Managing a Mixed Fleet (Different Types of Trucks)

Managing a Mixed Fleet

Many carriers operate mixed fleets with different equipment types—dry vans, reefers, flatbeds, or various truck models. Managing diverse equipment presents unique challenges but also opportunities for market flexibility and revenue optimization. This guide covers strategies for efficiently managing multi-equipment fleets while maximizing utilization and profitability.

Why Mixed Fleets?

Advantages:

Market Flexibility:

✅ Access multiple freight types
✅ Don't rely on single market segment
✅ Diversified revenue streams
✅ Adapt to market conditions

Revenue Optimization:

Dry van rates low? Use reefers
Flatbed rates high? Leverage flatbed capacity
Seasonal demand (reefer in summer, dry van year-round)

Customer Service:

Can handle diverse customer needs
"One-stop shop" for shippers
Competitive advantage

Challenges:

Operational Complexity:

❌ Different maintenance requirements
❌ Different driver qualifications
❌ More complex dispatching
❌ Higher parts inventory needs

Capital Investment:

Specialized equipment more expensive
Must invest in multiple types

Management:

More systems to track
Driver training requirements vary
Scheduling complexity

Equipment Type Considerations

Dry Van:

Characteristics:

Most common (60-70% of fleet typically)
Baseline equipment
Easiest freight to find

Maintenance:

Simplest maintenance
Lower costs ($0.15-$0.20/mile)
Fewer specialized parts

Driver Requirements:

Basic CDL Class A
Minimal specialized training
Any qualified driver

When to Use:

Year-round consistent freight
General commodities
Most versatile option

Reefer (Refrigerated):

Characteristics:

Temperature-controlled
Higher rates than dry van (+$0.30-$0.50/mi)
Seasonal demand (peaks summer)

Maintenance:

Refrigeration unit: Complex, requires specialist
Higher costs: $0.20-$0.30/mile (reefer unit maintenance)
Regular servicing critical (unit failures = spoiled loads)

Driver Requirements:

Reefer operation training
Temperature monitoring
Pre-cool procedures
Understand temperature settings

Fuel:

Reefer unit fuel: Extra $150-$300 per load
Must factor into rate calculations

Flexibility:

Can haul dry freight (turn off reefer)
Versatile but higher operating cost

Flatbed:

Characteristics:

Open deck
Premium rates (+$0.40-$0.80/mi vs. dry van)
Requires specialized skills

Maintenance:

Simpler than van (no walls, roof, doors)
Lower costs: $0.12-$0.18/mile
Tarps need replacement ($500-$1,000)

Driver Requirements:

Specialized training: Cargo securement
DOT securement regulations knowledge
Tarping skills
Physical ability: Strapping, chaining, climbing
More experienced drivers needed

Equipment:

Chains, binders, straps (Working Load Limit calculations)
Tarps (various sizes)
Edge protectors, dunnage

Specialized (Step Deck, RGN, etc.):

Characteristics:

Highest rates ($2.50-$10+/mi)
Permit often required
Expert drivers needed

Maintenance:

Specialized equipment
Higher costs
Fewer repair shops

Driver Requirements:

Extensive experience
Permit routing knowledge
Heavy haul expertise

When to Add:

Only if consistent demand
High skill driver available
Capital for expensive equipment

Fleet Composition Strategies

Starter Fleet (1-5 Trucks):

Recommendation:

All dry vans initially
Simplest operations
Most freight available
Learn basics

Once Established:

Add 1-2 reefers if strong reefer market access
OR add 1 flatbed if skilled driver available

Small Fleet (6-15 Trucks):

Balanced Mix:

60% dry van: Core business
30% reefer: Premium rates, seasonal opportunity
10% flatbed: Specialized premium freight

Example (10 trucks):

6 dry vans
3 reefers
1 flatbed

Flexibility:

Diversified revenue
Not dependent on one market
Can shift based on demand

Medium Fleet (16-50 Trucks):

Strategic Segmentation:

50% dry van: Consistent baseline
30% reefer: Seasonal upside
15% flatbed: Premium specialized
5% specialized: Step deck, RGN (if expertise)

Division Management:

Separate dry van, reefer, flatbed divisions
Dedicated dispatchers per division
Specialized expertise

Dispatching Mixed Fleets

Load Matching:

