LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Unexpect-ed maintenance issues can often wreak havoc on budgeted costs per mile. Volvo Trucks, however, has unveiled a Cost Per Mile program that removes the uncertainty for fleets.

The program covers all maintenance at a pre-determined cost based on the number of miles that a fleet expects to log. Non-Volvo trucks and trailers can also be included in the program, which includes 24-hour emergency roadside assistance, DOT reporting, and Environmental Agency costs related to the work.

So far, 3,400 trucks are registered with the program.

“Fleet owners shouldn’t have to worry about the unexpected costs of keeping a fleet of trucks on the road,” said Patrick McNamara, director of Volvo Transportation Services, which will oversee the program. “Cost Per Mile changes all that.

“(The participating) fleet will receive a monthly invoice from VTS that covers all the services of CPM.”

Now available in Canada and the southeastern U.S., the program will spread throughout the U.S. by April. For their part, dealers need to dedicate certain personnel and business resources to the assets.

In the meantime, Volvo is working on deals with ExxonMobil and Petro Stopping Centres to include fuel expenses.

“With the rising costs of fuel and the uncertainty of the future, we realize the toll such costs can take on a fleet,” McNamara says. “That’s why we’re working hard to place fuel costs within the CPM structure… knowing your bill in advance means greater profits down the road.” n