Experts in Government Fleet Management

Contact a Government Funding Specialist

Government

Over 50 Years of Government Experience

We know that federal, state, and local agencies have very specialized requirements. Merchants Fleet has over 50 years of experience in funding and servicing government fleets with a focus on superior service, flexible terms, customized programs, and innovative solutions and technology. We also partnered with Sourcewell to make contracting with Merchants a streamlined process for Sourcewell partner agencies.

We offer a comprehensive suite of fleet services, including leasing and maintenance options that allow you to know all the costs up front, which is essential for budget-driven government agencies. Whether it is through an operating lease or a capital lease, closed-end or open-end, our team of fleet experts is focused on helping government organizations of every size find the leasing options that maximize their budget.

A popular option is our closed-end lease, which gives you a one-stop fleet budgeting solution. When you sign a closed-end lease with Merchants Fleet, you control your costs and minimize risks. Our Full Maintenance program works the same way — you have a fixed monthly fee so there are no budgeting surprises.

Vehicles for Federal Government Agencies

Merchants Fleet is designed to meet the vehicle needs of any type of federal department or agency. Whether you need a few hundred vehicles or thousands, we can help.

Vehicles for State & Local Government Agencies

Whether you’re a public works department, library, school system, or any other type of state or local agency, we can provide you with the vehicles you need.

Vehicles for Police Agencies

Merchants Fleet understands that police agencies need the right vehicles for the job, which is why we offer a variety of SUVs and trucks in addition to upfitting services that include decals and wraps. We can also outfit unmarked vehicles.  

Vehicles for Emergency Medical Services

Ambulances, first responder units, vans, SUVs, trucks —  whatever your emergency vehicle need, we can help. We can also help install any necessary upfits, including light bars, sirens and speakers, camera systems, communication equipment, and more.

Specific Vehicles for All Government Sectors

Choose from a variety of trucks, dump trucks, light-duty vehicles, vans, shuttles, buses, and more. Here’s a list of some of the vehicles we carry
(please contact us for more details or if you require a specific vehicle type that is not listed):

Trucks

We have the following work truck options (and more) to meet your needs:

  • Ford Transit & Transit Connect
  • Ford F150
  • Ford EV F-150 Lightning
  • Ford Super Duty (F250, F350, F450, F550)
  • Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, 3500 and EV Silverado
  • Dodge RAM 1500, 2500, 3500 HD
  • Kenworth T370
  • Isuzu NPR & NQR
  • Toyota Tundra
  • Mitsubishi Fuso
  • Freightliner M2106
  • Peterbilt 567
  • Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
  • Hino M Series

Vans, Shuttles, and Buses

Whether you need a 15-passenger van or a cargo van to transport and deliver goods, we have a model that fit your needs, including (but not limited to):

  • Ford Transit Cargo, Crew, & Passenger Vans, Including the E-Transit
  • BrightDrop EV 600
  • Chevrolet Express Cargo Vans
  • Mercedes Sprinter Cargo, Crew, & Passenger Vans
  • Toyota Sienna
  • Eldorado Bus
  • Dodge Grand Caravan
  • Chevy Suburban
  • GMC Savana Passenger Van
  • Multi-Function School and Activity Buses (Collins, Starcraft, and Bluebird)

Government Fleet Leasing & Funding

As a government agency, you may have specific funding needs or be eligible for certain tax advantages.
Our flexible leasing and funding terms can accommodate your budgeting and tax requirements.

Government-Specific Discounts or Services

  • Low, Guaranteed, Fixed Rates
  • Tax-Exempt Leasing
  • Tax-Exempt Registration
  • Unique Lease Structures
  • Accommodations for Non-Appropriation Clauses
  • Option for Flexible Payment Terms, Such as Seasonal & Skip Payments
  • Full Suite of Leasing & Funding Options, Including Long-Term, Short-Term, Rent-to-Lease, and Sale & Leaseback

Simplified Fleet Acquisitions

When you work with Merchants Fleet, we handle the entire acquisitions process for you. With a nationwide network of dealerships and partnerships with all major OEMs, our team ensures you get the right vehicles for your agency.

Considering Fleet Electrification?

Decreased fuel and maintenance costs, as well as tax incentives, are making it more affordable to integrate EVs. Merchants Fleet has and is continuing to build the tools and services you need to make a seamless and cost-effective entry into the electric vehicle market. Our ecosystem of partners brings together the best in infrastructure and technology to present a suite of services to help you manage your EVs from acquisition to disposition. There are many reasons to consider fleet electrification, including:

  • Doing Your Part to Reduce CO2 Emissions
  • Helping to Protect Our Environment
  • Lower Cost of Ownership
  • Utilize New Vehicle Models
  • Being an Industry Leader

Take our online assessment today to see if transitioning to electric vehicles is right for you. 

Upfit Applications

No matter your needs, our truck and van upfitting services will be tailored to your government fleet size, budget, and goals. We can upfit trucks, vans, heavy-duty vehicles, commercial buses, shuttles, and passenger vehicles. Common upfitting services include:

  • Branding and Decals
  • Ladder Racks
  • Trade Packages
  • Bulkheads
  • Partitions
  • Drawer Units
  • Roof Vents
  • Ramps
  • GPS Systems
  • Alarm Systems
  • Hitch Accessories
  • Power Locks

Fleet & Driver Safety

Safety is our top priority, which is why we’ll do everything we can to ensure your vehicles are in top condition and that your drivers have the tools, education, and resources they need.

In terms of safety features, we can see what’s available through the OEM and help you budget accordingly. Some government vehicles require specific safety features or additions, such as fire extinguishers and first-aid kits. We can accommodate any special safety requests or needs.

We can offer your drivers safety training — either in the form of a generic program or one customized to your specific needs.

Merchants Fleet will also help you pull motor vehicle records and set up an alert so that you’re notified if one of your drivers has a violation.

In addition, you can monitor driver behavior with our connected vehicle technology, TotalConnect, telematics, and GPS tracking. Through the power of telematics, you can capture detailed information about braking habits, speed, after-hours usage, acceleration, and other individual driver behaviors.

Comprehensive Fleet Services & Technology

Getting the right vehicles on the road is just one part of the equation. Merchants offers a full range of fleet services and technologies to maximize cost savings and ensure your fleet is safe & efficient.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in your fleet remarketing services?

We take over all risk and handle the entire process for you, including, market research and outreach, resale strategies, pricing and transfer of ownership. There are certain fees associated with our OpenTrac third-party remarketing option. Under GuaranteeBUY, all fees are covered by Merchants Fleet.

What is an open-end lease?

An open-end lease give you complete leasing structure flexibility. This is ideal if you want a plan that’s as close to vehicle ownership as possible, but with all the benefits of leasing. You retain the equity in your vehicle, with a long-term structure to pay for your fleet.

What is a closed-end lease?

With a closed-end lease, you control your costs and minimize risks. You never have to worry about market price volatility, rate fluctuations, or seasonal resale influences. At the end of your closed-end lease, you will only be responsible for excess mileage and damages.

Will my fleet be eligible for any government-specific discounts and services?

Discounts and benefits include low, guaranteed fixed rates, tax-exempt leasing and registration, and unique lease structure. There are also options for flexible payment terms.