Sterling Trucks debuts new midsize integrated sleeper

Aug 12, 2008

Sterling Truck Corp. on Thursday, Aug. 7, introduced the Sterling NightShift — its new integrated sleeper. Designed to maximize productivity and driver retention in regional haul applications, the company says the NightShift features best-in-size storage of a midsize-midroof sleeper, a stand-up walk-through configuration, ultimate comfort and a significant amount of natural light — together offering the most abundant driver amenities in a midsize sleeper.

Designed specifically for the less-than-truckload, distribution and leasing markets, the NightShift is suited for drivers who travel multiple days per week. The integrated sleeper is available in a 60-inch midroof configuration for the Sterling Set-Back 113 and Set-Back 122 models.

“Our customers have asked for a sleeper configuration, and we listened,” says Richard Shearing, manager of product strategy for Redford, Mich.-based Sterling Trucks. “We have developed a working-class sleeper that provides outstanding comfort and storage. In addition, fleet owners will benefit from better rested, more productive drivers, all geared to help improve driver retention — and their bottom line.”

Sterling says the NightShift’s amenities include:

Sleeper storage: The NightShift features a flexible storage configuration, including the wraparound sleeper storage and overhead console — making use of all available space to rest and work. The sleeper includes a space-maximizing overhead rear wall and forward center storage, side storage cabinets and under-bunk storage. “Drivers often noted that there wasn’t much room in their sleepers and the room they did have was inefficient,” Shearing says. “We therefore incorporated useful storage in every possible area.”

Driver comfort: One of the key benefits in the NightShift is a standard 8-inch deep-sleep quilted-spring mattress, rather than the industry-standard 4-inch foam mattress. “Along with having a reliable truck, getting a good night’s rest was equally as important to drivers,” Shearing says. “The availability of a top-of-the-line mattress is one way we can satisfy drivers’ comfort needs.”

Another comfort feature found in the NightShift is its significant headroom. With an 80-inch floor-to-ceiling height — enough for a 6-foot, 4-inch driver — and ample room between the seats, the driver easily can stand up and walk through the cab to the sleeper without crouching or bending over. Also, because the floor is flat between the cab and the sleeper, the driver does not have to navigate any steps or ledges.

The NightShift also offers its Sterling clear view 36-by-10-inch back window, which improves visibility by providing drivers with a better back-up view and jobsite visibility. In addition, the combination of the back and side windows increases natural light, which can reduce eye strain and driver fatigue — a common problem noted by drivers.

Sleek interior: The NightShift’s dash and sleeper control panels feature a new contemporary finish. A pull-out workspace that’s perfectly sized for a computer or logbook also is available, as well as a 32-liter coolbox that can serve as a refrigerator or freezer — the only one in its class. Plus, drivers have extra room to install a television and microwave.

Other interior amenities include a single bunk with tent-style restraints, an upper television cabinet with electrical outlets and connection capabilities, privacy curtains and an over-windshield console with CB connections.

Exterior styling: The truck’s exterior features include a right-hand access door with a sliding window and a left-hand window with a sliding section for ventilation. Also standard is a left-hand luggage door and rear work lights. Optional side fairings and roof fairing with trim tabs are available for highway applications where aerodynamics are critical.

Quiet ride: The Sterling NightShift comes standard with Sterling’s noise control package, which delivers a significant noise reduction during peak torque engine RPMs. This noise package includes new door and engine cover seals, shift boot and steering boot material and construction, a new door weather seal for improved surface contact, front-wall interpanel sealing and front-wall joints on the floor between the seats.

“With the addition of the Nightshift to our family, we now offer the broadest product line in the Class 3-8 market,” Shearing says. The Sterling Nightshift will be available to order in December. For more information, go to www.sterlingtrucks.com.

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