Truck driving is not just about getting from Point A to Point B. It's about safe and efficient transportation, navigating regulations and disruptions, and finding joy in long hours on the road. Thankfully, technology has stepped in to improve the journey.

So, free up some storage space and get your mobile devices ready as we go through 5 Go-to Apps for Truck Drivers and hear from David, an AMX driver for our regional fleet, as to which apps he uses on a daily basis and why.

Our list of go-to apps goes beyond the basics needed to get the job done. That's right. We are giving you a deep dive into the apps drivers choose to have on their mobile devices, not just the ones their dispatch team or customers require. These apps take being a professional truck driver from a job to a lifestyle.

The Basics

Before we dive into the go-to apps drivers choose of their own free will, we need to differentiate the types of apps required for the basics (A.K.A. the apps our list will not cover).

The basics may vary dependent upon whether a driver is a company driver, an owner-operator, or an independent contractor.

Basics for All

• Truck-specific Navigation: The standard GPS won't cut it when you're hauling tons of cargo.
• Regulatory Compliance: No time for paper logs with ELD regulations.

• • KeepTruckin ELD: An ELD solution that helps drivers maintain logs compliant with regulations.
  • Samsara: Apart from ELD compliance, it also offers real-time GPS tracking.
• Document Management: Unless you're local or regional with the capacibility of dropping off all paperwork each day, drivers need a way to scan in documents. Customers are requiring paperwork sooner as technology opens the door for instant results and live tracking.
  • CamScanner, Genius Scan, Transflo: Gone are the days of faxing! Scan and send documents using just your phone.

Basics for owner ops & independent contractors

• Load Boards & Freight Matching: This helps drivers connect with available loads. After all, working solo means drivers are likely booking their own loads.
  • Truckstop.com & DAT Load Board: Perfect for truckers looking to fill their cargo space. There are plenty of other out there, too.
• Fuel Price Trackers: Because every cent per gallon counts.
  • Fuelbook: Assists in locating the best diesel fuel prices nearby.
• Maintenance & Expense Trackers: Making business management easier for independent drivers.
  • TruckLogics or LogixAnywhere: More than just tracking, it's a business solution for truckers.

5 go-to apps for truck drivers

David P. is an experienced professional truck driver who has been driving for AMX since 2016. He has a lot of knowledge to share from his eight years with us. Along with our list of the top go-to apps, you'll get to hear from his experience on the road and why he is so outspoken about a few of these apps.

#1 Google maps

"Two of the most useful apps I personally use are Google Maps and WeighMyTruck," David shares. Google Maps provides a lot of information in one app, which David likes. 

"I can see alternate routes, approximate time of travel and what I can expect at the facility. Details about what it looks like before I ever start my trip. In addition to that I always read read others reviews." 

Here's some of the questions David turns to Google Maps for:

• Is there overnight parking?
• Is this customer driver friendly?
• Will they take the load early?
• What obstacles can I expect?
• Is there signage for the facility and/or driver check in?
• And much more.

#2 weigh my truck

Next up, WeighMyTruck! This app is used to pay at scales. David likes this one because it speeds up the process and cuts down on impulse buying while at truck stops because you don't have to get out of the truck.

"The scale ticket is sent to my email where I can convert it into a jpeg file format," David says. He also follows up with some of the basic apps he uses alongside WeighMyTruck. "I file [the ticket] in the Logix Anywhere app. I use another app called GenuisScan to make this conversion."

David is an expert at making these conversions. Here's his process:

Not only are these apps time savers, they are great assets to driver safety. How so? David knows! Another reason he uses WeighMyTruck is because "It eliminates the need to find parking," adding that drivers now have the option to stay in their truck which helps with safety, especially when there is inclement weather. 

#3 trucker path

Trucker Path streamlines trucking tasks with truck-specific navigation, real-time updates on parking and weigh stations, and a load board for freight matching. Real-time updates on weigh stations and parking availability allow for planned, safe stops. Community reviews offer insights into reliable repair shops and truck stops, reducing risks associated with unknown locations.

This app came in third on our driver survey, after Google Maps and travel-center network apps like Love's and Pilot J. 

#4 drivewyze

Drivewyze is a mobile app that provides weigh station bypasses and real-time alerts for truck inspections, enhancing road safety. Real-time notifications also alert drivers to upcoming inspection sites, allowing them to prepare and focus, thereby contributing to road safety. This app helps drivers stay informed and has coverage for nearly 900 locations across 46 states.

#5 truckers slide calc

Truckers Slide Calc is an app designed to assist drivers in accurately adjusting their trailer tandems. You can find it on Google Play and Apple. The app helps calculate the optimal position for balancing the load, thereby reducing the risk of trailer imbalance or tipping. Properly balanced loads not only comply with weight distribution laws but also improve vehicle stability, making it easier to control the truck in various driving conditions. This enhanced control is crucial for safe driving, particularly in situations requiring quick maneuvers or braking. By helping drivers optimize load balance, Truckers Slide Calc significantly contributes to road safety. It is great for beginners. 

BONUS app: rolling strong

Ready to take this job to a lifelong career? Rolling Strong can help you achieve a balanced lifestyle while on the road. It is a wellness app designed for truck drivers, offering personalized exercise plans, nutrition guidance, and sleep tracking. It aims to improve drivers' health and fitness while accommodating their unique work schedules, thereby enhancing both personal well-being and overall road safety.

apps & safety

Our most recent driver survey indicated that drivers spend just over 86% of their time looking for safe parking when navigating a new run. The national average, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation survey, shows 98% of drivers regularly experience problems finding safe parking.

Why is this so important?

The report also shows that 70% of drivers have been forced to violate federal hours-of-service due to the lack of safe parking in the United States.

These go-to apps are here to support the critical role truck drivers play in our everyday lives by streamlining tasks they must carry out on a daily basis. Don't feel the "new kid on the block" who knows nothing about these apps. Start getting to know them today.

At the same time, don't rely too heavily on them. Heed David's last piece of advice: "Apps can be a great asset but don't depend on electronics." On the road, always keep your atlas with you and your phone charged. 

Safe & happy travels!

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