Spec'ing sleepers: Two distinct needs

Spec’ing sleepers: Two distinct needs

Freightliner sleeper“We have two distinct needs for sleeper equipped tractors in our operation,” says Jim Bullins, corporate fleet manager at Maines Paper and Food Service. “In both cases, we work closely with Fleet Advantage, our asset management, fleet business analytics and equipment financing provider, to tailor specifications to our fleet operation.”

Headquartered in Conklin, N.Y., Maines Paper & Food Service is the seventh largest independent food service distributor in the United States. The company’s fleet of more than 400 tractors and 500 trailers delivers frozen, perishable and dry products to national chain and local restaurants. Included are Freightliner and Volvo sleeper equipped tractors.

“In our operation there are team long haul routes, which can include 12- to 18-hour layovers, and shorter runs where single drivers need a place to rest,” Bullins explains. “In both of those operations, we also have to address new hours-of-service rules, so providing drivers with the best available sleeper options is something we routinely consider during the spec’ing process.”

Old and new

When it is considering new equipment choices, Bullins notes, Maines relies on recommendations by Fleet Advantage, which are based on past performance of existing models in the fleet, as well as new alternatives being offered by truck manufacturers. Ultimately, a committee of managers and drivers makes all equipment and specification decisions.

In most cases, Maines opts for standard sleeper offerings with specific options added. For example, long haul sleepers are equipped with front window curtains to provide drivers with a more restful environment. Recent additions have also included Thermo King TriPac Evolution auxiliary power units on all sleeper models, as well as cold weather packages to help maintain batteries during long idle periods.

“Our fleet goals are straightforward,” Bullins states. “For the Maines Paper and Food Service fleet, which has doubled in size in the past ten years, we are constantly seeking ways to simultaneously enhance driver comfort, reduce costs and always serve customers more effectively. By providing drivers with the best available equipment, we are able to deliver dependable customer service.”

Volvo sleeper

OEM Offerings

To make the most effective choices for their operations, fleets have a full range of sleepers to consider when spec’ing tractors. Among the latest OEM offerings and innovations are the following:

Freightliner Trucks offers a large selection of mid-roof and mid-roof extra-tall (XT) configurations for its Cascadia, Cascadia Evolution and Coronado models. Raised Roof sleepers are available from the OEM in the same tractors and in its 122 SD vocational model.

International sleeper International ProStar models can be ordered with 56-inch Low Roof or Hi-Rise sleepers, or 73-in. Hi-Rise or Sky-Rise sleepers. The variety of configurations can be spec’d with Deluxe, Premium and Eagle trim options, including various bunks and roof heights.

Kenworth Truck Co. has enhanced its 52-in. mid-roof sleeper offering for its T680 model. Included is an optional 28-in. wide upper bunk designed for regional haul applications that require a second sleeper berth while the vehicle is parked. The T680 52-in. sleeper is standard with a liftable lower bunk. A passenger swivel seat is also available as an option to expand living space.

Mack Trucks Pinnacle tractors are available with 48- and 56-in. flat-top, 60- and 70-in. mid-rise, or 70-in. high-rise sleepers for regional and long haul operations. Pinnacle sleepers feature separate heating and cooling system controls, a locking storage compartment under the lift-up bunk, and a mix of tall closets and smaller cabinets.

Peterbilt Motors Co.’s 80-in. sleeper for its Model 579 tractor joins 72-in. and 44-in. low roof offerings. The 80-in. model, the largest in the OEMs history, and the 44-in. model are fully detachable to allow conversions to day cab service. Features of the 80-in. sleeper include a 42-in. bunk, tower storage cabinets and a full-length sleeper access door.

Volvo Trucks Optimized Series of eight tractor models includes VNM 430 and VNL 430 flat-top and mid-roof sleepers, and VNM 630 and VNL 630 mid-roof sleeper options. The mid-roof design was developed for the Optimized Series to provide additional headroom for regional haul carriers, including tanker, bulk, refrigerated, dry and flatbed applications.

You May Also Like

United Natural Foods to deploy eCascadia and VNR Electric trucks

UNFI will combine these trucks with refrigerated trailers cooled by Carrier’s all-electric Vector eCool TRU.

United-Natural-Foods-1400

United Natural Foods, Inc. announced that it is deploying two battery-electric trucks and five regenerative electric refrigerated trailer systems. UNFI is deploying the trucks and trailers in the Sacramento and Gilroy, California markets, just in time for the peak holiday selling season.

UNFI worked with Penske Truck Leasing to secure two Class 8 electric trucks: a Freightliner eCascadia and a Volvo VNR Electric. UNFI will combine these trucks with refrigerated trailers cooled by Carrier’s all-electric Vector eCool transport refrigeration unit (TRU).

Daimler Truck delivers Freightliner eCascadias to Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling

The 20 Freightliner eCascadias are expected to result in the reduced use of 40,000 gallons of diesel fuel per year. 

Daimler-Trucks-Coke
Nicholas Trucking on cutting costs and emissions

Early success with propane-powered trucks has the fleet planning to replace more diesel trucks.

nicholas-propane-truck2-1400
Kenworth ADAS adds new features for T680

Adaptive Cruise Control Stop and Auto Go and Highway Departure Braking to Zero features are now available.

Kenworth-Donates-T680
Truck driving safety requires attention

It’s hard to focus on safety when you’re focused on shifting. Episode two of the Fuel Efficiency Faceoff shows why.

EPS-2-faceoff2-1400

Other Posts

Peterbilt delivers Model 520EV refuse vehicle to City of Roses Disposal Recycling

The zero-emissions Model 520EV will provide recycling and waste collection services for the city of Portland.

ACT Research: For-Hire Demand Outlook remains soft this winter

Freight demand fundamentals are gradually improving, ACT says.

generic-highway-city
Frelightliner eM2 begins production

The eM2 is built on the Freightliner M2 106 Plus platform and features a battery electric Detroit ePowertrain.

Freightliner-em2-medium-duty-electric-truck-1400
Used Class 8 truck prices fell slightly in September; auction prices rose

ACT Research expects lower prices through the end of 2023.

Used-Cl8-Retail-Summary-Heat-Map-September-2023-Final