November Fleet Update: From Short-Term Rentals to Renewals

What’s shaping fleet operations this winter.

As the year winds down, the fleet market is seeing activity across several fronts from rental availability and winter readiness to resale activity and renewal volume. Here’s what we’re seeing across the fleet landscape and how you can plan ahead to keep your operations running smoothly.

Seasonal Rental Supply Tightens Early

If you’re looking to secure short-term rentals this season, start early. Many delivery and logistics companies have already reserved vehicles for holiday demand, especially cargo vans and box trucks. Those units are still available but harder to find. It just takes more time to locate and set them up.

If your fleet needs extra vehicles for the busy months, reach out to your Union Leasing team member sooner rather than later. We can still source options, but early planning will make all the difference.

At the same time, requests for winter tires and snow-ready vehicles are picking up in colder regions. If your drivers are operating in mountain areas or northern states, now’s the time to schedule those updates so your vehicles are ready before severe weather sets in.

Remarketing Slows, Opportunities Open Up 

In Remarketing, we are seeing the usual seasonal pattern. Activity slows down as we approach the holidays, selling prices are softening slightly, and overall inventory levels are lower since many sellers take time off during this period.

That slowdown, however, creates opportunity. With fewer vehicles listed, buyers are spending more time looking at the inventory that remains active. We’ll continue listing and selling vehicles through the season to keep days to sell low and make sure your assets stay in front of interested buyers.

Even as the broader market cools, this is the right time to stay engaged. Keeping your vehicles listed and ready to sell helps you maximize returns and maintain steady movement heading into the new year.

Vehicle Availability Remains Tight

Across the industry, demand continues to exceed supply for several key models. A recent example is the Toyota RAV4, which sold out within hours of order banks opening. That’s a reminder of how quickly availability can shift.

If you’re planning new vehicle orders — particularly hybrids — we recommend acting early. Alternative options from other manufacturers are still available, but they’re moving fast as more fleets look to secure hybrid units. Getting ahead of those cutoffs ensures you don’t lose valuable lead time.

Licensing and Title: Peak Season Preparedness

We’re now entering one of the busiest renewal periods of the year. States like Alabama, Massachusetts, and Indiana have large renewal cycles between November and January.

Our team is already ahead of schedule and has processed a significant portion of renewals. We’re continuing to monitor staffing and workflow to make sure everything stays on track through the peak period. If you have questions about timing or status, feel free to reach out to your Union Leasing team member and we’ll make sure your renewals stay on track.

Staying Ready Together

Even with the usual year-end challenges — tighter rentals, slower remarketing activity, shifting vehicle supply, and heavier renewal cycles — we’re in a strong position heading into winter. Our teams are prepared, responsive, and focused on keeping your fleet moving.

If your fleet needs support or guidance in the coming weeks, don’t hesitate to contact us, we are more than happy to help you.