Security concerns following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks are helping to drive an increased interest in private fleets.
, said National Private Truck Council President and CEO Garry Petty during an address last week to the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.
Speaking at the “Transportation Table” luncheon, a monthly forum on transportation issues, Petty noted that private fleets continue to account for 82% of the over-the-road miles traveled by commercial vehicles.
Petty noted a trend toward renewed interest in the traditional private fleet model, citing continued instability in the for-hire marketplace, increased concerns over security due to terrorist threats involving trucks, and corporate interest in directly controlling the truck transport function that moves products to customers.
Petty said he also believes private fleets hold an edge when it comes to driver issues. He noted that drivers for these companies are often viewed as front-line customer service providers for the company. These drivers also tend to be loyal employees, he said.