Rising Fleet Costs: What’s Really Driving the Price Up

If you manage a fleet or are thinking about starting one, you’ve probably noticed everything costs more — from parts to repairs to new vehicle orders. According to a recent discussion reported by Automotive Fleet, fleet veterans Robert Martines of Corporate Claims Management and Trip O’Neil of Holman say inflation, tariffs, and higher repair bills are reshaping the business in real time.

So what’s behind it all, and what can you do about it?

Repair Costs Are Skyrocketing

What used to be a simple fix is now a high-tech project. Martines shared that a mirror replacement that once cost about $600 can now reach $1,600 — plus calibration fees for sensors that push the total closer to $3,000. Advanced safety features (ADAS) make vehicles safer but much more expensive to repair after even minor damage.

Takeaway: use aftermarket parts for basic items like body panels or wheels when possible, but stick with OEM parts for anything tied to safety or emissions systems.

Inflation and Tariffs Add More Pressure

O’Neil pointed out that inflation is hitting every part of fleet operations — parts, labor, materials, and logistics. On top of that, tariffs on imported goods are adding quiet but steady cost increases across many vehicle lines.

What fleets can do:

• Re-evaluate replacement cycles regularly, costs move fast.
• Don’t treat vehicles like inventory to flip or hold for speculation.
• Keep budgets flexible and allow for cost overruns in repairs and parts.

OEMs Are Tightening Warranty Support

Fleet operators used to rely on manufacturer goodwill for gray-area warranty claims. That’s changing. OEMs are less likely to approve coverage beyond stated terms as profit margins stabilize post-pandemic.

Smart move: build relationships with multiple contacts, not just your local dealer, but also regional reps and maintenance partners who can advocate for you when issues arise.

How Fleet Owners Can Stay Ahead

Even with rising costs, proactive management can help you stay profitable.

• Be strategic with vehicle lifecycles. Keep detailed records to know the “sweet spot” for replacement.
• Redeploy vehicles. Move older units to lighter-duty roles instead of retiring them early.
• Prioritize critical units. If budgets are tight, focus your repair and replacement dollars where uptime matters most.
• Diversify vendor relationships. Don’t rely on a single repair shop or parts supplier.

Rising repair bills, tariffs, and inflation aren’t temporary — they’re the new normal. The fleets that will come out ahead are the ones adapting now with flexible budgets, stronger supplier relationships, and smarter asset management.

That’s where Trans Lease, Inc. can help.

Since 1991, Trans Lease has worked alongside fleet owners across industries — helping them secure custom financing and leasing solutions designed to keep operations running strong even when costs climb. Whether you’re replacing aging units, adding to your fleet, or restructuring financing to free up cash flow, our team understands the real challenges facing today’s fleet managers.

Here’s how Trans Lease supports fleets:

• Flexible financing options that align with your replacement schedules and budget goals.
• Customized lease structures to offset rising vehicle costs and preserve working capital.
• Industry insight to help you plan smarter purchases and manage cost cycles effectively.
• Hands-on partnership, our team works directly with your operation to adapt as market conditions shift.

In a time when costs are unpredictable, having a financing partner who knows the fleet world inside and out can make all the difference.