Short-Term vs. Long-Term Rental: How Long Can I Rent a Commercial Truck?
Whether you’re running a business or managing a fleet, you know that the unexpected happens almost daily. Product demand surges. Shipping volumes fluctuate. Production orders skyrocket. When you find a commercial truck rental partner with flexible scheduling, you can adjust on the fly by finding the right vehicle for as short – or as long – as you need.
Penske offers its commercial rental customers a variety of short-term and long-term rental options. How long can you rent a commercial truck for, and which length of time is best for you? Let’s find out.
Short-Term Commercial Rental Options
Customers often choose rental trucks when they embark on a new business venture or need to manage seasonal delivery demands. That’s where short-term rentals create multiple benefits. These scenarios show how daily, weekly and monthly rentals can fill the gap as business strategies shift:
Daily rentals: Consider a third-party logistics startup that wins a six-week contract to manage overflow deliveries for a major home improvement chain. They’ll need extra vehicles — ranging from cargo vans to heavy-duty trucks — to get the work done. But the number of trucks they’ll need will vary daily. So, the company chooses to rent some trucks for the entire length of the contract, while using daily rentals to meet spikes and surges.
Weekly rentals: A furniture retailer needs to clear inventory fast. So, the company launches a two-week clearance sale, offering customers the lowest prices of the year. To drive as many sales as possible, the retailer needs to efficiently transport large volumes of items from regional distribution centers to local stores. Weekly rentals of heavy-duty tractors and 48 foot and 53 foot semi-trailers help make it happen.
Monthly rentals: An organic farm prepares for harvest season, which means setting up fully stocked produce stands at regional farmers markets between August and October. The farm has only a limited supply of owned equipment. So, they choose to rent 26 foot medium-duty box trucks with liftgates for three months to haul their produce to the right place at the right time.
Long-Term Commercial Rental Options
Need trucks for several months or longer? We offer long-term rental options without having to commit to a full-service lease. As a result, you get the flexibility to scale your fleet and meet your contractual obligations. A few areas where long-term rentals may be best:
Launching a new service: A regional medical supply company chooses to begin offering home delivery of durable medical equipment like oxygen tanks and hospital beds. They don’t have the scale for a full-service lease, but they need reliable vehicles for the next 12 months to test the waters. With a longer-term commercial rental, the company can try different vehicle types, determine which are best, and then consider leasing or purchasing should the venture prove to be financially viable.
Expanding into new markets. A craft beverage company well known in its home state signs a contract to supply its cold and shelf-stable products to retail outlets in two neighboring states. They need to expand their fleet to achieve on-time delivery. So, they rent a mix of refrigerated trucks and light-duty vehicles to get started. As their products catch on in those new states, they consider shifting from commercial rental to leasing.
Pivot as Your Business Needs To Evolve
When you work with us, you can easily move from commercial rental to leasing with the same trusted partner. A full-service lease removes the overhead of buying new equipment, while also allowing businesses to cover maintenance and repairs at a predictable monthly cost.
Under a lease agreement, Penske can even work with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to spec the perfect vehicles to meet your specific business needs. Explore the additional benefits of leasing.
Renting or Leasing: Which One To Choose?
How do you know whether renting or leasing will suit your needs? Consider:
- The length of time you’ll need equipment: Rentals are perfect for short-term needs; leases tend to be better for maintaining consistent, ongoing operations.
- Growth expectations: Leasing offers a more structured and scalable approach to meet long-term needs. If growth is uncertain, rental could be a better option.
- Finances: Leases can provide cost savings over rentals. However, you can also get great rates on commercial rentals by opening a National Rental Account with us.[RW1]
Find the Right Truck for Your Next Job Today
Don’t let an unexpected surge in demand derail your business. With Penske, you can choose daily, weekly or monthly rentals while also giving your drivers access to some of the newest trucks in the industry. Start today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between short-term and long-term commercial truck rentals?
Short-term rentals typically range from a single day to a few weeks and are ideal for temporary projects or one-off deliveries. They can also help meet demand for major seasonal events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Rentals can also be long-term and last several months or more. They offer a flexible alternative to leasing, especially for growing businesses entering new markets.
Is there a maximum rental period for commercial trucks?
There is no hard limit. You can rent a commercial truck for a single day to several months or longer. If you will need rental vehicles for an extended period, we recommend discussing preferred pricing or the option of opening a National Rental Account with your local sales representative to secure the best rates possible.
Do I need to sign a lease for a long-term rental?
No. Rental agreements are flexible and can be changed, lengthened, discontinued or cancelled if needed. If your business is still scaling or anticipating change, long-term rental is a smart way to secure consistent truck access without a long-term financial commitment.
Can I extend my rental period?
Yes. If your project or business demand runs longer than expected, simply reach out to us and we will extend your rental period. Let us know as soon as possible, and we’ll help you keep your fleet – and your business – running.
