As PACCAR Leasing marks its 45th anniversary as a provider of truck leasing and rental solutions, President Ken Roemer credits the company’s success to the quality of its truck brands, along with the commitment of its franchise partners.
Founded in June 1980 during a time of industry deregulation, PACCAR Leasing (PacLease) was created to help Kenworth and Peterbilt dealerships offer leasing options directly to customers. PacLease began with 17 franchises in the United States and Canada and has since expanded to 665 locations worldwide, including 540 and in the United State and Canada, while managing nearly 41,000 PACCAR vehicles in lease or rental service across North America, Europe and Australia.
PacLease’s offerings over the years have grown to include contract and managed maintenance services for fleets operating both leased and owned trucks,
Roemer told Equipment Finance News. In 2024, the company launched a digital franchise portal to provide real-time fleet data to PACCAR franchises to improve efficiency and vehicle uptime.
Roemer recently shared PacLease’s roadmap for expansion and technology evolution with EFN. What follows is an edited version of the conversation.
Equipment Finance News: After 45 years, how does PacLease plan to continue expanding its global footprint?
Ken Roemer: We’ll continue working closely with our franchise partners to expand our network, investing in new technology and expanding our fleet to better meet what our customers need. We’re also focused on offering flexible leasing, rental and service options that fit the way transportation is evolving. This way, we can stay competitive, support our customers and keep building our presence in the commercial truck leasing world.
EFN: What role will emerging technologies, such as electric and autonomous vehicles, play in PacLease’s leasing and maintenance offerings?
KR: We’re committed to integrating zero-emission vehicles into our fleet, where needed, to support sustainability initiatives and meet the increasing demand for greener transportation options. At the same time, autonomous vehicle technology offers exciting opportunities to improve safety, boost efficiency and reduce operational costs.
PacLease is dedicated to staying ahead of these innovations by offering flexible leasing solutions that incorporate the latest advancements. By embracing zero-emission and autonomous technologies, we aim to deliver forward-thinking, dependable and customer-focused solutions that keep pace with the evolving needs of the industry.
EFN: How does PacLease intend to evolve its digital tools, like the franchise portal, to further enhance fleet performance and customer uptime?
KR: PacLease plans to take its digital tools, like the franchise portal, to the next level by integrating advanced analytics, real-time data monitoring and a more intuitive user experience. This will provide deeper insights into fleet performance and help maximize uptime.
We’re also focused on adding predictive maintenance features that use telematics and sensor data to spot potential vehicle issues early — before they cause downtime. By continuously upgrading these digital platforms, PacLease aims to equip customers with actionable insights, streamline fleet operations and create a faster, more efficient leasing experience.
EFN: In what ways will PacLease support mixed fleets with increasingly complex maintenance needs as truck technology continues to advance?
KR: PacLease is ready to support fleets with more complex maintenance needs by offering flexible, specialized programs that fit all kinds of vehicles and tech. With electric, autonomous and connected trucks becoming more common, we’re making sure our technicians get ongoing training to stay up to date and skilled across every platform.
We also use advanced diagnostic tools and real-time telematics to keep an eye on vehicle health, so we can catch issues early and avoid unexpected breakdowns. By combining expert support with the latest technology, PacLease helps customers manage their mixed fleets smoothly while keeping trucks on the road and running efficiently.
EFN: What strategies is PacLease implementing to remain a preferred provider amid growing competition in the full-service leasing market?
KR: To be the go-to choice in the full-service leasing market, PacLease is focusing on a few key strategies. We put a big emphasis on personalized, responsive customer service, making sure we understand and meet each customer’s unique needs to build strong, long-lasting relationships.
With our direct connection with Kenworth and Peterbilt, PacLease can custom spec trucks tailored precisely to our customers’ unique needs. We don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach, which means our customers receive trucks that deliver superior quality and performance specifically designed for their requirements. We offer a wide range of flexible leasing options — including full-service leases, rentals and maintenance programs — that work for all kinds of fleets across different industries.
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