Trucks have special needs
Trucks are our specialty. Three-quarters of our business comes from this market, so it’s no wonder ARI is the provider of choice for truck fleets. Our 60-year record of success qualifies us to manage fleet operations in any application, anywhere in the world.
We have the people, programs and processes to manage functions from truck acquisition/upfit to replacement cycling/remarketing. ARI truck and equipment experts work together to bulletproof client fleets against downtime, driver safety issues, liability, higher operating costs, and loss of customers or business.
Our specialists analyze all truck functions, operating conditions, annual mileage and other variables to choose the best unit for the job at the lowest cost per mile. We have specialists for the diverse upfitting requested by clients, from installing a single tool box to building snowplows, service bodies, cranes, dump bodies and hydraulic truck equipment. ARI even owns a premium body company, Auto Truck Group, that designs and builds some of the most advanced equipment in use today at petroleum, utility and railroad facilities.
Our connectivity with manufacturers and upfitters gives clients online, real-time access to:
- Production status, constraints, rebates and fleet incentives
- Vehicle quoting, ordering and reporting
- Information on lifecycle cost analysis, environmental impacts, replacement cycling, model comparisons and safety
Intelligent application-based spec development, engineering analysis, vendor selection, and production management are all done with ARI's trademark single-source accountability. This is the driving force behind on-time, trouble-free delivery of special-use vehicles at the lowest possible cost.
Customers also come to ARI for the maintenance necessary to keep their trucks on the road. Our TruckServe® maintenance program is a mix of services for clients with medium and heavy-duty trucks (10,000 lb. GVWR or more). It eases day-to-day work management, minimizes downtime and better controls expenses through:
- A dedicated coordinator with ASE certification and experience in medium/heavy truck repair
- Customized preventive maintenance schedule that takes into account requirements of the vehicle manufacturer and any upfitting
- Contract for temporary heavy-duty truck rentals
The essential programs we design for truck fleets can include any of the above and combine with fuel management services, telematics, licensing, accident management, compliance and environmental programs, strategic consulting, or even services that help companies meet requirements of the Personal Property Tax and Form 2290 Heavy Highway Vehicle Use Tax.
ARI truck services help customers hold down costs, streamline administration and keep drivers and trucks on the road serving efficiently.
Invoices yield discrepancies — and savings
Our Truck & Equipment group worked with the country's largest D.I.Y. retail chain to establish a vehicle selector for the upcoming year. Prior to release of model-year pricing, the manufacturer provided truck quotes with an estimated increase of 2% per unit. Orders were placed, and when the invoices arrived, ARI audited these against the manufacturer’s earlier quotes and found the actual price increase amounted to 3%. ARI approached the manufacturer on the discrepancy and solicited the manufacturer's agreement to honor the original quotes. ARI’s proactive efforts saved our client $321 per unit on 325 truck orders, for a total client savings (including taxes) of more than $110,000.
Working to advance the interests of clients
We never lose focus on the client's fleet, goals and budget. With one fleet of 200 trucks, for example, ARI was able to save $5,000 per unit by analyzing each truck’s application and recommending vehicles better suited. In another case, our truck specialists met with an independent body company and negotiated savings of $29,700 for our client with 10 trucks requiring special upfitting. ARI also negotiated with a body company on behalf of another 1,000-vehicle fleet and produced savings of $3,000 per upfit for our customer.