Fleet rightsizing: How to reduce fleet costs without sacrificing service

Ryan Miller · April 7, 2025

Over 1.1 million U.S. companies operate fleets with at least five commercial vehicles. Not all of them are being used the right way though. Some sit idle. Others are overworked. And many cost more to run than they should.

In this guide, we’ll explain what fleet rightsizing means, why it matters for your business, and how to do it step by step.

What is fleet rightsizing?

Fleet rightsizing makes sure that your company's fleet is the perfect size for your business needs. A right-sized fleet reduces costs like fuel, maintenance, and insurance. It also helps avoid problems like idle vehicles, late deliveries, or drivers rushing to cover too many stops.

Let’s say a local building supply company runs a fleet of 12 trucks to handle daily deliveries. After reviewing their delivery data, they realize that 4 of those trucks are only used a few times a month. They're still paying for insurance, maintenance, and parking on all 12, whether in use or not.

By rightsizing, the company reduces its fleet to 8 trucks that stay consistently busy. For those few days each month when demand spikes, they use short-term rentals or hire third-party drivers.

If you're looking for a smarter way to manage deliveries without owning extra vehicles, Curri can help. Curri is a nationwide delivery platform that acts as a virtual fleet for your business. With access to industrial-grade vehicles and an easy-to-use transportation management system (TMS), Curri helps different industries handle deliveries on demand without the cost of maintaining a full fleet.

Fleet rightsizing vs downsizing: what’s the difference?

Downsizing means cutting the number of vehicles in your fleet to lower operational costs. It’s usually done fast and often without a deep look at what the business actually needs.

Rightsizing, on the other hand, is a strategic move that should be considered as part of your overall strategy. It means looking at your delivery volume, routes, vehicle use, and service needs, then adjusting your fleet based on real data.

Why you should focus on the last mile to cut costs

Last-mile delivery is the final leg of the journey from you to your customer. It's the most expensive and time-consuming part of the journey and can make or break your business.

At Curri, we specialize in optimizing your last-mile and less-than-truckload (LTL) operations. Our delivery service helps you cut costs and improve efficiency across your business.

Benefits of fleet rightsizing

A right-sized fleet helps your business run leaner, faster, and cost-effectively. Here are some key benefits of fleet rightsizing:

Lower operating costs

Fleet rightsizing helps you cut out the extra expenses of owning more vehicles than you need. Here’s how it saves money:

Fuel savings: Fewer vehicles on the road means less fuel burned. And when you swap large trucks for smaller vans on light-duty routes, you spend even less on gas or diesel.
Less maintenance: Every vehicle you remove from the fleet means fewer oil changes, part replacements, and repair bills.
Lower insurance: Commercial vehicle insurance is expensive. Dropping even one underused truck can reduce your monthly premiums by a lot.
Reduced registration and inspection fees: Every vehicle has paperwork and yearly fees. A smaller fleet means fewer renewals and inspections to keep up with.
Smaller parking or storage costs: Fleet managers don’t need extra space to store vehicles that aren’t being used.

Improved delivery performance

A right-sized fleet helps your team deliver faster and more reliably. When you match the right type of vehicle to each job, deliveries become smoother.

Because vehicles are used properly and not overworked, they break down less often. That keeps your schedule on track and avoids last-minute delays. Drivers also perform better. They stay focused and complete deliveries more accurately when they aren’t rushing or stretched too thin.

Less wear and tear

In 2023, operating and maintaining a new vehicle costs an average of $0.81 per mile, based on 15,000 miles driven annually. That adds up fast, especially if you're running a fleet with vehicles that aren’t being used efficiently.

Environmentally sustainable

Fleet rightsizing helps reduce your environmental impact by reducing fuel use and emissions. When you remove underused or oversized vehicles from daily operations, you burn less fuel and produce fewer greenhouse gases.

When to consider fleet rightsizing

Fleet rightsizing is for any business that wants to run lean and cut unnecessary costs. Here are some clear signs that it might be time to reassess your fleet:

You have vehicles sitting unused for long periods.
Fuel, insurance, or maintenance costs are rising with no increase in deliveries.
Drivers are overworked, or routes are overloaded.
Some vehicles are consistently under- or over-utilized.
You're expanding into new service areas or changing your delivery model.
Seasonal demand has shifted, but your fleet hasn’t adjusted.

5 ways to rightsize your fleet

Explore on-demand fleet options

Not every business needs to run its own vehicles every day. That’s where on-demand fleet solutions come in. It also lets your team focus on core operations instead of managing drivers, dispatch, and vehicle issues. With the right partner, you still get full visibility and control, just without the ownership headaches.

Review vehicle usage data

To rightsize their fleet correctly, fleet managers must look at the numbers—not just go by gut feeling.

To get this data, use GPS trackers, telematics systems, or simple driver logs. Most fleet management tools can generate easy-to-read reports that show exactly how each vehicle is being used. Review this info monthly or quarterly to catch trends early.

Match vehicle types to job needs

Start by looking at your average delivery sizes, load types, and drop-off locations. If most of your runs involve small parts or single pallets, a cargo van or pickup truck may be more efficient than a 16-foot box truck. If you're regularly moving large loads to job sites, you’ll need trucks with more capacity.

Analyze route efficiency

Poor route planning can lead to longer drive times, higher fuel costs, and overworked drivers, even if your fleet is the right size.

Curri makes this process simple with our multi-stop route planner.

Adjust for seasonal or changing demand

If your fleet size stays the same all year, you’re either overspending during slow months or struggling to keep up when demand jumps.

How to solve a fleet sizing problem with Curri

Curri’s virtual fleet allows you to choose the exact vehicle type you need, right when you need it. Whether your box truck is in the shop or your whole fleet is booked, Curri fills the gap. With a few simple clicks, you can have the perfect vehicle and an experienced driver at your pickup location in 30-45 minutes.

Fleet right-sizing with Curri's virtual fleet solution

Many businesses spend more than they need to on delivery—keeping extra vehicles, overstaffing, or running trucks that sit idle most of the time. It adds up fast in fuel, insurance, maintenance, and payroll. With Curri’s virtual fleet, you only pay for what you use.

Frequently asked questions about fleet rightsizing

How often should I reevaluate my fleet size?

You should review your fleet at least once a year. But if your delivery volume, service area, or customer base changes, it’s a good idea to reassess immediately. Quarterly reviews are helpful for fast-growing businesses or those with seasonal spikes.

Does rightsizing mean I’ll lose delivery capacity?

No. Rightsizing is about matching your capacity to actual demand. If needed, you may remove some vehicles, but you’ll replace that with smarter planning, better routes, and support from outside resources, such as third-party couriers.

Is fleet rightsizing only for large companies?

No. Small and mid-sized businesses benefit just as much (sometimes more) because every dollar saved on fuel, maintenance, or insurance has a bigger impact. Even if you only run a few vehicles, making smarter decisions pays off.