Redefining An Industry
W
e are living in unprecedented times with unprecedented challenges for the transport industry. Even under normal operating conditions, it’s something that private truck fleets, for-hire motor carriers. trailer rental companies and manufacturers have to address. What we’re talking about is the need to provide the industry with a way to leverage under-utilized trailers, as well as ways for excess trailer capacity to meet short-term rental needs, therefore, turning unused trailer capacity into revenue. Connecting unused trailers with companies in need of additional equipment, and trailers to be repositioned with companies looking to use trailers for a one-way segment is something the industry has been dreaming about for ages. Trucking companies, in fact, can operate as much as 25% annually with completely empty trailers. Combined with an industry average of a roughly 3:1 trailer-to-tractor ratio, that leaves a significant amount of trailer capacity unused and available at any given time. The key to solving that costly dilemma is exactly what vHub is offering to the North American transportation industry. The trailer repositioning and sharing marketplace connect trailer owners and rental and leasing operations with those needing to rent a trailer on a short-term basis. vHub is a perfect example of a collaborative strategy that is a 36
NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2020
win-win for all parties, notes Francis Roy, vice president. “The acceptance of community marketplaces is on the rise because users are understanding the true value of collaboration,” he says. “Like online marketplaces for arranging or offering lodging, we are using digital technologies to create a trailer sharing and repositioning community that brings value to all stakeholders on the platform. “We set out to provide the trucking industry with a safe and simple digital platform to fulfill its semi-trailer rental needs,” Roy adds. “The months ahead will be just as unpredictable for the trucking industry as the past few weeks have been. We believe a community of trailer owners and renters that generates revenue while reducing deadhead mileage and repositioning costs will be a huge benefit to the industry. Not just now during these unusual times, but always.” First launched in Canada in April 2019, in the metropolitan Montreal market the growing vHub community of over 100 owners has already registered more than 10,000 trailers and has booked more than 20,000 rental days of trailer usage. The vHub collaborative trailer repositioning and sharing marketplace is now available to U.S. transportation operations. vHub is on a mission to grow its community, to create a strong and diverse offering of trailers for rental and repositioning opportunities. NATIONAL MAGAZINE
