Managing your own private fleet isn’t easy. Rising insurance costs, ongoing driver shortages, compliance requirements, and fluctuating demand can strain even the most experienced logistics teams. That’s why many shippers are turning to dedicated contract carriage (DCC) — sometimes called dedicated fleet services — as a smarter way to move freight.
In this guide, we’ll break down what dedicated contract carriage is, how it compares to private fleets, and why it’s becoming the preferred model for shippers that need control without the headaches of ownership.
What Is Dedicated Contract Carriage?
Dedicated contract carriage (DCC) is a transportation model where a carrier provides drivers, equipment, and fleet management exclusively for a single shipper.
Unlike a private fleet — which you own, operate, and maintain — DCC shifts the capital investment, compliance, and operational burden to a trusted provider. You get trucks branded with your company’s name, professional drivers representing your business, and technology that integrates seamlessly into your supply chain.
In short: DCC delivers the benefits of a private fleet, without the risks of managing one.
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The Benefits of Dedicated Contract Carriage
Shippers choose DCC for a mix of financial, operational, and strategic reasons. Some of the biggest advantages include:
1. Cost Control & Predictability
You avoid the capital costs of purchasing equipment, while gaining flexible, market-based contracts that reduce exposure to swings in fuel, labor, and insurance.
2. Scalability
Need more capacity during peak season or in new markets? A DCC model can allow you to scale up or down quickly — something private fleets may struggle to match.
3. Reduced Liability
Compliance, driver recruiting, safety, insurance, and equipment maintenance are all handled by your provider. That means less legal and financial risk for your organization.
4. Professional Image
Well-maintained equipment, uniformed drivers, and branded trucks reflect positively on your company. With DCC, you maintain the same brand presence as a private fleet without the upkeep.
5. Technology & Visibility
From GPS tracking to route optimization software, dedicated contract carriage provides the tools needed to monitor performance and improve efficiency.
When to Consider DCC
Dedicated contract carriage can be the right fit if your organization:
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Struggles with the rising costs of running a private fleet
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Faces driver turnover or recruiting challenges
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Experiences unpredictable demand cycles
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Wants to expand into new markets without investing in new infrastructure
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Needs more consistency and reliability across its supply chain
CUSTOMER SPOTLIGHT: NCH Corporation
NCH Corporation is a global manufacturer of industrial maintenance products, operating in more than 60 countries and in business for over a century. Like many companies managing a private fleet, NCH faced a combination of challenges in the years following COVID: driver recruiting difficulties, rising insurance costs, sourcing equipment in a tight market, and the growing liability of operating an aging fleet.
Ultimately, the company realized that trucking wasn’t its core business. To stay focused on what it does best, NCH decided to transition from operating its own private fleet to outsourcing with Averitt’s dedicated contract carriage solution.
In evaluating potential providers, NCH was drawn to Averitt’s flexible agreement structure, strong industry reputation, and ability to scale capacity up or down as needed. The revenue-sharing approach on backhaul opportunities also provided an added layer of value.
Today, more than two years into the partnership, NCH has gained consistent service, predictable costs, and the flexibility to adapt to changing demand. For the company, moving to dedicated contract carriage has proven to be the right long-term decision.
Watch Matt’s full interview below to hear how NCH transitioned from a private fleet to dedicated contract carriage with Averitt.
Explore Your Options with a Fleet Self-Assessment
Wondering if dedicated contract carriage could improve your transportation strategy?
Take a few minutes with our Fleet Self-Assessment Tool. It’s designed to help shippers evaluate their current fleet approach, uncover hidden risks, and highlight opportunities to increase reliability and reduce costs.
The Bottom Line
Dedicated contract carriage gives shippers the control, consistency, and branding of a private fleet — without the liability and expense of managing one.
With Averitt’s nationwide network, asset-based flexibility, and award-winning dedicated solutions, you’ll have a partner ready to keep your supply chain moving seamlessly.
