The multi-site fleet strategy: Lighten the load of truck and van hire
Running a commercial fleet across multiple sites adds extra challenges. From long-haul deliveries to local drop-offs, managing different vehicles for different jobs can get complicated fast. If your business hires a mix of trucks and vans, it might be time to simplify the process.
Rhian Burrell, Managing Director at Vertellus, explains how fleet managers can make multi-site vehicle hire simpler, while keeping costs down, operations smooth, vehicles compliant, and fleets more sustainable.
Make sure the right vehicle is in the right place
The first step in managing a multi-site fleet is deciding which vehicles should be where, and making sure they are available when needed.
Fleet needs change constantly. Routes, schedules, and site demands shift, and keeping track of everything can get tricky, especially if each site handles maintenance, compliance, and reporting differently.
When every site works in its own way, it’s easy for things to slip through the cracks. That’s why it helps to work with one reliable contract hire partner. A good partner can help you plan the fleet, match vehicle types to site needs, and make sure trucks and vans are ready to go across all locations.
Consistency matters. Regular maintenance, inspections, and reporting across all sites help you spot problems early, reduce downtime, and keep deliveries running smoothly.
Look beyond the headline price
Cost is always important, but the cheapest weekly hire rate doesn’t always mean the lowest overall cost. Some providers look cheap at first but leave out key services, like servicing, breakdown support, tyres, or compliance help. These gaps can end up costing your business more in the long run.
A full-service hire partner takes care of all the essentials across all sites. That includes sourcing vehicles, keeping them maintained, managing compliance, and providing reports. This approach makes costs predictable, keeps vehicles on the road, and frees your team to focus on operations instead of firefighting fleet issues.
At Vertellus, our commercial vehicle hire includes everything from bumper-to-bumper servicing and repairs to roadside assistance, tyres, DVSA compliance, and optional telematics and safety tools. You won’t get hit by hidden charges or surprises.
What should a commercial vehicle hire contract cover?
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Regular servicing and repairs
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Roadside assistance
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Tyres and wear-and-tear maintenance
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Compliance records for DVSA requirements
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Optional telematics and safety tools
The takeaway: focus on the whole-life cost, not just the weekly rate. A partner who takes care of everything may cost a little more upfront, but it’s often cheaper over the life of the contract, and far less stressful.
Choose a fleet that can grow with you
Your fleet needs today may be very different from your needs next year. You might currently deliver in city centres, but later expand to longer rural routes. You might operate diesel trucks today but need electric vehicles tomorrow.
A flexible hire partner will help you adapt. They can advise on vehicle mix, route planning, infrastructure, and maintenance so you can scale your fleet without disruption. Using real-time data, they can track vehicle use, spot maintenance needs early, and help you plan ahead.
This approach also makes it easier to move to a greener fleet when the time comes, without compromising reliability or your bottom line.
How Vertellus helps multi-site fleets
I’m proud to work at Vertellus because we take care of fleets like they’re our own. With over 100 years of experience, 3,500 commercial vehicles, and over 1,000 OEM-trained technicians, we make sure your fleet runs smoothly.
Our network is owned, not outsourced, that means consistent standards across the UK, whether you’re running LCV, MHD or HGVs, diesel or electric.
For complex, multi-site fleets, having a partner who handles maintenance, compliance, and reporting at every site can save time, reduce stress, and keep your business moving.
If you want to simplify your multi-site commercial fleet, add Vertellus to your shortlist and start a conversation today.