It is commonly known in the trucking industry that a single truck driver is using one truck.
But, as many things have changed in the trucking business, it is no surprise the implementation of the system “slip seating”.
What is Slip Seating?
The term “slip seating” refers to multiple drivers sharing a truck.
Truck drivers do not have a single, specific cab, but they share it with other drivers after they finish their load.
With this type of truck driving, the vehicles hardly ever stay in one place.
Carrier companies get the most out of their fleets with slip seating.
Once the truck driver brings the truck to the terminal, it`s his responsibility to clean it out and prepare it for the next driver.
Advantages of Slip Seating
– Equipment Utilization
Trucking companies drastically reduce the amount of time that trucks sit empty at the terminal.
A single truck can drive 700,000 miles in 3 years which cannot be done just with one driver.
Slip seating allows carriers to make more hauls in the same amount of time without purchasing more equipment.
– fleet productivity
Using this system in the trucking industry, it can help increase the business with more successful delivery orders on a daily basis.
– less damage of truck parts
If vehicles are not used for 3-4 weeks, the engine can turn out of function.
Especially during winter months, the truck parts can freeze and won’t be able to provide appropriate ignition.
– faster shipping process
The main requirement of every customer is fast and on-time delivery.
As soon as one truck becomes available, another driver will be able to use it for the next shipment.
– maximum mileage
This system is valuable for firms because of the tax incentives that can help increase the industry’s efficiency.
By law, the companies have to raise the mileage goal that every vehicle needs to complete within almost 2 to 3 years.
The maximum driving in 3 years and accomplishing a high range of miles will decrease the taxes and revenue.
A single truck can drive 700,000 miles in 3 years which cannot be done just with one driver.
Disadvantages of Slip Seating
– frustrating for the truck driver
Truck drivers are mostly satisfied when they have a specific vehicle assigned to them.
They make their working environment according to their needs, so whenever they have to leave the truck and give it to another driver, they have to take all of their special accessories which are valuable to them.
This can cause an additional stress knowing that they do not have their own personal vehicle.
– maintenance
When more people are using one truck, it is highly important to maintain it regularly.
However, it also reduces the cleanliness of the truck, inside and out.
It also has a higher chance of wear and tear.
When drivers know that it is not their truck, they tend to care less.
Final Words
A satisfied truck driver, means successful company.
Not every trucking company uses this type of business model, which means that every company creates their system according to their needs, truck driver`s needs and customer needs.
