong emphasis on driver retention. Despite current market conditions, private fleets continue to offer competitive driver compensation—averaging nearly $90,000 annually—and maintain low turnover rates compared to for-hire carriers. This focus on driver satisfaction is supported by operational changes that allow drivers to spend more time at home, further enhancing job appeal.
As companies expand their private fleets, they are also moving closer to their customers, reducing average annual mileage per truck and optimizing their networks for efficiency. This strategic shift is enabling private fleets to better meet customer needs while enhancing driver satisfaction, positioning them for continued growth in the coming years.
Source:
https://www.truckinginfo.com/10226992/private-fleets-growing-and-poised-for-more
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