What is a Fleet Order Bank?

If you manage vehicles for your business, understanding the Fleet Order Bank (FOB) is essential. The fleet order bank is a temporary window when automakers accept direct factory orders for vehicles intended for fleets—businesses, nonprofits, or government agencies.

During this short period, fleet managers can submit orders months before production begins, ensuring they receive customized vehicles on schedule, at fleet pricing.

How the Fleet Order Bank Works

1. Open Dates

   • Manufacturers announce specific dates when their fleet order banks open for each model year (e.g., the 2026 Ford F-150 or Chevy Silverado).

   • These windows usually occur before retail order banks and often close within weeks.

2. Direct Ordering

   • Fleet managers or their representatives submit vehicle configurations directly to the manufacturer or through certified fleet dealers.

   • Orders can include trims, options, and specialized upfits—such as telecom lifts, contractor shelving, or wheelchair accessibility.

3. Production & Allocation

   • Orders are queued, and manufacturers allocate production slots based on demand, plant capacity, and fleet vs. retail priorities.

   • Incentives and discounts available only to fleets may apply here.

4. Strategic Planning

   • Placing orders during the fleet order bank helps businesses align acquisitions with vehicle replacement cycles, resale timing, and operational needs.

Benefits of Ordering Through the Fleet Order Bank

• Customization: Order vehicles built to your exact specs instead of settling for limited dealer stock.

• Inventory Management: Avoid costly excess inventory by planning ahead.

• Cost Savings: Access fleet pricing, incentives, and lower lifecycle costs than retail purchases.

• Priority Access: Get ahead of retail customers and secure upcoming model years first.

• Strategic Alignment: Coordinate vehicle delivery with retirement of older units, maximizing resale value.

Why the Fleet Order Bank Matters for Business Fleets

Missing the fleet order bank window often means:

• Paying higher retail prices.

• Settling for vehicles that don’t meet operational needs.

• Delays in receiving work-ready units.

That’s why forward-thinking businesses treat the Fleet Order Bank as a core fleet management strategy rather than a last-minute reaction.

Pro Tips for Fleet Vehicle Ordering

• Plan Early: Order banks fill fast—especially in times of supply chain strain.

• Use a Fleet Partner: At Capital Lease Group, we track each manufacturer’s order bank so our clients never miss an opening.

• Stay Flexible: Have alternative trims or configurations ready in case of supply constraints.

• Think Lifecycle: Tie orders to replacement planning for smoother operations and higher resale value.

The Fleet Order Bank is your chance to get the right vehicles, at the right time, at the right price. With over 50 years of experience, Capital Lease Group works directly with automakers and certified dealers to secure build slots, lock in pricing, and deliver vehicles that are ready for work when you need them. Don’t miss your window. Reach out to Capital Lease Group to learn when the fleet order bank opens for the vehicles you need.