Metropolitan Trucking Equips 350-Vehicle Fleet with EpicVue Systems

Fleet Manager

Jul 18, 2015

In an era in which driver retention remains a key concern in the fleet field, EpicVue, providers of premium in-cab satellite TV packaged exclusively for the trucking industry, is helping to turn the tide.

The company has announced that Metropolitan Trucking is installing EpicVue systems in all 350 of its over the road and regional trucks. This announcement comes on the heels of the largest deal in the company’s history: Western Express,. is installing EipicVue systems in 1,600 power units. “We see EpicVue as one more benefit we can provide for our driving professionals,” said Michael Maiore, executive vice president at Metropolitan Trucking. “Our culture is built around not only serving our customers but also serving our employees. Truck drivers work hard and deserve the best benefits we can offer, so we consider EpicVue one of the things that will allow drivers to bring a little bit of home along with them on the road.” The installation of EpicVue systems in the entire Metropolitan Trucking fleet is planned to take just 90 days. All new drivers at the company are immediately assigned an EpicVue equipped tractor and all existing drivers are having the flat screen TVs and DVRs installed during routine preventive maintenance. “We offer excellent pay and benefits, trucks built for driver comfort, and include the latest technologies, along with facilities that include comfortable driver lounges and a fitness area,” Maiore relates. “While most of our drivers are home every weekend, driving professionals sacrifice family time almost every day, so whatever we can do to make that time on the road a bit easier for them, we will do. We are happy to provide them with EpicVue in-cab TV systems.” Metropolitan Trucking, founded in 1930 and family owned and operated for three generations by the Mangino family, is headquartered in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania. The carrier provides over the road and regional service throughout the eastern half of the United States with equipment located in the Northeast and the Midwest. “We fully support Metropolitan Trucking in its belief that along with fair compensation drivers deserve as much of the comfort of home as they can provide on the road,” said Lance Platt, CEO of EpicVue. “We are very pleased they consider our in-cab satellite TV systems as a valuable technology.” Original source: fleetnewsdaily.com

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5 Steps to Developing a Truck Fleet Management Strategy

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Quality truck fleet management with a good strategy is a vital element for success in the trucking industry. These systems are necessary for communication, and processes are sure to succeed. There’s no doubt that the best semi-truck fleet teams are those that are effectively and efficiently managed, making a great fleet manager worth their weight in gold — and then some!  But what is it exactly that makes a fleet manager great? It all comes down to a solid fleet management strategy and reliable semi-fleet processes. In fact, these are essential to finding both short- and long-term success. If you’re in charge of a semi-truck fleet and are looking to build a fail-proof truck fleet management strategy, you’re in the right place. We’re here to give you some tried-and-true tips and tricks for developing a solid plan. With a little hard work and the right strategy, you will surely see increased profits, fleet growth, and a happier, healthier, and more productive crew. Keep scrolling to learn more.

5 Things to Consider When Developing Your Truck Fleet Management Strategy

If you want to develop a quality truck fleet management strategy, make sure to consider the following:
  1. Invest in a Fleet Management System — You could be the most experienced and focused manager, but you will still have difficulties staying organized and productive without a quality truck fleet management system in place. Managers of old used to rely on elaborate systems involving paper spreadsheets, filing cabinets, and more to run their business, but there are simpler ways to get the job done. Join the digital age by digitizing your workflow and operations; you’ll find that processes are optimized, and your team’s performance is improved! A good system will allow you to keep track of the best routes, maintenance schedules, driver and vehicle efficiency, automating various tasks (such as routing and scheduling deliveries, billing and invoicing, sending jobs to drivers, etc.) and more so you can maximize the potential of your fleet.
  2. Find Ways to Cut Maintenance Costs — It’s no secret that the economy is in an exciting place right now. Inflation is on the rise, and maintenance costs are not exempt. A solid semi-truck fleet manager must prioritize finding ways to reduce costs. Taking a defensive, preventive approach to maintenance is key. Improving fleet efficiency and ensuring that your rigs and necessary equipment are in tip-top shape and ready to go can help you stay ahead of maintenance issues. Consider utilizing a good fleet management system that can tell you about the vehicles’ engines and other diagnostic features to help extend the life of your trucks. These tools can help you quickly identify any problems with your trucks and avoid issues down the road when they become more serious, thus cutting maintenance costs. Another way to reduce maintenance costs is to base your trucks’ service schedule on accurate engine usage hours instead of an arbitrary calendar. This helps to eliminate unnecessary repairs and potential hours and revenue lost, allowing you to make the most of your fleet while still taking great care of them.
  3. Find Ways to Save Money on Fuel — As a fleet manager, it almost always comes down to budget. And one of the biggest portions (we’re talking between 50% and 65%) of overall operating costs is dedicated to fueling costs. As mentioned above, having a good management system and GPS tracking in place can help you develop an excellent management strategy. You’ll be able to monitor your drivers’ driving performance, habits, and behavior and monitor fuel usage, which directly affects fuel consumption. By tracking and analyzing this information, you’ll be alerted to issues sooner than you may have been otherwise. Moreover, tracking this info will keep you apprised of any safety concerns, such as aggressive driving. Addressing these issues will help you reduce operational costs associated with your fuel budget.
  4. Perfect and Optimize Your Drivers’ Routes — Customers and clients demand quick and on-time deliveries, so taking the perfect and optimal route is absolutely crucial. Your business’ reputation counts on it! Inaccurate arrival time estimates, delays, and inefficient routes will only lead to frustration. Hiccups and issues along the way are bound to happen and are an inevitable part of any industry, including trucking. But, by automating customer notifications and other processes, fleet managers can experience a lot less stress, allowing them to spend time and put their focus elsewhere.
  5. Prioritize Your Drivers’ Health and Wellness — One of the biggest parts of developing a good truck fleet management strategy is prioritizing your team’s health and wellness. Feeling isolated on the road comes with being a truck driver; it’s part of the territory. So fleet managers who promote a healthy work-life balance and positive mental health are typically much more successful.

Here are some ways managers can prioritize employees’ health:

Include EpicVue in Your Truck Fleet Management Strategy

Developing a truck fleet management strategy is essential to the success of your business, and EpicVue is here to help make it happen. EpicVue will outfit your fleet with premium in-cab television so your drivers can enjoy a bit of home on the road and catch up on their favorite shows. Contact EpicVue today to learn more.