Owner-operators reported the highest per-mile maintenance expenses and production/distribution fleets the lowest, according to a Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association study.
Owner-operators averaged 25 cents per mile and construction fleets 20 cents per mile, while production/distribution fleets averaged only 12 cents per mile.
Commercial carriers averaged 16 cents per mile, private fleets 15 cents per mile and agriculture/mining/forestry 14 cents per mile.
Owner-operators lack the economies of scale enjoyed by larger fleets, said Frank Hampshire, the association’s research director.
Construction fleets have higher maintenance costs than other fleets because they must maintain road-ready trucks in harsh environments, Hampshire said.
HDMA, a division of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association, represents more than 700 motor vehicle product manufacturers.
