Technical Support

Fleet Manager Responsibilities 

• Correctly record fleet information.
• Examine and analyze recorded data.
• Select the best vehicles.
• Manages truck maintenance schedules. 
• Recruit responsible and reliable drivers. 
• Maintain and manage a budget.
• Assign trucks to drivers.
• Handle drivers’ schedules.
• Create, implement, and manage policies for their fleet.
• Manage accident reports.
• Establish situational practices and procedures for potential issues. 
• Handle escalated customer service issues.
• Use GPS systems to locate trucks.
• Find ways to reduce costs while increasing profits.
• Comply with all of the U.S. Department of Transportation laws and regulations.
• Develop strategies to improve fuel efficiency.
• and more!

5 Mistakes a Fleet Manager Should Avoid Making

1. Avoid Getting Too Comfortable — The more time you spend in any occupational position, the easier it is to get comfortable in the role. At some point, the fleet may start to run relatively smoothly, and the operation, procedures, and policies are running themselves. It is easy for fleet managers to set the theoretical cruise control and coast. Getting too comfortable isn’t a good idea. Changes constantly occur in the fleet world; sitting back and watching is not an option. Fuel prices rise and fall; vehicle resale values fluctuate; laws, rules, and regulations always change; employee turnovers occur, and more. If you aren’t prepared, you could be left scrambling in these situations; effective resolutions and positive fixes come with a manager who stays on top of everything. Robert Zell, a highly successful businessman and company founder, said, “Complacency is the enemy of excellence.” Managers that thrive never assume anything, including that the fleet is under control, that all cost-savings are met, or anything else. Staying on top of industry news, implementing better procedures and processes, and a willingness to grow and learn is key.
2. Don’t Forget to Stay Current — If you think the tire on a semi going 65 mph spins quickly, look at how quickly things can change in the truck fleet industry. If managers are not paying attention, they will get left behind. Staying informed and in the know is crucial to being a successful fleet manager. Staying informed means knowing your fleet numbers, cost, and figures. It means knowing what suppliers are selling, what you are doing, and what your competitors are doing. It means being aware of issues and having solutions before a supervisor does. It means staying in the loop on industry trends and news. Thankfully, staying in the know is easier than ever, thanks to the internet and networking with industry peers. Just about every issue has been experienced by someone else, and their willingness to share ideas, solutions, and advice is just a click or phone call away.
3. Never Depend Too Heavily on Suppliers — A major advantage of fleet suppliers is that they can provide a service, product, or program for all things “fleet management.” Between maintenance, leasing, fuel, and more, there is a program; you need it, and it exists! It just makes sense to use these suppliers. However, relying too heavily on these suppliers could be harmful to your position as a decision maker. It’s not a good idea to turn over an entire fleet to suppliers since this could turn the fleet manager into a middleman, which isn’t at all what you want for your job. You always want to be managing in your role, not just coordinating how things are going. Outsourcing can be a smart move a fleet manager makes; however, doing it strategically and based on necessity is key. This really helps with job security. At the same time, you don’t want to make your role indispensable. This means ensuring you are hiring top-tier talent, keeping your team informed, and cross-training them. Then, your superiors will see your leadership potential and not assume that you need to only stay in your current role. They’ll trust you to take on more responsibility and train your replacement someday.
4. Avoid a Lack of Communication — Doing your job is just that – it’s your job. As nice as it would be to continually receive praise for your accomplishments, this isn’t always realistic because your higher-ups are very busy. Oftentimes, there’s a silent gratitude that isn’t always communicated but is ever-present if you’re doing a good job. So, while a gold star might not come every day, don’t think your higher-ups aren’t pleased just because they haven’t said anything. The best way to keep regular communication with senior management is to update them. Regularly fill them in on the important details. Don’t wait for them to ask for it; pass it along so they continually receive updates and know what’s going on with your fleet. With all a fleet manager is tasked with doing on a daily basis, you should have no issues finding pertinent and important information to present in a concise manner to those whom you report that (one) brings them up to speed and (two) showcases positive efforts and proof of success. Focus on results, not process, whenever possible. Fleet managers that offer simple and focused information via straightforward communication will show (in addition to telling) their management what is going on, keeping them apprised of everything they need to know at a glance.
5. Do Not Forget Your Crew Members Are People Too — You, a fleet manager, are human. It is important to remember that your fleet members are people, too. They have lives, feelings, and problems of their own. Make sure to listen to what they have to say. Hear their concerns and listen to their ideas. Your drivers are in the trenches and will have great insight that is worth considering. Unsuccessful fleet managers operate as machines or robots, with little to no care or concern for their team. As a fleet manager, it is important to encourage balance, health, and overall well-being. Be graceful and lenient where possible while expecting respect, honesty, and hard work.

