# What is the true cost of running an own fleet?

**Short answer:** Twelve cost lines, not just fuel and driver salaries.

The true cost of an own fleet has twelve lines: **vehicles** (purchase or lease), **depreciation**, **financing**, **insurance**, **permits and papers**, **maintenance and tyres**, **fuel** (including empty kilometres), **driver salaries**, **leave cover**, a **spare vehicle**, **tracking and records**, and **management time**. Add them for a year and divide by twelve to compare with a vendor quote.

- Source page: https://www.shivshaktitoursandtravels.in/answers/transport-decisions/true-cost-of-an-own-fleet/
- Answered by: Vaibhaviba Bhavsinh Solanki, owner of Shiv Shakti Tours & Travels
- Last checked: 1 November 2026
- Book or ask: call or WhatsApp +91 99745 30788 (24/7)

## Key facts: true own-fleet cost

| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Often counted | Fuel, driver salaries |
| Often missed | Depreciation, financing, spares, leave cover, management time |
| Compare with | A vendor quote for the same routes and standard |
| Period | Twelve months, then monthly |

## Why are some costs missed?

They sit in other budgets: the vehicle in capital spend, insurance in admin, repairs in maintenance, and manager hours nowhere at all.

## Where can I read the full guide?

This answer is part of our decision guide Own fleet or vendor: the full cost (https://www.shivshaktitoursandtravels.in/corporate-transport-guides/own-fleet-vs-transport-vendor-cost.html), written for HR heads, admin, finance and purchase managers. The guide has an executive summary, tables, checklists and the questions to ask a vendor. Related questions from the same guide:

- Is a transport vendor cheaper than an own fleet? (https://www.shivshaktitoursandtravels.in/answers/transport-decisions/is-a-transport-vendor-cheaper/)
- Which costs of company vehicles are usually missed? (https://www.shivshaktitoursandtravels.in/answers/transport-decisions/hidden-costs-of-company-vehicles/)
- How do you compare a vendor quote with own-fleet cost? (https://www.shivshaktitoursandtravels.in/answers/transport-decisions/compare-a-vendor-quote-with-own-fleet/)
- What is included in a transport vendor's monthly price? (https://www.shivshaktitoursandtravels.in/answers/transport-decisions/what-is-included-in-a-vendor-price/)

## Follow-up questions

**Is depreciation a real cost?** Yes, even though no cash leaves the company each month.

**Should management time be counted?** Yes; dispatch, breakdowns and paperwork take real hours.

**Can you quote for the same routes?** Yes, in the pricing model you choose.

## About this answer

Shiv Shakti Tours & Travels is a GST- and MSME-registered taxi and car rental company in business since 2018, rated 4.9 on Google. Branch: Hansalpur Circle, Becharaji, near the SMG (Maruti Suzuki) plant, Gujarat 384210. Head office: B-50, First Floor, Jay Bhanu Society, Gate No. 2, Ghatlodiya, Ahmedabad 380061. Open 24/7 on +91 99745 30788. Not connected with other businesses of the same name elsewhere in India.

Sources: Owner-confirmed company facts (9 October 2026 questionnaires; 24 October 2026 packages; 30 October 2026 shift transport facts). · The decision guide Own fleet or vendor: the full cost (https://www.shivshaktitoursandtravels.in/corporate-transport-guides/own-fleet-vs-transport-vendor-cost.html). · Terms and conditions (https://www.shivshaktitoursandtravels.in/terms-and-conditions.html): published rates and terms.