When you’re behind the wheel of your vehicle, you want to know that you have the information you need to be safe on your drive. And, as a truck driver, you also want to have the ability to be entertained and fit when you’re away from home and don’t necessarily have standard living arrangements. 

Fortunately, you can stay safe and knowledgeable, practice healthy habits, and be entertained with just a few clicks. Adding applications to your phone or tablet will give you the extra tools you need to navigate, stay healthy, manage paperwork, stay connected, and be entertained while you work and in your downtime — just remember that you should avoid using your phone while driving for your own safety and the safety of those around you.

The Importance of Mobile Apps for Truck Drivers

Mobile apps help you manage many aspects of your work, which is why they’re so important for you as a truck driver. Apps, which run on a smartphone or tablet, assist you in many ways, ranging from enhancing the visibility of your route through GPS tracking to finding the most affordable gas stations to fuel up within your local area. 

But apps aren’t just there to help you stay on track while you’re working. They can also provide you with entertainment, such as offering audiobooks or movies you can play when you’re off the clock. You could even use them to connect with loved ones through messages and texts. You may also appreciate that you can get a full workout squeezed into break times with apps that guide you through them. Or, if you’re tired, you can work on your mental health and relaxation.

The following are several kinds of apps and the top apps in those categories that you may want to try.

1. Navigation and Route Planning Apps

Staying on route and ensuring deliveries get to their destinations on time is your job as a truck driver. However, there are times when you might need to change your route or find a rest stop, which can be challenging if you’re not familiar with the area. Fortunately, these GPS and navigation apps can help you on your way: 

• Google Maps: To get from point A to point B with general navigation and traffic updates, you’ll appreciate Google Maps. Google Play/Apple App Store
• Trucker Path: Trucker Path is a comprehensive app that gives you the location of truck stops, covers fuel prices, identifies and routes you to weigh stations, and gives you insight into parking availability. Google Play/Apple App Store
• Waze: Waze is a unique traffic app that focuses on providing community-driven traffic alerts for real-time road updates and alternative routes. Google Play/Apple App Store
• Hammer: This navigation app was designed with truckers in mind, providing truck-legal routes and mileage tracking. Google Play/Apple App Store

2. Health and Wellness Apps

Staying fit on the road is key to longevity in this career. With mental health and fitness apps, you can get in meditation sessions, improve your diet, exercise to stay fit, or and be your best self on the road:

• MyFitnessPal: For tracking diet and calorie intake to maintain a healthy lifestyle Google Play/Apple App Store
• FitOn: A free app with workout videos that can be done in or near the truck, designed for small spaces Google Play/Apple App Store
• Headspace: Provides guided meditation and breathing exercises to manage stress and improve mental health Google Play/Apple App Store
• Sleep Cycle: Tracks sleep patterns and helps truckers get better rest Google Play/Apple App Store

3. Communication and Social Connection Apps

Staying connected is an important part of the job. It can also be an important part of maintaining your personal relationships while you’re on the road. Truck drivers may appreciate these apps:

• Zello Walkie Talkie: Zello allows truckers to use their phones like CB radios to communicate with other drivers — no extra equipment required! This is a good backup in case your own systems go down. Google Play/Apple App Store
• Marco Polo: Marco Polo is a video messaging app that is designed to help you stay connected with family and friends while on the road. Google Play/Apple App Store
• WhatsApp: Whether you’re in the U.S. or heading out of the country on a job, you will appreciate WhatsApp. You can use it for messaging, voice calls, and video calls, which is ideal for staying in touch with loved ones. Google Play/Apple App Store

4. Entertainment and Leisure Apps

Whether you’re relaxing on a break or you want to listen to an audiobook while you’re preparing for a good night’s sleep, you can use these apps to make your downtime more enjoyable:

• Spotify: Listen to music you love at the push of a button with Spotify. Google Play/Apple App Store
• Apple Music: For streaming music and podcasts to make long drives more enjoyable, you can use Apple Music. It’s available with Siri on Apple devices, but you can also download it on Google Play on Android. Google Play/Apple App Store
• Netflix: Watch your favorite TV shows and movies when you’re ready to unwind. Google Play/Apple App Store
• Amazon Prime Video: If you have Amazon already, you can download Amazon Prime Video. Use it to relax and unwind during breaks with movies and shows. Google Play/Apple App Store
• Libby: Libby, the library app, offers free audiobooks, ebooks, and magazines from local libraries. Google Play/Apple App Store
• Audible: For audiobooks, try Audible. Audible is useful for truckers who enjoy reading but lack time (or don’t want to bring along physical books). Google Play/Apple App Store

5. Weather and Safety Apps

Different parts of the country deal with varied weather conditions, and you should always be aware of risks such as earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes, wildfires, or snowstorms. That’s why staying informed about the weather is a must as you drive through your state or beyond your state’s borders. By knowing the weather, you’ll be able to adjust your route and ensure timely deliveries. 

You can stay up to date on the latest weather and natural disaster news with: 

• The Weather Channel: For reliable weather updates along your route, try The Weather Channel app. Google Play/Apple App Store
• Storm Shield: Storm Shield provides real-time weather alerts for dangerous conditions like snow, ice, and tornadoes. Google Play/Apple App Store
• NOAA Weather Radar: The NOAA app is a reliable source for up-to-date radar imagery and severe weather warnings. Google Play/Apple App Store

Get On The Road With Pride

At Pride Transport, we know that using the right apps, tools, and equipment can keep you efficient and make your job easier. Having the right vehicle and employer can, too. Interested in a new role? Come drive with us at Pride Transport.