Mobile apps for truckers

Technology and the modern truck driver

When Apple first introduced the iPhone in 2007, we could not have predicted how significantly smartphones would change our world. Of course as the technology has improved over the years, so has the number and quality of mobile applications (“apps”) on both iOS (AppStore) and Android (Google Play) operations systems. But did you know there exists a large subculture of apps for truckers? Below, we’ll outline some of the popular apps designed specifically for truckers.

Note: Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys does not encourage truck drivers to use their smartphones while they are driving – there is no room for error on the road and distractions already abound. It is a way to endanger your life and the lives of others.  If you do use one or more of the apps described here, please be sure to access them before you hit the road or at a rest stop – that way you can keep your eyes on the road while already having a plan in place.

Mobile apps for truckers

Gone are the days – almost – of the paperback Driver’s Daily Log. As an aside, drivers still can use their Daily Log in certain circumstances if they wish.

But on the whole, truckers have largely adopted digital technologies. As we recently investigated, the trucking industry is by no means a new player when it comes to adopting new technologies. In fact, it’s one of the leaders of technological innovation.

And when it comes to finding efficiency, improving life on the road, anticipating gridlock and finding the best truck stops, truckers need only look at their phones (although not while driving).

In fact, your author is a layman and safely used one of these helpful apps during a cross-country move to make sure his rented truck could make clearance on the highway, as well as plan truck stops, tolls and weighing stations ahead of time. It’s a whole new world!

So, let’s take a look at the variety of mobile apps recommended by leading industry sources (besides the obvious Waze, Apple Maps and Google Maps). A selection of apps are highlighted below to demonstrate variety.

Note: Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys is not compensated for these app recommendations nor by any of the brands/retailers below – this is purely for informational purposes for our readers. And this list is not in any particular order of preference.

Examples of popular trucker apps

Ezlogz- ELD – Logbook & Social – free (Apple Store, Google Play):

• -“Made by Truckers, for Truckers”; fully compliant with FMCSA & CCMTA rules and regulations
• -Hours of Service (HOS) violation form & alerts: avoid violations, set 15/30 minute alerts
• -Multilingual: English, Spanish, French, Russian
• -Scan and email a variety of industry documents: Driver Vehicle Registration Reports (DVIR’s), Bills of Lading (BOL’s), inspection reports, accident photos, fuel receipts, scale tickets, insurance card, etc.
• -DVIR’s: Add/remove truck or trailer; verify DVIR check list; get mechanic and driver electronic signature; enable back-end alerts for satisfactory compliance
• -Comprehensive electronic logging features: Sign electronically; Change duty status; Set ELD automatic driving mode timer; Attach BOL’s and diesel receipts to logbook; Enable Inspector mode to share logs

Reminder: Do not use apps while driving – only before the trip, while parked or at a rest stop.

Rules, laws, regulations? We’re off to a good start – this is our wheelhouse. At Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys, we pride ourselves on providing you the best resources to inform your decision making. If you have any additional questions, contact our truck accident lawyers.

 

AllStays Truck & Travel – $9.99 (Apple Store, one price for iPad/iPhone – not available on Android):

• -Per their website, it is the top paid truck app and has been top dog for several years – loyal following
• -Breadth of resources is unrivaled, including driver comments and over 35,000 points mapped
• -Exhaustive info on road conditions, emergency numbers, state by state laws and rules
• -Very advanced filters on truck stop amenities and services including stops that feature Truck Stop Electrification (TSE); and a thousands of businesses cataloged (home improvement, truck parts, etc.)
• -App updated frequently – much more information available at the links above

Reminder: Do not use apps while driving – only before the trip, while parked or at a rest stop.

TruckMap – free (Apple Store, Google Play):

• -Truck-optimized GPS Routes – anticipate truck-forbidden roads and highways
• -Customize for truck height/clearance, weight, and Toll Roads
• -14,000+ locations including Walmart, Pilot/Flying J, Roady’s, TravelCenters of America
• -400,000 parking spots by type: Daytime/Overnight/HAZMAT
• -Amenities: laundry, showers, restaurants, ATM’s, Wi-Fi, convenience stores, open 24/7
• -Services: Truck washes, CAT Scales/weighing stations, Air hoses, DOT Inspection Sites, Rest Areas, mechanics, oil changes, tire services, towing, roadside assistance, dealer parts, dumping stations, DEF Lines (Diesel Exhaust Fuel), Fuel type (Diesel, Biodiesel, Propane)

Reminder: Do not use apps while driving – only before the trip, while parked or at a rest stop.

Weigh My Truck™ by CAT Scale – free (Apple Store, Google Play):

• -Drivers can weigh their trucks via their smartphone without leaving the truck
• -Pay on app (variety of methods), get emailed PDF of receipt
• -Drivers can still pick up printed CAT Scale ticket at fuel disk
• -Account sign-in keeps track of email preferences and transactions

Reminder: Do not use apps while driving – only before the trip, while parked or at a rest stop.

Pilot Flying J – free (Apple Store, Google Play):

• -Locations: Trip Planners, view details, live parking updates, filter locations by amenities and services
• -Rewards program: get special offers, accumulate points, book shower credits
• -Mobile Fueling: Choose the diesel lane that’s likely to open first, store your payment cards in our safe and secure mobile wallet, and activate the pump with a simple and unique code
• -Shower reservations: Can book a time slot when you arrive at location before stepping into the store; get notified when your shower is ready

Reminder: Do not use apps while driving – only before the trip, while parked or at a rest stop.

There is no doubt that driving on the road has plenty of distractions which can cause trucking accidents – not least of which are apps themselves. Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys knows a thing or two about that. Luckily, the following app enables companies to set a safe mode policy for their employees while driving.

FleetSafer® by Cogosense – Enterprise account required (Apple Store not available on Android):

• -Company needs to sign up for enterprise account with Cogosense in order to access the service
• -Has proprietary system to enable safe driving mode, to avoid driver distractions on the road

A selection of other apps:

Reminder: Do not use apps while driving – only before the trip, while parked or at a rest stop.

DOT 511 and DOT 411 – these apps vary by each’s state Department of Transportation (DOT) and usually provide up-to-date roadway alerts (traffic, construction, etc.). For example, Pennsylvania has 511PA.

TruckerPath – free with premium options (Apple Store, Google Play): One of the most popular apps on the market – almost a million truckers use it to track info on truck stops, fuel prices, weigh stations, parking, recommendations and more.

Rolling Strong – free (Apple Store, Google Play): Has paid subscription option; intended for driver wellness and health through food and exercise to maintain healthy lifestyles on the road.

BigRoad Trucking Logbook App – free (Apple Store, Google Play): An electronic logbook for owner-operators, drivers, and fleets – helps keep track of time to avoid fines.

GasBuddy – free (Apple Store, Google Play): Keep track of diesel and gas prices around the US – features price maps, trip cost calculator, price charts and even option to pay via the app to accumulate savings.

Truckstop Ministries – free (Apple Store, Google Play): For truckers on the road who want to locate the closest chapels, download messages for offline listening

 

This is by no means an exhaustive list, and more apps are covered by these sources:

Truckstop: Top 14 apps for truckers

ATBS: 12 helpful apps for truckers

Schneider: 12 Best trucker apps

Free Apps For Me: 7 Best Apps for Low clearance

Reminder: Do not use apps while driving – only before the trip, while parked or at a rest stop.

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