Interide Transport outfitting trucks with EpicVue TV package

Fleet Manager

Jan 22, 2015

—CCJ staff EpicVue announced that Interide Transport is outfitting its entire fleet with the EpicVue in-cab satellite TV package as a recruiting tool. The satellite systems are helping fill all available seats with drivers, and generating a payback in less than six months per truck from lower recruiting costs, the announcement said. “With EpicVue as a driver recruiting tool our unseated truck count has dropped from eight percent to zero,” said Sean Snow, founder and CEO of Interide Transport, a refrigerated carrier based in Salt Lake City, Utah. “We have every seat filled, and we attribute a large part of that to having satellite TV in every truck.” Snow also credited new equipment, dedicated routes designed to accommodate driver needs, good pay and fuel and safety bonuses.
According to Snow, EpicVue is now a key part of Interide Transport’s effort to make its truck cabs into “the rolling hotels of the future.”
“Our goal is to provide all the comforts of home, especially for a younger generation of drivers that expects technology to be available to them,” he added. “EpicVue helps us attract experienced drivers from other companies. It’s a differentiator for drivers who have experience and good records, the kind of drivers we want to have work here. It also allows us to hire only better qualified drivers because we’re not in need of poor performers just to fill seats. EpicVue is the draw that brings drivers to us.” In a press release from EpicVue, Snow said he measures EpicVue’s value as part of our driver recruiting budget. “We have realized a very fast payback,” he added. “While we can spend at least $3,000 to recruit a driver, EpicVue has no upfront costs and only costs about $600 per year in monthly subscription fees. For every driver that comes to us because we have satellite TV in our trucks we eliminate marketing and advertising costs. Even after we pay sign-on bonuses and referral fees, we see a return on our investment in EpicVue in less than six months per truck.” Interide Transport began outfitting its trucks with EpicVue in June 2014, installing the systems initially in 30 units. Another order was quickly placed for 30 more EpicVue systems, followed by the decision to outfit the entire fleet. The fleet’s mechanics, trained by EpicVue, can install the satellite TV systems, including an antenna, DVR and 24-inch flat screen TV, in less than two hours per vehicle. Original source: http://www.ccjdigital.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.