5 Traits of a Good Fleet Manager

1. Always Prioritize the Team’s Safety — Fleet managers must put the safety of their team above all else. Staying on top of truck maintenance and paying attention to the crew’s mental and physical health (stress and fatigue levels included) can help prevent accidents. Managers should not wait for a close call or accident to occur before prioritizing team wellness. Fatigue and crash risk are directly related, so paying close attention to this while creating schedules is crucial. Even the slightest bit of drowsiness can cause an accident. Fleet managers must be proactive in many aspects of their job, especially safety.
2. Lighten the Load When You Can — Vehicle maintenance can be challenging and tedious, which is why great fleet managers make scheduling and reporting maintenance as easy as possible. The good news is today’s advanced and time-saving technology allows truck drivers to digitally perform routine truck inspections, a much faster process than a manual checklist. This easy investment will save your drivers countless hours on the road and simplify the process. Automating this process means managers and their drivers have less to worry about, thus lightening their figurative load. Moreover, investing in a digital inspection process will help ensure inspections and checks are regularly occurring, resulting in a safer and well-maintained fleet.
3. Truly Listen to the Team — The best fleet manager will consider them to be part of the crew, not someone who is in a higher-up position. They all work collaboratively and mentor one another. A great manager will create a space where open and honest communication can happen and will listen to their drivers’ feedback, both positive and negative. Managers should strive to create an environment where their team knows they can come to the manager when a problem arises, whether it is an issue with a vehicle, occupational stress, or something personal. Supporting the drivers is a huge part of being a fleet manager. The best managers are those who are understanding and empathetic whenever possible.
4. Make Expectations Crystal Clear — Being empathetic does not mean being a pushover; there is still a job to do and a delivery to make. Fleet managers need to make their expectations clear. A lack of clarity leads to confusion, leading to a less efficient and productive workplace. No employee enjoys the feeling of being unsure of their responsibilities, and when expectations are not clear, drivers cannot put their focus on executing their jobs. Confusion is scary and mentally exhausting, and any good fleet manager wants their drivers to be as focused and alert as possible. Over-communicating is best to ensure the driving team knows what they are doing.
5. Promote Positive Mental Health — It is no secret that life behind the wheel can be lonely and negatively affect a driver’s mental health and overall well-being. Great fleet managers should check in with their team regularly, promote balance, and always put the team’s mental health high on their priority list. Here are a few ways to boost the team’s morale while they are on the road:

• Encourage team interaction
• Communicate with loved ones
• Watch TV and enjoy other forms of entertainment

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6 Ways You Can Make Your Long Haul Truck Feel Like Home

1. Invest in Seat Covers and Cushions — Truck drivers spend most of their time sitting in the driver’s seat, so why not make it enjoyable? Seat covers are essential for those spending hours behind the wheel since they help protect interiors from spills, dirt, and wear. Add a little personality by choosing your favorite pattern, material, and color. Seat covers and cushions can also relieve back pain and promote good driving posture. While driving down the highway, you’re sure to feel vibrations from the road which can really aggravate the neck and spine. Seat cushions and covers can help absorb the shock and support your lower and upper back. For the best experience and additional support, opt for a cushion with massage balls and memory foam. These will make your seat as comfortable as possible, making those long hours on the road bearable.
2. Add a Mattress Pad — One of the best trucker accessories you can add to your sleeper semi is a mattress pad. For the safety of yourself and others on the road, it is essential for drivers to feel well rested, and a springy, hard mattress found in a lot of sleeper cabs won’t get you there. A comfortable mattress pad goes a long way in getting you quality rest. For additional touches of home and comfort, complete the space with your favorite bedding and pillows.
3. Put Up Decorations — A home or apartment feels bare without decorations, and your semi truck is no different. Adding little touches of your personality by hanging photographs, posters, artwork, and more will help the space feel much more like home and a place you’re happy to be. Moreover, having pictures of your loved ones posted where you can see them regularly can help you feel less lonely. Not an owner-operator? That’s okay! Using tape is always fine, but if you want something more substantial, there are other options. Thanks to renter-friendly materials like Command strips and hooks, you can easily make the truck you are driving feel like home without causing any permanent damage. You can also place personal knickknacks on the dash for you to see.
4. Utilize Textiles in Your Truck — Personalize your cab with window shades, curtains, and small area rugs. Little details like window coverings and rugs go a long way in making a space feel more comfortable and like home. These textiles help bring your space together and provide an added layer of privacy when you are unwinding or sleeping in the back.
5. Add Small Kitchen Appliances — Life on the road often means frequent visits to truck stops and eating out frequently. Not only does this add up financially, but it can also affect your health. Adding a mini-fridge microwave, toaster, and single-serve coffee maker will allow you to be much more efficient and keep healthy meals, snacks, and drinks on hand.
6. Entertainment Options — Entertainment is key to an enjoyable time while you’re away from home. Listening to your favorite podcasts, music, or audiobooks will help the time pass while you’re behind the wheel. When you aren’t driving, having a TV in a truck is incredibly convenient (and homey). But how do drivers watch TV in a truck on the road? EpicVue– the best of the best trucker accessories.