Equipment Type Priority:

Reefer Loads:

Assign to reefer truck (pays most for reefer capability)
If no reefer available, cannot haul temperature-controlled

Dry Van Loads:

Assign to dry van
Can use reefer (turn off unit) if no dry van available
Accept lower rate but keeps truck moving

Flatbed Loads:

Assign to flatbed (only option)
Cannot use dry van or reefer

Utilization Strategy:

Maximize Specialized Equipment:

Reefer priority: Reefer loads first, dry loads if needed
Flatbed priority: Flatbed loads only (don't waste on dry freight)
Dry van: General freight workhorse

Example:

3 reefers, 6 dry vans available
2 reefer loads, 8 dry loads available
Assign: 2 reefers to reefer loads, 1 reefer to dry load, 6 dry vans to dry loads

Maintenance Management for Mixed Fleet

Parts Inventory Complexity:

Challenge:

Different equipment = Different parts
Reefer units (Thermo King vs. Carrier)
Truck brands (Freightliner, Peterbilt, Kenworth, Volvo)
Trailer types

Solution:

Standardize when possible (all Freightliner tractors)
Common parts stock (filters, lights, etc.)
Relationships with parts suppliers for all types
Emergency access to parts (national accounts)

Specialized Service:

Reefer Units:

Certified technicians required
Not all shops can service
Build network of reefer-qualified shops

Flatbed:

Standard truck maintenance
Trailer simple (no moving parts)
Focus on deck condition, lights, suspension

Different Truck Brands:

Freightliner dealer for Freightliners
Peterbilt dealer for Peterbilts
Or: Independent shop with multi-brand experience

Tracking Multiple Types:

Software:

TMS with equipment-specific fields
Track maintenance schedules per type
Different PM intervals for different equipment

Example:

Reefer unit: Service every 2,500 engine hours
Dry van: No special schedule
Flatbed: Deck inspection every 25,000 miles

Driver Assignment for Mixed Fleet

Skill Matching:

Dry Van Drivers:

Entry-level acceptable
Standard training
Largest driver pool

Reefer Drivers:

Reefer unit training
Temperature monitoring
Pre-cooling procedures
Slightly more experienced

Flatbed Drivers:

Specialized skills required
Securement certification
Tarping expertise
Higher pay ($5,000-$10,000 more/year)
Limited driver pool

Specialized:

Expert drivers only
Years of experience
Highest pay
Very limited pool

Cross-Training:

Benefits:

Drivers can operate multiple equipment types
More flexibility in dispatch
Better utilization

Example:

Dry van driver trained on reefer
Can switch between equipment as needed
Useful during seasonal shifts

Compensation:

Pay premium for multi-qualified drivers
Incentivize cross-training

Financial Performance by Equipment Type

Track Separately:

Metrics by Type:

Revenue per mile (reefer should be higher)
Total revenue (dry van likely higher volume)
Operating costs per mile
Profitability per equipment type

Example:

Dry van: $2.00/mi revenue, $1.60/mi cost = $0.40/mi profit
Reefer: $2.50/mi revenue, $1.85/mi cost = $0.65/mi profit
Flatbed: $2.80/mi revenue, $1.75/mi cost = $1.05/mi profit

Decision:

Flatbed most profitable → Invest in more flatbeds?
Market demand + driver availability factor into decision

Conclusion

Managing a mixed fleet adds complexity but provides market flexibility and revenue optimization opportunities. Success requires equipment-specific knowledge, skilled drivers, strategic dispatching, and careful financial analysis to maximize the benefits while managing the challenges.

Key Takeaways:

Fleet Composition:

✅ Starter fleets: All dry vans (simplest)
✅ Established fleets: Mix for diversification
✅ Typical mix: 50-60% dry van, 25-35% reefer, 10-15% flatbed

Dispatching:

✅ Match equipment to highest-paying loads
✅ Reefers can haul dry if needed
✅ Maximize specialized equipment utilization

Maintenance:

✅ Standardize brands when possible
✅ Build service network for all types
✅ Track equipment-specific maintenance

Drivers:

✅ Match skills to equipment type
✅ Pay premium for specialized skills
✅ Cross-train for flexibility

"Diversity in equipment opens diverse revenue streams. Manage the complexity well, and mixed fleets multiply profits."

Continue Learning:

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