One of the best-loved benefits of working as a truck driver is that you’re not stuck sitting behind a desk from 9 to 5 every weekday. The highway is your office, and the views are undoubtedly superior. However, that doesn’t mean you won’t be using a computer at all — you just might be using your phone more than a desktop. Many truckers find that apps vastly improve their work experience for everything from entertainment options to practical assistance. Scroll down to check out our list of some of the best apps for truck drivers.
Top Apps for Truckers
Trucker Path
If you’re talking about the best apps for truckers, Trucker Path has to be near the top of the list. Designed especially for truck drivers, it’s a comprehensive route-planning app that includes peer-to-peer commenting for truck stops, road conditions, the open/close status of weigh stations, and real-time information on parking availability. If you haven’t tried it yet, what are you waiting for?
Hammer
Hammer is a 100-percent free GPS navigation app with a large community of professional truck drivers. Its features include turn-by-turn navigation for truckers, customized routing to avoid restrictions based on your truck’s specifications, offline truck maps, weigh station alerts, and a variety of trip-planning tools. You can check diesel prices, parking availability, truck stop amenities, and more.
Drivewyze
Using Drivewyze, you can automatically send weigh station bypass requests in participating states. It also detects weigh stations and inspection sites, sends notifications, and auto-resets so you’re always ready for the next station/site.
GasBuddy
As you might expect from the name, GasBuddy lets you check gas and diesel prices on your route and around the country. However, that’s not all it does. You can also filter fuel stations by deals, distance, brands, and amenities like showers. Because it relies on driver feedback, the real-time price accuracy is excellent. You can also log your fuel use, export the records for reimbursement or taxes, get tips on fuel consumption, and compile all your gas station rewards programs in one handy place.
Weigh My Truck
A free app offered by CAT Scale Company, Weigh My Truck can save you time at weigh stations. Weigh your truck on the CAT scale, pay through the app, and email the receipt to yourself without ever leaving your truck. You can also keep track of your weighs, save PDF scale tickets, and more.
Trucker’s Slide Calc
Trucker’s Slide Calc eliminates the guesswork of sliding your axles. Simply enter your axle weights to receive recommendations on where to position the axles. This convenient tool is undoubtedly one of the best apps for truck drivers.
Waze
Traffic is an unfortunate part of the job, but Waze helps by sending you traffic updates in real time. You’ll receive alerts for traffic, construction sites, police, and various hazards so that you’re always ready to either meet them or attempt to bypass them. Plus, as you drive, Waze will continually update your expected arrival time based on traffic updates.
Mudflap
Mudflap partners with mom-and-pop truck stops, which typically charge less than major chains. If you pay through the app, Mudflap will give you an additional discount. The app is free, but a small fee is added if you pay by credit card.
Windy
A good weather app is essential, and Windy is especially helpful for truckers because it tracks the wind across the country. You can also look a few days ahead so you can plan your route to avoid areas with high wind. Other great weather apps include The Weather Channel and Highway Weather.
Spotify, Stitcher, Libby, & RadioFM
Spotify likely needs no introduction! But if you’re looking for a convenient way to play your favorite music, create personalized playlists, and get recommendations, this app is a great option. If you’re more of a podcast person, try Stitcher. Audiobook enthusiasts should give Libby a try, as it offers free audiobooks if you have a library account. Finally, try RadioFM if you prefer broadcast stations and live programming.
MyFitnessPal
Staying in shape on the road can be tricky, but MyFitnessPal can help by tracking your calories and workouts. Although the basic service is free, you can pay a little extra for recipe ideas and workout routines.
_____
Obviously, this list is subjective, but we hope it helped you find at least one new app to improve your life as a trucker. What do you think are the best apps for truck drivers?
Are you hoping to start a new career as a truck driver? BLC Transportation can help. We have opportunities for both company drivers and lease-purchase drivers. With our lease-purchase program, you can make 90 percent of the line haul while driving new trucks that provide comfort, fuel efficiency, and reliability. Plus, we offer bonuses and incentives, a health insurance subsidy, a friendly passenger/pet policy, assistance registering for an LLC, and more. Contact us today!