Fleets looking to put trailers to work may consider leasing new trailers as opposed to taking the additional maintenance costs and potential out of service violations associated with an older fleet. Fleet Equipment (FE) caught up with Pat Gaskins, senior vice president of financial services for AmeriQuest, to ask three quick questions about trailer leasing and application.

FE: What are the biggest trailer leasing benefits compared to ownership?
Gaskins: Leasing allows fleets to expand their fleet without tapping into valuable capital, allows them to avoid technological obsolescence and take advantage of new fuel saving technologies, and eliminates residual risk exposure. Leasing also provides a structured approach towards managing trailer life cycles.

FE: What tracking technology options do you offer on your leased trailers?
Gaskins: AmeriQuest is not tied to any one source—we will help the lessee evaluate what system is best for their specific needs. Once we have determined which system to use, we roll the hardware cost for tracking equipment into to the capital cost of the trailer, and the monitoring fees are charged as a direct pass through.

FE: What tips would you give to fleet managers who are looking to keep their loads secure?
Gaskins: Keep loaded assets in secure facilities or attached to a tractor with a driver. If loaded assets need to be staged in unsecured locations utilize kingpin locks and hardened tamper resistant door locks. Truth be told, if someone wants to steal your equipment and or merchandise, there is not a 100% guaranteed option, but if you do spec a tracking device, your chances of finding your equipment increase exponentially.

For more on trailers, check out our Top Spec’ing Tips story.