Navajo Express Plans Fleet Wide EpicVue Installations

Fleet Manager

Mar 10, 2017

Diversified transportation solutions provider to equip more than 1,000 tractors with in-cab satellite TV systems   SALT LAKE CITY- EpicVue, providers of premium in-cab satellite TV packaged exclusively for the trucking industry, today announced that Navajo Express is on track to install more than 1,000 systems in its growing fleet.   “EpicVue in-cab satellite TV is a major part of our comprehensive effort to provide drivers with amenities and quality equipment so they’re as comfortable on the road as they are at home,” said Don Digby Jr., president of Navajo Express. “We had such a great response from drivers about our initial EpicVue systems that we decided to install satellite TV in our entire fleet. Along with premium tractors and other comfort and convenience items, we believe EpicVue will have a big impact on our recruiting efforts and will help lead to higher retention rates.”   Navajo Express began installing EpicVue systems about one year ago when it added 250 tractors and drivers to its fleet for a dedicated carriage contract. Today, the company’s shops are adding the systems to all 830 existing tractors in the fleet, including about 200 currently.   With planned growth, Navajo Express expects to have more than 1,000 tractors with EpicVue in operation by this time next year. The satellite TV systems are also being added to new Kenworth T680 tractors joining the Navajo Express fleet. In July 2016, Kenworth announced that T680 76-inch sleepers are available with a factory-installed pre-wire option to support EpicVue service.   For its team drivers, Navajo Express is adding EpicVue inMotion, a version of the in-cab system that allows one driver to watch TV in the sleeper berth while the other is driving. EpicVue inMotion also provides the capability to record a show while the vehicle is moving so the driver can enjoy a taped program during non-driving hours.   Headquartered in Denver, family owned and operated Navajo Express is a 48-state provider of temperature-controlled freight hauling services. The company also offers regional dry van service and Rocky Mountain doubles for maximum payloads of dry and refrigerated goods. Additionally, the carrier provides dedicated fleet and intermodal services. In addition to Denver, Navajo Express has terminals in Pottsville, Arkansas; North Salt Lake, Utah; Rockwall, Texas, and Tolleson, Arizona.   The EpicVue package includes more than 100 channels of DIRECTV programming, including premium channels such as HBO/Cinemax, SHOWTIME and the NFL Sunday Ticket. The in-cab satellite TV systems are offered to fleets with 20 or more vehicles for a monthly subscription fee.   “We are pleased that Navajo Express has made EpicVue part of their effort to improve quality of life for drivers,” said Lance Platt, CEO of EpicVue. “We know they will find that their decision to equip their entire fleet with in-cab satellite TV systems the right choice for helping improve driver recruiting and retention.” ### See original article.

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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.