Do not decide between a vehicle and equipment from purchase price alone. Define which option provides the same capacity and service scope, and for what period.
Calculate cost over the same period
For a vehicle, use invoices and payroll for deposit or rental, financing, insurance, maintenance, energy and driver costs. For equipment, include purchase, installation, cleaning, maintenance, storage and supporting capacity. Base residual value for both options on documentation or past sale records.
Use dispatch records to calculate available rounds, load volume, idle hours and utilization. Divide total period cost by completed deliveries. Show expenses that continue while idle; do not assume they are zero.
Test demand changes
Repeat the calculation for quiet and peak periods. Compare vehicle, equipment, rental or outsourced service on the same route, delivery window and product conditions. Update the result with actual quotes, usage and financing terms.