March 15, 2024
What Apps Do Truckers Use?
Before cell phones became the norm, truckers had to find other ways to do the things that apps enable them to do easier in today’s times. Now, everybody has a cell phone, including truckers, filled with apps for convenience, help, entertainment, and more. We’re sharing which apps truckers have on their devices and other recommendations for valuable ones.
Truckers Use Social Media Apps Too
When the trucking industry started, truckers’ main social interactions were at truck stops and frequently visited diners. Knowing the routes of a fellow driver can help you estimate when and where they will be and whether it coincides with your stop. Unspoken meetings became common, and seeing a familiar face at your usual food stop brought comfort to the road. News would come in newspapers and magazines, which truckers could pick up copies of at coffee shops, truck stops, and cigarette kiosks.
Facebook & Instagram
All of that is now available in the palm of your hand, with Facebook and Instagram being the leading social platforms truckers use for news and connecting with friends and family. Stay in the loop with what’s going on back home and around the world, and share your own experiences on the road with others.
Reddit is also popular among truck drivers, where they can find advice from fellow truckers, add comments, or answer questions that can help others in the industry.
Apps That Help Truckers On The Road
Some mobile apps are designed to help truckers navigate the US and find useful stops while on the road. Everyone has their list of on-the-road essentials, and having apps to cater to those can be a lifesaver.
Trucker Path
Trucker Path may be the most popular app among drivers because of its many features. An app that shows the locations of truck stops and parking places is essential for long-haul drivers. Finding adequate parking can be difficult for truck drivers, an issue that will hopefully soon be resolved. Trucker Path helps drivers navigate to their destination, find truck stops, parking, and fuel along the way, and even show where entrances to some warehouses are located for easier access.
Google Maps
Google Maps is popular among drivers but NOT for navigation. Truckers don’t often use Google Maps to navigate; instead, they frequent it for satellite images and street views when completing runs. A trucker can check out the delivery location beforehand and view pictures of warehouses or streets, which helps save time and frustration.
Waze
Waze calculates your route and shows any accidents or other obstacles that may be impending on that trip. It’s a helpful tool when you want to route around an accident or avoid certain areas, which may help deter unnecessary slowdowns.
Entertainment Apps Truckers Use On The Road
Besides using social media apps for entertainment, there are other ones truckers can use for fun on the road or during downtime.
Spotify & Pandora
Music apps like Spotify and Pandora are essential for bringing some tunes to the road. Music is an excellent source of escape and relaxation, so find an app that satisfies your soul before hitting the road again. Create a playlist or bump a random radio station; you may find a new favorite song.
YouTube
YouTube remains a tried-and-true entertainment spot among drivers, and with the addition of YouTube Music, it can be your one-stop shop for fun and chill times.
Streaming Apps
You can bring your favorite shows on the road by downloading streaming apps such as Netflix, Hulu, or Peacock. Take advantage of places with free Wi-Fi for faster streaming without using your cellular data.
Other Apps Truckers May Like
Finding apps to take on the road is helpful for long-haul drivers. In addition to all the ones we discussed, there are still plenty of mobile apps to pass the time that truckers can use during downtime. When you find a mobile app that proves helpful or entertaining, share it with fellow drivers to keep the good times rolling.
Audible
Audible is a great place to listen to your favorite books. An app filled with audiobooks is an excellent alternative to what you may usually listen to. Be cautious when listening to books while driving because it can cause drowsiness, primarily when dictated by a soothing voice.
Stitcher
Stitcher is an app for listening to podcasts. When music and books become a drag, find a person or topic you can relate to and check out some podcasts in that genre.
Weather App
The Weather Channel or the Weather Bug app will provide in-depth weather reports. Knowing potential weather hazards before encountering them can help plan detours and avoid slowdowns caused by bad weather.
Follow our blog for more trucking news and highlights, and check out our employment opportunities and requirements if you are interested in a trucking job.
Other Recommended Readings from our Blog:
Long-Haul Truckers: What Does It Even Mean?
The “Big 5” Supermodels: Whose Calendar Hung in Truck Cabins?
