Fleet Advantage has introduced a Tariff-Readiness Program aimed at helping transportation fleets navigate potential cost increases stemming from newly proposed U.S. tariffs on trading partners including Mexico and Canada.
The initiative comes in response to growing concern over new tariffs announced on multiple U.S. trading partners, including Canada and Mexico, as well as tariff increases earlier this year on imported goods from mainland China and tariffs on imports of steel and aluminum from sources worldwide. With almost half of U.S. Class 8 heavy truck sales produced in Mexico, all else equal, the proposed 25% tariffs on Mexico would influence truck imports and exports as well as manufacturing, pricing, profitability and volume. In a survey polled this week, 41% of industry professionals said they believe the tariffs will go into effect this year, and only 11% believe we will not see any tariffs this year (47% unsure).
Key Highlights of Fleet Advantage’s Tariff-Readiness Program:
- Protection from Tariff-Related Fees: All trucks currently scheduled for production on or before May 16, 2025 (depending on OEM), are protected from any tariff-related fees.
- Optimal Ordering Period: Based on feedback from all OEMs, to avoid high-cost increases and inefficiencies, it is recommended to place orders and build between now and May 30, 2025.
- Significant Cost Savings: Fleet Advantage can help organizations save over $4 million on 100 trucks, considering the full timeline from June to July 2025.
- Additional custom program options and savings are available through a consultative session with Fleet Advantage.
Each of the major truck OEMs have announced slightly varying schedules imposing a cascade of leveled or tiered price increases between May and July. Ordering trucks in these time periods could greatly impact the per-truck price.
In the same survey referenced above, nearly half of executives polled (47%) said they are aware of the OEM schedule of tariff-related price adjustments planned for the phased approach over the next few months. The majority (53%) believe the tariffs will be in effect for the next 1-2 years, and only 29% of respondents said they have a tariff plan in place to address price adjustments on truck costs.
This strategic initiative is part of Fleet Advantage’s broader asset management, aimed at providing comprehensive solutions to manage and optimize fleet operations for its partners.
In alignment with this initiative, Fleet Advantage also recently released a new episode of its Driving Success podcast titled “Tariffs & Truck Procurement for Large Fleets: What You Need to Know.” The episode offers valuable insights from Brian Antonellis, CTP, senior vice president of Fleet Operations, about how organizations with transportation fleets can proactively manage truck procurement strategies in light of the new tariff environment.
“We understand the concerns of our client partners regarding the possible cost increases from these tariffs,” Brian Holland, president and CEO of Fleet Advantage, said. “Our Tariff-Readiness program is designed to provide immediate relief and strategic guidance to ensure that corporate fleets remain operational with business flexibility in mind. By planning ahead, our clients can mitigate economic and financial risks and capitalize on opportunities, ensuring long-term stability and success.”