Watch TV in Your Long Haul Truck With EpicVue!

5 Things to Consider When Developing Your Truck Fleet Management Strategy

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:

• Encourage Inter-Fleet Engagement — Get your team interacting with one another on their radios. Regular small talk and sharing stories from life on the road can help counteract feelings of isolation and loneliness.
• Keep in Communication With Friends and Family — Encouraging regular communication with loved ones back home is essential. Remind your drivers to check in via text message or phone during required breaks. Fleet managers may also want to consider installing truck cabs with Bluetooth capabilities so that they can chat on the road.
• Watch Television on the Road — Life behind the wheel is mentally and emotionally challenging. However, watching TV can help fulfill human connection and interaction needs.

Include EpicVue in Your Truck Fleet Management Strategy

What is a Sleeper Cab Truck?

Do All Semi Truck Cabs Have Sleepers?

• Sleeping Area: This is the area where drivers sleep. Most trucks feature a twin-sized mattress. In some areas, this bed pulls down from the wall, while others have a loft area.
• Thick Blackout Curtains — If you want the best sleep possible, it’s best to limit light. Sleeper trucks typically feature blackout curtains on any rear windows and a dividing curtain between the sleeping area and driving area to keep out light.
• Storage Compartments — Storage can be hard to come by in a day cab. However, a sleeper truck might boast a few storage areas where the driver can keep their personal belongings, food, and more.
• Climate Control — Sleeping in a climate-controlled area ensures truck drivers will get the best sleep possible. A comfortable sleeping temperature is vital for well-rested, alert drivers.
• Kitchenette — Some sleeper trucks feature a kitchenette, including a microwave, hot plate, mini fridge and freezer, small dining table, and more.
• Electricity — Electricity is essential for sleeper cab trucks. It allows drivers to charge their phones, cook food, and watch TV.

Watching TV in Sleeper Trucks

Want to Watch TV From Your Sleeper Trucks? EpicVue Can Help!

10 Effective Exercises for Truck Drivers

1. Walking or Running — One of the best exercises you can do, especially for those with a sedentary lifestyle, is to walk or run for 30 minutes every day. A simple 30-minute walk every day can burn between 200 and 300 calories, improve digestion, and boost your metabolism. It also helps to strengthen muscles and bones, increase immunity, boost energy levels, and improve mood, sleep, and circulation.
2. Tricep Dips — Tricep dips are good for working the backs of your upper arms but require a chair or step. The running bar or sidestep on your semi's cab is perfect!
3. Step-Ups — Step-ups are a great form of cardio and strength training exercise. Use good posture to step up with one foot, bring the other foot up and step back down repeatedly for one to three minutes, then switch feet to feel the burn. You can also use the semi's running bar or sidestep.
4. Squats — Whether you're doing standard squats, side squats, sumo squats, or any other iteration of squats, you can get a decent thigh, calf, and glute workout from anywhere, with no equipment, in a small amount of space.
5. Planks — Planking is a great way to exercise your core. It also supports ideal posture and improves balance while strengthening the hamstrings and glute muscles. Start by planking on your knees and elbows, move up to your toes and elbows, then graduate to extending your arms and planking on your hands and toes. You can alternate bending your knees, switching hands, and doing hip dip side planks to increase difficulty.
6. Crunches — Crunches are probably the most popular way to target your abdominal muscles and a great way to work out when traveling. The cool thing about crunches is that there are many variations on the theme. Build your abs and core muscles by doing standard crunches, reverse crunches, bicycle crunches, scissor crunches, and more!
7. Jumping Jacks — Jumping jacks can improve aerobic capacity, improve metabolism, decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease, decrease resting heart rate and blood pressure, and help to maintain a healthy weight. Aim to do 100 jumping jacks per day. 
8. Push-Ups — Push-ups are an effective and quick way to build upper body strength, specifically in your chest, arms, back, and core. They are the perfect way to work out when traveling because they do not require much space (you can do them anywhere!) and require zero equipment.
9. Lunges — Lunges are perfect for increasing muscle mass and toning the body, especially the legs and behind.
10. Stretches — Never underestimate the benefits of a good stretching session. Stretching can decrease the risk of injuries, improve your ability to do everyday tasks, increase blood flow, and more.

Get Through Your Truck Driver Workouts with EpicVue