How Fleets Can Stay Resilient Amid Tariffs and Rising Equipment Costs

As global trade policies continue to shift, U.S. fleet operators are facing a new wave of uncertainty. With tariffs driving up the cost of truck parts and equipment and supply chains under pressure, the margin for error is shrinking fast.

In a recent conversation with Fleet Management Weekly, Michael Quimby, COO of Kooner Fleet Management Solutions, shared how fleets can respond — and why efficiency and proactive maintenance are no longer optional but essential.

Tariffs Are Here – What That Means for Your Fleet

“The current tariff climate is creating a murky and unpredictable landscape,” Quimby stated. “The reality is clear — prices are rising for critical components.”

Many fleet parts originate from tariff-affected regions like China. To reduce dependency and risk, Kooner Fleet Management Solutions is actively leveraging its North American supplier network, sourcing primarily from Mexico and Canada. But even with diversification, ripple effects are felt throughout the fleet operations lifecycle.

To help fleets manage these rising costs, Kooner is locking in pricing with key vendors, pre-purchasing high-demand parts, and streamlining procurement. This level of fleet cost control ensures clients can access what they need, when they need it, without price shocks or delays.

Protecting Margins with Smart Fleet Management

Razor-thin margins are the norm in logistics, and rising costs are squeezing operators harder than ever. “Efficiency has moved from a nice-to-have to a survival strategy,” Quimby explained. “That’s where Kooner’s support becomes mission-critical.”

With a focus on fleet efficiency, Kooner helps clients cut operating costs by:

• Optimizing delivery routes

• Monitoring fuel usage trends

• Leveraging fleet telematics for real-time decision-making

• Implementing preventive maintenance planning that reduces unplanned downtime

These data-driven practices don’t just lower costs — they help fleets scale sustainably, even in volatile markets.

Deferred Maintenance Is a Hidden Expense

When operating costs rise, many fleets make the mistake of delaying routine service. According to Quimby, this is one of the most expensive long-term decisions a fleet can make.

“Deferred maintenance often leads to vehicle breakdowns, compliance failures, and lost revenue due to downtime,” he said. “It may seem like you’re saving money now, but it always costs more later.”

Kooner’s approach to fleet maintenance solutions includes real-time vehicle health tracking, automated service scheduling, and predictive analytics to flag issues before they become emergencies — keeping total cost of ownership low.

Future-Proofing Fleets in an Uncertain Market

With tariffs, steel costs, and supply chain disruptions becoming a long-term reality, fleet operators need to prepare now — not later.

“Kooner is helping clients take control of what they can: maintenance, documentation, routing, and parts sourcing,” Quimby emphasized. “We can’t control the market, but we can build resilient fleets that stay profitable no matter what.”

Get Support from the Experts in Fleet Optimization

Whether you're dealing with tariff-driven cost spikes or just trying to improve your fleet's performance, Kooner Fleet Management Solutions provides the tools and expertise to navigate the road ahead.

✅ Lock in pricing on high-demand parts

✅ Streamline compliance and document readiness

✅ Lower downtime with predictive maintenance

✅ Improve operational efficiency across the board

Need help staying ahead of rising fleet costs and supply chain risk?

Contact Kooner Fleet Management Solutions today — and let’s build a fleet that’s ready for whatever comes next.