The commercial and consumer truck renting and leasing industry generates annual revenues of more than $23 billion, according to a new report issued by industry analyst MacKay & Co., and published by the Truck Renting and Leasing Association (TRALA).

The 2001 Truck Renting and Leasing Industry Report is the most comprehensive ever performed on the truck renting and leasing industry, according to TRALA. The study results were compiled from an exhaustive field survey that generated detailed responses from more than 70 percent of the total estimated universe of full-service commercial and consumer rental/lease companies.

The results reveal a vibrant industry employing more than 150,000 individuals. The report, which further extrapolates from survey data to provide an extensive picture of the entire industry, estimates that leasing and rental companies accounted for more than 40 percent of new purchases of commercial medium duty trucks and more than one-third of Class 8 trucks in 2000.

"Our industry study does reveal that the truck rental and leasing industry, like other transportation industries, is feeling the effects of the economic slowdown -- fewer purchases of new power equipment are planned in 2001 than were made in 2000, for example," said Peter J. Vroom, TRALA president. "Yet clearly, based on such data as overall revenue, purchases, and maintenance activities, the truck rental and leasing industry has proven itself to be a very prominent and resilient player in the nation's transportation picture."

In addition to data on revenue, employees, and equipment purchases, the 2001 Truck Renting and Leasing Industry Report looks at such issues as:

- Data on full-service vs. finance leasing;

- Composition of the industry by type of company and by fleet composition;

- Number of full service lease and rental locations nationwide;

- Average lease length;

- Customer profiles by industry type;

- Vehicle brand purchase preferences; and

- Vehicle disposal practices.

For information on purchasing the 2001 Truck Renting and Leasing Industry Report, contact the Truck Renting and Leasing Association at (703) 299-9120 or visit www.TRALA.org.