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Every hour a truck is out of service incurs a cost. According to the American Transportation Research Institute, the average marginal cost of operating a truck reached $91.27 per hour in 2023, a clear reminder that delays and breakdowns don’t just disrupt schedules; they impact your bottom line.
To stay ahead of these costs, many fleet managers and owner-operators are turning to preventive maintenance plans. These programs make it easier to manage repairs and keep trucks on the road where they belong.
But what exactly is a maintenance plan, and how do you know whether it’s right for your fleet? Let’s break down what these plans include and the value they can deliver.
What Is a Truck Maintenance Plan?
A truck maintenance plan, also known as a fleet maintenance contract, is a service program designed to help you stay ahead of potential breakdowns. Instead of reacting to problems, you follow a preventive schedule for inspections and upkeep, keeping your trucks running reliably and safely.
These plans are typically flexible. For example, at Rush Truck Centers, we tailor each one to your specific operation, whether you manage a large fleet or operate a single truck. Service intervals, vehicle types and compliance needs all factor into building a plan that aligns with how your business operates.
What’s Included in a Fleet Maintenance Contract?
Contract maintenance plans are designed to cover the essential services that keep your trucks road-ready and compliant.
While exact details vary based on the plan you choose, here’s what most customers can expect:
- Preventive Maintenance Services: Oil changes, filter replacements, topping off all fluids, aftertreatment cleaning, coolant checks, valve adjustments and more are all scheduled according to manufacturer specifications to prevent wear-related failures.
- Compliance Inspections: Annual inspections are performed to meet Department of Transportation (DOT) and California Basic Inspection of Terminals (BIT) standards. These inspections help prevent violations and protect your CSA scores.
- Repair Coverage: Depending on your plan, common wear-and-tear repairs may be included or discounted, thereby reducing your out-of-pocket costs in the event of an issue.
- Mobile Repairs: Many maintenance plans include mobile service in addition to on-site maintenance. For example, our Rush Truck Centers mobile service technicians provide the same expertise and quality service you receive at the dealership, including preventive maintenance service, inspections, OEM warranty work, and campaign and recall repairs.
Key Benefits of Having a Truck Maintenance Plan
A structured maintenance plan allows you to manage your fleet efficiently, helps ensure compliance and prevents unexpected expenses related to reactive repairs. But that statement only scratches the surface when examining the benefits.
Here’s how a truck maintenance contract can positively impact your operations:
Predictable Maintenance Costs
Fixed pricing eliminates the guesswork associated with maintenance. With a contract in place, you’ll know exactly what to expect each month, with no surprise bills or fluctuating service costs. That makes budgeting easier and helps you allocate capital where it’s needed most.
You’re not compromising on quality, either. Maintenance plans usually adhere to original equipment manufacturer (OEM) service intervals and are conducted by skilled technicians using parts recommended by the manufacturer. This ensures you receive reliable service at a predictable cost.
Less Downtime
Scheduled maintenance reduces the risk of unexpected breakdowns, especially those that happen mid-route and result in costly roadside calls. By catching minor issues during regular inspections, you avoid bigger problems later.
Higher Asset Utilization
When trucks are out of service, they’re not generating revenue. Maintenance plans help keep your vehicles running (and earning) consistently. Some plans include concierge-style service management, in which a dedicated team helps schedule appointments, track inspections and alert you to recalls.
This type of support reduces administrative overhead and keeps trucks moving, resulting in higher overall productivity across your fleet.
Improved Regulatory Compliance
DOT inspections are commonly included in contract maintenance plans, making it easier to stay compliant with federal and state regulations. These checks help ensure your trucks meet safety standards, pass roadside inspections and maintain strong CSA scores.
Better Resale Value
A well-maintained truck holds its value longer. Routine service, accompanied by proper documentation, demonstrates to future buyers that the vehicle has been well-maintained. This can lead to higher resale prices when it’s time to replace older units.
For example, trucks with consistent maintenance records often sell for thousands more than comparable models with gaps in service history. A plan helps you protect that long-term investment.
Choosing the Right Maintenance Plan for Your Fleet
No two fleets are alike, and neither are their maintenance needs. That’s why Rush Truck Centers offers three customizable maintenance plans designed to help you reduce downtime, manage ongoing expenses and keep your vehicles in top condition.
Here’s a breakdown of what’s available:
- DIY Plan: Perfect for operations that prefer to handle maintenance in-house. The Do-It-Yourself plan includes all the genuine OEM parts you need, boxed together for easy pickup at your local dealership or delivered directly to your shop.
- PM-Only Plan: Covers essential preventive maintenance like oil changes, filter replacements and DOT inspections. You can choose to bring your truck to a Rush Truck Centers location or schedule a visit from our Mobile Service team.
- Full-Service Plan: Includes all PM services plus a wide range of factory-recommended maintenance and repairs. Plans are fully customizable and come with locked-in pricing for up to five years, helping protect your budget from rising labor costs. Service is available both on-site at a dealership and through mobile support.
Each option is flexible and can be tailored to your fleet size, vehicle usage and service preferences. And it doesn’t matter where your vehicle came from. Whether you purchased it from Rush Truck Centers or it’s part of your existing fleet, we can create a plan that suits your operation.
Ready to invest in the long-term health of your fleet? Request a personalized quote and our team will get back to you within 24 hours with a personalized maintenance plan solution.
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