Why Fleet Owners Should Consider Slip Seating for Their Fleet

Slip seating is becoming more popular in the trucking industry to meet the demands of supply chains while maximizing fleet usage more efficiently and effectively. There are numerous benefits to implementing slip seating within a truck fleet when done correctly. Learning more about slip seating can help fleet managers determine if this cost-effective and efficient solution is right for managing their truck fleet and truck drivers.

What Is Slip Seating?

Slip seating is a process used by trucking companies where multiple drivers take turns using the same truck during different shifts or time periods. It is often used for local deliveries and dedicated delivery routes.

Instead of assigning a specific vehicle to one driver, multiple drivers rotate through the available trucks based on their assigned schedules. This practice helps maximize the utilization of fleet vehicles and reduces downtime between shifts. Slip seating can be an effective strategy for balancing workloads, minimizing idle time, and increasing overall efficiency within a fleet operation.

Benefits of Slip Seating

There are several benefits of slip seating truck fleet managers and companies can gain when implementing this type of delivery model into their operations.

Improvements in Truck/Equipment Utilization

Slip seating improves the availability of trucks. This means truck fleets won’t sit empty in the yard, waiting for a driver to return for their next shift. More runs are possible. This can allow a company to get as much as 700,000 miles from each truck in three years. More hauls can be achieved without procuring additional equipment. Plus, having one truck for each individual driver is simply too expensive for most companies.

Tax Incentives

Slip seating comes with tax incentives, especially when you consider how trucks can depreciate over three years. It’s unlikely a single driver will cover 700,000 miles in that time. The ability to optimize mileage, therefore, has numerous financial advantages for companies and fleets already dealing with tight budgets and increased operating expenses.

Improved Productivity

Trucking companies can complete more one-time deliveries per day. It is also possible to speed up the shipping process, as a driver can execute the order as soon as a truck becomes available. This helps improve client satisfaction in a fast-paced world where there’s increasing competition. Yet, each user must properly maintain the vehicle out of respect for the next driver; this can benefit their own reputation and help fellow co-workers improve their productivity.

Fewer Concerns Over Engine Inactivity

When a single driver is assigned to one truck, it will sit idle for many hours, sometimes days or weeks. Inactivity can cause truck engines to wear out more quickly. During the winter, parts can freeze, causing ignition and other problems. Slip seating can contribute to fewer repairs.

That’s not to say constant use doesn’t increase wear and tear. Fleet maintenance is always an issue, whether mechanical or the manner in which drivers care for the vehicle, inside and out. Drivers using the slip seating model always have concerns about cleanliness, from daily cleaning to disinfecting a cab, with each driver change.

Opening Fleet Drivers Up to Slip Seating

Many companies have worked to address driver satisfaction. Some that implement slip seats provide incentives such as monetary bonuses, career building opportunities, and employee recognition programs. Individuals who enjoy their job are more likely to be accepting of this alternative kind of working arrangement.

Potential Challenges of Slip Truck Seating

The implementation of slip truck seating does have its potential challenges as follows:

• Hygiene and cleanliness: One of the main challenges of slip seating is maintaining a clean and sanitary environment within the shared trucks. To overcome this challenge, fleet owners can implement strict cleaning protocols between driver shifts, provide drivers with disinfectant wipes or sprays to sanitize touchpoints in the truck, and encourage drivers to keep their personal belongings organized and contained.
• Driver comfort and ergonomics: Each driver may have different preferences for seat adjustments or cabin temperature settings, which can be challenging when multiple drivers are using the same truck. Fleet owners can address this issue by investing in adjustable seating options, climate control features, and ergonomic accessories that cater to a variety of driver needs.
• Equipment wear-and-tear: With multiple drivers using the same truck regularly, there is an increased risk of accelerated wear-and-tear on vehicle components such as seats, steering wheels, or pedals. Fleet managers should conduct regular inspections of vehicles for signs of damage or excessive wear and schedule routine maintenance to address any issues promptly.
• Increase in maintenance: When operating slip trucks there is often an increase in maintenance to keep the trucks operational, safe, and clean. However, the higher productivity and potential increase in profits offsets the additional maintenance.

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