ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Industry analysts MacKay & Company say the U.S. truck renting ans leasing industry has grown to achieve annual revenues of $23 billion.

Published by the Truck Renting and Leasing Association (TRALA) in the 2001 Truck Renting and Leasing Industry Report, the result reveal the market now employs more than 150,000 people south of the border.

As well, the document also underscores the importance of rental and lease companies, pointing out they accounted for more than 40 per cent of new purchases of commercial medium-duty units and more than 33 per cent of Class 8 tractors in 2000.

“Our industry study does reveal that the truck rental and leasing industry, like other transportation industries, is feeling the effects of the economic slowdown — fewer purchases of new power equipment are planned in 2001 than were made in 2000,” says Peter Vroom, TRALA president.

“Yet clearly based on such data as overall revenue, purchases and maintenance activities, the truck rental and leasing industry has proven itself to be a very prominent and resilient player in the nation’s transportation picture.”

To purchase a copy of the report, contact TRALA at 703-299-9120.