What does the inside of a semi-truck look like?

Driving Instructor Brett waves his hand in front of the dashboard of a 2021 Freightliner Cascadia semi-truck.

On your way to becoming a truck driver and wondering what the inside of your future home-away-from-home is going to look like?

Most semi-truck interiors generally look the same, but they do vary slightly based on their year, make and model. The biggest differentiator from truck to truck is whether it has a sleeper or not – a truck with no sleeper cab is called a conventional day cab, while a truck with a cabin is called a sleeper truck.

Check out our recent video tour of the inside of a semi-truck or read about what a typical truck with a sleeper looks like.

Video: Tour of a 2021 Freightliner

Watch this virtual tour of the inside of a semi-truck. Schneider Driving Instructor, Brett, walks through each feature and part of the truck.

Inside of a semi-truck overview

Here’s a quick overview of what the interior of a sleeper truck generally looks like.

Driver’s side

Driving Instructor Brett waves his hand in front of the odometer of a 2021 Freightliner Cascadia semi-truck.

Includes steering wheel, different gauges and overhead compartments for storage.

Between driver’s and passenger’s side

Driving Instructor Brett shows where the brakes, which are a red and a yellow button, are on the dashboard of a semi-truck.

Includes heater controls, radio, switches, brakes, outlets, overhead compartments for storage and cup holders.

Passenger’s side

Includes spot to mount CB radio and overhead compartments for storage.

Behind passenger seat

A grey mini-fridge is located behind the passenger seat on the inside of a semi-truck.

Includes storage compartments, spot for microwave, flat screen TV mount, pull-out drawer and mini-fridge.

Back bunk area

Includes windows, vents, upper bunk with ladder, sleeper berth, heating and cooling controls, 12-volt plug-in and reading light.

Behind driver’s seat

Driving Instructor Brett pulls out the work desk behind the driver's seat and below the closet inside of a semi-truck.

Includes storage compartments and slide-out desk.

Check out more of Schneider’s equipment and technology

Not only do Schneider’s trucks average less than three years, the equipment and technology our drivers use are industry leading. Get a more in-depth look at our APUs, built-in fridges and more.

View equipment and technology

About the author

Schneider Guy loves the "Big Orange." He's passionate about the trucking industry and connecting people to rewarding careers within it. He's been the eyes and ears of our company since our founding in 1935, and he's excited to interact with prospective and current Schneider associates through "A Slice of Orange."