Purchasing a vehicle for your company is an important step toward independence. If you have your own fleet, you don’t have to rely on third-party transportation services, and you get to set your own delivery schedule. When you’re preparing to buy a new company vehicle, keep these questions in mind.
What Is the Cargo?
Most commercial vehicles are designed for a specific cargo. For example, hopper bottom carriers are meant to transport wheat, corn, and other bulk foods, whereas flatbed trucks carry large boxes of furniture and other stable cargo. Think about what your products are made of and how many of them you transport before you choose a model. Don’t forget about special considerations such as your goods being especially fragile or requiring refrigeration.
What Is Your Budget?
Everyone wants to buy a brand-new car, but that’s not always an option. Hopefully, you’ve saved for this purchase for a while, but if not, use your equipment budget to determine how much you can spend. Use this value to decide whether you’re buying a new or used vehicle. Include the potential cost of repairs for older models in your considerations.
What Is the Mileage?
Every vehicle model has a mileage that it’s expected to last for, and this varies greatly between large trucks and small personal cars. Always check the mileage against the vehicle’s warranty before you purchase it, and estimate how many miles a year the vehicle will drive in your care. If it won’t last for more than a few years, it’s probably not worth your investment.
Buying a vehicle for your business is an exciting process, but you need to ensure that you don’t waste your money. By using these questions to guide your process, you increase your chances of buying the perfect vehicle for your business.