In last month’s article, we covered trucker apps for bypassing weigh stations and inspection sites and apps for finding service and repair on the road. For April, we’re going to look at some apps designed to help truckers navigate the roads and find the best places to park.
Just as in Part 1, the apps that we mention in this article by name are just examples of the types of apps that are available for truckers and are not intended to endorse any specific apps or businesses.
Navigation & Parking Apps
Just about everyone has heard of Google Maps or used it to find their way on the road. Many truckers use it too. In fact, Smart Trucking picked it as its top navigation and truck routing app for truckers for 2021. The main reason for their pick, according to the www.smart-trucking.com website, is Google Maps’ ability to provide truckers a clear view of their destination before they arrive. Google Maps lets users easily switch from a top-down satellite view of any location to an up-close street view that shows structures like buildings and parking lots up close.
Besides Google Maps, there are tons of GPS apps created specifically for truckers to help them better navigate on the road as well as find the right places to stop. Here are several trucker favorites.
Trucker Path has more than 50,000 reviews and 4 stars on Google Play. The app has an easy-to-use interface and a unique mapping system that assists truckers in planning their trips while avoiding road features like low bridges. Drivers also use the app to find the best truck stops and parking lots. The app can also record hours of service and compare fuel prices. It has a large trucker following of more than 800,000 active users who can do things like participate in forums, apply for trucking jobs, and shop for trucks for sale.
Trucker Tools is another highly rated all-in-one app that has multiple features that truckers can use. These include a routing optimizer, guide for locating truck stops, and the ability to book and track loads.
While the all-in-one apps can typically help truckers find parking, there are also apps specifically dedicated to this. TruckPark, for instance, lets drivers reserve parking along their routes in real-time to save them time searching for the best spot. Through a partnership between TruckPark and fuel-delivery company FuelMe, drivers can even get their truck filled with gas while they relax in their truck in their reserved parking spot.
It’s worth noting that several of the large truck stop chains like Pilot Flying J and Love’s offer their own apps that help truckers find gas and overnight parking plus additional features to make a trucker’s life on the road easier. The Love’s Connect app, for instance, lets truckers book showers and parking spots in advance from their smartphones. The app also assists trucker in finding the best fuel prices and enables them to activate the gas pump from their cell phones. The app stores the truckers’ digital receipts and provides rewards points that can be used for store discounts. The Pilot Flying J app has similar features, and also gives truckers extras like a free meal on their birthday.
Easily Find Hundreds of Apps
There are literally hundreds of apps designed for truckers to make life on the road easier, as well as apps that are 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.
