Life Inside a Semi Truck Cab
What is it Like Living in an 18-Wheeler?
Have you ever wondered what the inside of a sleeper cab looks like? There are different types of sleeper cabs, and they can provide different levels of comfort for drivers. If you are driving overnight, you want a comfortable place to rest and renew your energy.
Many big truck manufacturers prioritize comfortable sleepers because they know how important it is for drivers to rest. Drivers can be on the road for weeks at a time, so sleepers are often a home away from home. Let’s take a look at the types of sleeper cabs and life from the inside of a sleeper cab.
While life inside of a sleeper cab is challenging, it doesn’t have to be uncomfortable. Modern sleeper cabs can have more than the bare minimum, and this makes it easier for drivers to spend long periods on the road.
Introducing the Sleeper Can Amenities
In the 60s and 70s, sleepers often only contained a bed and a cup holder. Now, it is common to find cabs fully loaded with amenities such as:
- Microwaves
- Mini fridges
- Air conditioning
- Overhead storage
- Full-sized closets
- Televisions
These enhancements maximize driver comfort. A well-rested and comfortable driver is more vigilant on the road and less likely to get into accidents. It is beneficial for a trucking company to ensure driver health and sleeper cab quality.
Drivers who spend a lot of time in their trucks often like to personalize their cabs. They want their cab to reflect their style and feel homey. Personalizing their resting space allows many drivers to feel relaxed and comforted. Some people even turn cab decorating into a hobby.
If they own the cab, drivers can:
- Paint the interior to match their style
- Put up photos or artwork
- Place small rugs on the floor
- Include household items, such as candles or clocks
Sleeper cab storage must maximize the limited semi-truck space. Most cabs have overhead storage compartments and places to store clothes, food, kitchenware, and toiletries.
Most 18-wheeler drivers use auxiliary power units powered by diesel or an inverter as their main power source. Both options provide sufficient electricity, but auxiliary power units tend to be of higher quality. Recently, truckers and fleet managers have gained interest in solar power to meet the needs of newer trucks.
The truck manufacturers install travel bathrooms right inside the sleeper cabs. They are small, but they get the job done. Truckers can find portable toilets in various tank sizes to meet their needs. Some truckers buy additives to breakdown the waste so that they don’t have to worry about bad odors.
The drivers aren’t the only people who benefit from comfortable tractor-trailer cabs. Many trucking companies see returns on their investment in making positive living environments for their workers. There are lots of benefits to retaining drivers. These include:
- Less money spent on new driver training
- Driver career longevity
- Less employee turnover
- Less money on background checks
When companies make an effort to make their employees comfortable, the employees are more likely to remain with that company. Many fleets experience high driver turnover because the drivers do not enjoy their working conditions. Additionally, a comfortable driver is more likely to work longer and take more pride in their role.
Despite having a place to sleep, driver fatigue is still the #1 cause of big truck accidents. If you’ve been injured in an accident with an 18-wheeler, you’ll need someone to represent your interests in this complicated matter. Contact semi truck attorney in West Houston Joe Stephens today at 281-623-1701 and get the personal injury representation and settlement you deserve.
Types of Trucking Accidents We Handle in West Houston and Across Texas:
- Jackknife Accidents
- Truck Rollovers
- Tire Blowouts
- Truck Driver DWI
- Wide Turn Accidents
- Blind Spot Accidents
- Read End Accidents
- Brake Failure
- Underride Accidents
- Lost Load Accidents
- Head-on Collisions
- T-Bone Collisions
West Houston Truck Accident Lawyer
Call The Attorney Who Wins Big Truck Wreck Cases
When your case requires the skill and knowledge of the best automobile collision attorneys in West Houston, Joe Stephens is the expert you’re looking to work with. Having tried over 100 cases to a successful verdict, he has a solid reputation for stalwart representation for his clients. Cases involving commercial truck wrecks can be very complex and present difficulty proving negligence of the truck driver, the trucking company, or both. Sometimes, unfortunately, these cases involve a loved one passing away, if that’s been your case, contact some of the greatest accidental death lawyers in West Houston, Joe’s experience with these cases allows him to get right to the heart of the matter, his clients rights and owed compensation.
Trucking Industry & Truck Driver Resources