PacLease Helps Houston Fuel Distributor Fulfill On-Time Delivery Promise

In 1985, Kathy Lehne started Houston-based Sun Coast Resources, Inc. with $2,000 and a business plan that promised customers consistent on-time deliveries of their petroleum products.

Today, with nearly $900 million in annual revenue, the petroleum wholesaler and distributor prides itself on delivering hundreds of loads of fuel, oil and lubricants, and biodiesel every day to customers in 16 states, including its home state of Texas. Lehne credits full-service leasing from PacLease and Rush Truck Leasing, the PacLease franchise in Houston, for her company’s growth and ability to make good on its promise.

From the start, Lehne instituted a policy of using leased trucks so that her company could always concentrate on providing unparalleled customer service.

“We don’t have the time or resources to invest in a maintenance shop and mechanics, and I prefer to avoid locking working capital in equipment,” she says. “Investing that money in the company is much more important than buying depreciating assets — trucks.”

That policy has paid off handsomely for Lehne and her company, which was named the ninth biggest privately held company in Houston by the Houston Chronicle, and one of the top 100 fastest-growing inner city companies in America by Inc. magazine.

Sun Coast operates a fleet of about 150 leased Class 8 trucks, including Peterbilt Model 378 day cabs, Peterbilt Model 385s, and Peterbilt Model 379s. The company also leases several Class 6 and Class 7 Peterbilt Model 335s. PacLease and Rush Truck Leasing work with Sun Coast to choose the right truck specs, such as longer wheelbases, power take-off pumps, and lower weight equipment, to meet the exacting needs of the company’s divisions.

Steve Boyd, senior managing director for Sun Coast, says the company chooses to lease Peterbilt models because of their reliability, durability, style, and efficiency. Plus, by leasing all Peterbilts, Sun Coast can attract the best driver candidates and retain their best drivers because they recognize the Peterbilt name and believe it to be the best equipment in the industry, he adds.

“Driver retention is critical for the success of our operation, and a well-maintained fleet is at the core of it all,” Boyd says. “Our drivers really appreciate the reliable operation of our fleet.”

PacLease service also helps Sun Coast Resources maintain a superior safety record and that’s critical with the potential risks and hazards associated with hauling petroleum products 24/7/365, Boyd says.

“We rely on PacLease to keep our equipment to the highest standards possible,” Boyd says. “The quality of PacLease’s equipment and the safety recommendations their experts share are key ingredients in maintaining our superior safety record.

“Thanks to PacLease, we are No. 1 in the fuel and lubricant wholesale marketing business sector,” Boyd concludes. “Without PacLease’s uncompromising commitment to quality, safety, and superior maintenance and inspection procedures, Sun Coast would be ill-equipped to keep that leadership position in the marketplace.”