Like everyone else today, most truck drivers carry their cell phones with them on the road. Fortunately, there are many smartphone apps to make their jobs easier. From managing documents on the go to tracking deliveries and finding the most logical routes, there are many tasks that truckers can perform right on their smartphones.
A quick search in the Google or Apple app stores returns hundreds of results of both free and paid apps to assist truckers and delivery drivers. Many of these are stand-alone apps while some can also work in conjunction with electronic logging device (ELD) systems and other devices already used on trucks.
In this article, we’ll look at some apps that can assist drivers while they’re behind the wheel driving by helping them to avoid unnecessary stops and find service when they need it. We’ll cover more apps, including apps that help truckers find the best places to stop, in next month’s column. Keep in mind that the app examples that we mention are only intended to provide an idea of the types of products that are available and not intended to endorse any specific product.
Apps to Reduce Stops
While drivers need to pull over and take breaks, unnecessary stops can slow down travel time and result in late deliveries. There are a number of apps that can help truckers avoid needless stopping.
The PreClear app by Drivewyze is one of the most popular. It lets truckers bypass hundreds of weigh stations and inspection sites in more than 40 states. The app works in conjunction with state transportation departments. Truckers can try the app for free for 30 days and then pay a low subscription price of less than $20 per month after the trial. Versions of the app are available for both Apple and Android devices.
The app sends an alert when the driver is within two miles of a weigh station and then alerts them whether they can bypass the station or must pull in. Drivewyze advertises that with their app, truckers can avoid stops at weigh stations 98 percent of the time.
PrePass MOTION™ is another app that can help truckers avoid stops at weigh stations. In addition to weigh station alerts and the potential to bypass sites, the app also alerts drivers of potential road hazards. These include work zones, strong winds, steep grades and more. The app costs less than $20 per month for Android and iOS users and can be used on its own or in conjunction with the PrePass transponder.
Apps for Locating Service & Repair
When your truck breaks down on the road, needs a tire, or even a good scrubbing, finding the right service can be time consuming. But don’t worry. There are several apps that make finding service easier. Here are two that have very good user ratings and are absolutely free.
Find Truck Services® helps truckers find mobile and road service in the location where they’re traveling. It also provides location information for repair shops, heavy-duty parts, towing companies, truck dealerships, truck washing services and more.
Another app with the same goals in mind, 4 Road Service®, has its own directory of more than 25,000 truck and tire repair shops, towing and wrecker services, locksmiths, pallet providers and other services a trucker might need in a pinch.
Easily Find Hundreds of Apps
There are literally hundreds of apps designed for truckers to make their jobs easier. Some are more geared toward actual drivers while others more carrier-focused. To find more apps, simply search in your favorite app store on your smartphone. Checking the star rating and reading reviews by other truckers can usually give you an idea of whether an app is worth downloading.
Be sure to pay attention to costs. Most apps that offer free trials will ask for your payment information upfront or will charge you directly through your smartphone app service after the free trial is over if you forget to cancel. Also, be mindful that some apps use a lot of battery power so keep an eye out for apps where the app developers specifically mention that their apps work in the background while not utilizing excessive battery power.
