*Updated for September 25th, 2025
New tariffs on vehicles and parts are pushing prices higher. Depending on where a unit is assembled and how much imported content it carries, fleets are modeling multi-thousand-dollar increases per vehicle (often in the $3k–$7k range on light trucks). You can’t control tariff policy—but you can control your playbook.
Below is a no-drama plan you can act on this quarter, plus what changed this week that matters to buyers.
1) Don’t “Wait and See”
- Replace true risks now. Retire units with safety issues or repeat downtime—those costs compound with higher parts prices and labor rates.
- Decide with numbers, not gut. Track cost per mile, breakdown history, and likely resale. If the next 24 months of repairs + downtime + fuel exceeds the payment on a newer unit, it’s time.
- Ask for price protection. Many dealers will hold pricing or honor “protect” language if you spec the unit and place a firm PO window.
Why this matters now: Analysts flag that new-vehicle prices are the most exposed to tariff pass-throughs, while aftermarket parts may prove more resilient in the near term—meaning the “wait” option doesn’t necessarily get cheaper for new inventory.
2) Squeeze More Out of Telematics
- Cut fuel waste: Map hot-idle vehicles and clean up routes; set auto-shutoff where it fits your duty cycle.
- Catch failures early: Use fault codes + engine hours (not just odometer) to pull a unit before a roadside event.
- Lower accidents (and premium pressure): Coach to trends (seat belt, speeding, harsh events) with 10-minute weekly 1:1s, not gotcha screenshots.
Why this matters now: Financing is not bailing you out. Auto loan rates ticked higher in September even after the Fed’s policy cut—so the ROI from fewer incidents, better MPG, and less downtime is carrying more of the load.
3) Stay Flexible on Vehicle Choices
- Don’t marry a badge. Keep two or three acceptable makes/trim sets per job. Prices and availability are moving targets.
- Diversify sourcing. Avoid single-country or single-plant exposure in your shortlist where possible.
- Use structures that keep options open. Consider terms that allow upfit-inclusive financing and cleaner swap-outs if pricing/availability shifts.
Why this matters now: Fresh research notes tariff costs are building beneath the surface; some OEMs have muted increases so far, but that pressure is expected to pass through as the year closes and 2026 models arrive.
4) Get Smart with Upfits
- Build what you need—fast. Take available chassis and make them job-ready with standardized racks, bins, partitions, and (for HVAC/health) cylinder cages.
- Favor domestic upfit vendors when you can. You’ll reduce tariff exposure on imported components and shorten lead times.
- Design for safety and resale. Keep specs common across roles to swap gear quickly and preserve value.
What changed this week
(so you don’t have to read 20 articles)
- Morgan Stanley (today): Tariffs are likely to hit new-vehicle prices hardest near-term; aftermarket parts may be more resilient. Net effect: expect more MSRP/ATP pressure as 2026s land.
- Cox Automotive (today): Auto loan rates are up in September, and relief isn’t likely soon given tight new-vehicle supply and wide lender spreads—plan your deals assuming elevated financing costs.
- Industry outlooks (today): Multiple notes suggest consumers haven’t fully felt parts-tariff pass-throughs yet—but that’s poised to change as automakers protect margins into year-end. Translation: price stability looks fragile.
(Global trade headlines also shifted today—e.g., Turkey adjusted some tariff measures—underscoring how fluid policy remains. Build flexibility into every quote and PO.)
A 30-Day Checklist (print this)
Week 1
- Export fleet list: VIN, mileage, last major service, repair spend YTD
- Turn on a minimal scorecard: idling, harsh events, seat belt
- Identify Replace Now vs Plan Replace vs Extend
Week 2
- Ask three dealers for apples-to-apples quotes on your top 2–3 models
- Request price protection and upfit-inclusive financing options
- Lock your vendor triangle (two primary shops + one backup) with SLAs and loaners
Week 3
- Start trend-based coaching (10-minute 1:1s) for top-risk drivers
- Set pre-approval caps for common repairs and require warranty/recall checks on every RO
Week 4
- Place orders on the units that tip in your TCO model
- Standardize upfits by role; finalize lead-time plan and fallbacks
The Bottom Line
You can’t control tariffs. You can control timing, financing, mix, and discipline
Replace wisely, use your data to cut waste, keep options open, and build trucks that work for your routes. That’s how you stay in the driver’s seat—no matter what the policy headlines do next.