TV’s in Sleeper Trucks: Here’s What You Can Expect

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Feb 1, 2023

Life as a truck driver can be challenging, but sleeper trucks can make the long shifts and countless hours away from loved ones easier. Undoubtedly, a truck driver’s long haul is lonely and difficult. Being away from friends and family for days or weeks can feel isolating, and maybe even a sentence to solitary confinement. And with the intense pressure to meet deadlines while fighting traffic, it’s no wonder truck drivers are exhausted when the time comes to fulfill their mandatory rest and recovery time. Drivers need to find a way to unwind and unplug from the stresses of their days, and what better way than sleeper trucks? And why not take it even further: a TV in semi-trucks. Watching TV at home is just about everyone’s favorite way to relax and disconnect, so why not enjoy those comforts on the road right from your sleeper truck? Want to learn more about what you can expect with TVs in sleeper trucks? Keep scrolling below.

What is a Sleeper Cab Truck?

Sleeper trucks are tractor units with an extended cabin with an attached sleeping compartment behind the driver’s and passenger’s seats. These truck cabs are used by long-haul drivers delivering loads that cannot be delivered in one shift because of various laws. These laws are set in place for safety and personal function. Drivers must take a 10-hour sleeping period. Unlike other vehicles, sleeper trucks are heavy-duty trucks that must be handled by expert truck drivers with special driver's licenses. These drivers are responsible for safely operating a commercial vehicle to transport the shipment of products we use every day. A sleeper cab truck also allows truckers to be on the road for many days or weeks. They can even accommodate team drivers, where one person is driving while the other is resting or sleeping. This way, the truck can continue moving and making delivery progress while someone rests.

Do All Semi Truck Cabs Have Sleepers?

No, not all semi-trucks have sleeping berths. Decades ago, there were only day cab trucks. Because of the need to transport large, heavy loads for long distances – sometimes across the entire country – heavy-duty semi trucks were made. Without a sleeper cab, drivers had to sleep in a hotel or upright in their trucks. Day cab semis may get better gas mileage, but there’s something to say about a sleeper truck that you can make your own. It’s like a home on wheels and comes with many perks. Of course, one cabin can vary from the next; however, here are some of the common amenities truckers can enjoy in a sleeper truck:
  • 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

It wasn’t that many years ago that watching TV on the road, let alone TV in semi trucks, was even possible. Now, there are several different ways truck drivers can watch TV and consume other content while they’re away on the road. The drivers of years past may have preferred to watch TV shows and movies offline, utilizing DVDs and a DVD player.  While effective, this method requires buying movies to add to your collection over time. With this comes a few obstacles: first, buying movies can become costly. Second, DVDs can take up valuable space in a truck cab, where space is already limited. And third, many new releases are not readily available on DVD. Nowadays, most truck drivers have graduated from DVDs and are looking to consume content a bit more easily. Streaming their favorite shows and movies is an excellent option and is considerably more convenient for those living a significant portion of their life behind the wheel. That’s where EpicVue comes in.

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

Watching TV from the comfort of sleeper trucks to make various aspects of life on the road is made easy with EpicVue! Watching TV during those long hauls right from the comfort of your sleeper cab truck is a great way to counteract those heavy feelings of loneliness and isolation. TV in Semi trucks is the perfect way for truck drivers to relax and unwind during mandatory downtime. EpicVue specializes in outfitting semi trucks with premium in-cab televisions to make streaming easy. EpicVue allows your team to kick back and watch TV on the road. This gesture is meant to create appreciation, commitment, and loyalty between drivers and their fleets.  Moreover, happy and healthy truckers are much more likely to stay with a fleet, which significantly reduces the tedious and costly cycle of recruitment and retention.  Not part of a fleet? Not a problem! Owner-operators can enjoy the benefits of EpicVue, too! With virtually countless viewing and content options, truck drivers are sure to find something they want to watch, regardless of their preferences. Contact the team at EpicVue today to learn more.

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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.