Getting From Here to There
Why Every Mining Company Should Consider a Truck Rental Partner
Written by Kurt Parker, Group Truck Manager for Enterprise Truck Rental
Every day throughout Canada, miners spend countless hours – both above and under the ground –sourcing the minerals that shape our world. And whether they’re digging for precious or basic metal and ore or coal, all mining operations depend on having the right vehicles to move people and materials from one place to another. Miners need durable, reliable transportation – and a truck rental partner like Enterprise Truck Rental is well-equipped to deliver that solution.
Evolving needs in the mining industry
The transportation needs of a mining company can change at a moment’s notice. Some jobs call for a commercial-grade 1/2-ton truck, while others require a 3/4- to 1-ton truck to safely transport individuals and materials. For other jobs a heavy-duty cargo van, cube truck, or even an F-550 is just right.
That’s why mining companies need a truck rental partner who can quickly swap vehicles in and out from site to site. At many locations that also means equipping vehicles with aftermarket modifications that allow companies to meet rigorous industry safety standards – including beacon mounds, buggy whips, and back-up alarms.
Being able to rent vehicles that meet the right requirements and are appropriate for the job at hand gives an operation the flexibility to supplement its own fleet with more specialized vehicles that mineworkers might not use every day. A truck rental partner can even provide companies with cost-effective and convenient truck solutions to meet seasonal, peak or project-based demands.
A partner with a large local network and presence is also a plus and can help mining companies get vehicles when they need them most, regardless of where they are in Canada. Enterprise Truck Rental proudly operates more than 50 locations across Canada, helping mining companies carry out their mission.
The benefits of renting versus owning
It feels great to completely own a vehicle – until problems arise. Older, high-mileage vehicles can be more trouble than they’re worth. But keeping a fleet fresh can drain a mining company’s capital budget.
Fleet expense is often measured by the purchase price of the vehicle or the interest rate on the loan. But, in fact, there’s much more to it. To have a comprehensive picture of annual fleet spending, companies have to take other factors into consideration, such as depreciation and maintenance.
Because of the high cost of new equipment, mining companies often tap into their bank lines of credit when they’re looking acquire vehicles. Typically, these operators can only replace a small percentage of vehicles annually.
Through a truck rental partner, mining companies can recognize their vehicles as an operating expense instead of a capital expense, allowing them to save cash flow while still meeting their transportation needs. Mining companies also have the freedom to obtain and deploy credit for other capital-intensive opportunities.
With the right partner, mining companies can even choose from a multitude of rental arrangements that keep debt off their balance sheets and improve financial flexibility. The ability to rent the vehicles they need on their own terms allows mining companies to meet their project-based demands without having to purchase vehicles outright. This is especially beneficial for mining companies because each project has its own time frame that can last anywhere from several months to several years.
Modernizing and maximizing fleets
In certain scenarios, a mining company may require several transportation solutions to support their day-to-day operations. Much like truck rental partners, fleet management partners can give customers the peace of mind that their fleet is able to meet the evolving demands of their business.
For a mining operation, a fleet management company can create a comprehensive plan for mining companies to modernize their fleets, maximize performance, reduce risk, save time and cut costs – handling everything from licensing, registration and auto insurance, to providing fuel and maintenance cards to cover vehicle expenses.
Partnering with a company that offers a variety of transportation solutions can provide mining companies with what they need to meet their diverse needs. Enterprise Truck Rental is part of the comprehensive portfolio of transportation solutions offered by parent company Enterprise Holdings. This gives customers access to variety of solutions for their business, including truck rental and affiliated fleet management services to name a few.
Choosing a partner that understands the business
A mining operation can’t be managed with a “one-size-fits-all” approach. Each mining company has their own transportation needs, so it’s important to have a partner that understands their business priorities. Choosing to rent vehicles from a truck rental company can free up their operation’s most valuable resource – the people – to focus on core operating activities.
Amid an industry that’s changing every day, one thing is for certain: Every mining operation can be optimized. To do this, it’s important to have a partner who understands how a fleet supports a mining company’s needs and can design solutions that fit not only the job at hand, but also each unique business.
With a partner like Enterprise Truck Rental, mining companies can benefit from getting well-maintained and reliable trucks available when and where they need them – from trucks that accommodate their own branding, to specialized options and equipment as well as adjustable rental terms with flexible payment and billing options.
About the Author
Kurt Parker is a Group Truck Manager for Enterprise Truck Rental in Canada. Enterprise Truck Rental is a service of the Enterprise Rent-A-Car brand, which is owned by Enterprise Holdings, the largest car rental company in the world. With more than 350 locations across North America, Enterprise Truck Rental customers receive the Enterprise brand’s renowned high level of service, including free pickup and 24-hour roadside assistance. The business also fulfills a range of personal and commercial trucking needs and provides access to a wide range of cargo vans, box trucks, and tow-capable pickup trucks.
For more information, please visit www.enterprisetrucks.ca.
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