Best Apps To Have?
Topic 13622 | Page 1
Don't forget the apps for the truck stops. You can see how many points and how many free showers you have.
FleetAdvance shows your ComData card balance. Keep Truckin is an HOS log on your cell phone. Google maps shows traffic, but I also use INRIX Traffic.
For weather, try NOAA WEATHER. It's not really from NOAA, and it's a bit weather-geeky, but sometimes I prefer it. Take it from a guy who has three WX apps plus wallpaper that shows current conditions.
HOS:
Hours Of Service
HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.
Hey I'm all about the geeky! I watch the weather channel for fun. Well that and I'm terrified of tornadoes so I'm a tad bit obsessive...
Thanks for the recommendations Errol!
There is an app for rest areas as well.
There is an app for rest areas as well.
Those are included in Trucker Path. There's another app?
HOS:
Hours Of Service
HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.
I drive reefer and need to get washout so I have a blue beacon app. There's also a CAT scale app I've used on occasion
CAT Scale:
A network of over 1,500 certified truck scales across the U.S. and Canada found primarily at truck stops. CAT scales are by far the most trustworthy scales out there.
In fact, CAT Scale offers an unconditional Guarantee:
“If you get an overweight fine from the state after our scale showed your legal, we will immediately check our scale. If our scale is wrong, we will reimburse you for the fine. If our scale is correct, a representative of CAT Scale Company will appear in court with the driver as a witness”
Reefer:
A refrigerated trailer.
Also go on the states 511 or DOT website for weather and road conditions
DOT:
Department Of Transportation
A department of the federal executive branch responsible for the national highways and for railroad and airline safety. It also manages Amtrak, the national railroad system, and the Coast Guard.
State and Federal DOT Officers are responsible for commercial vehicle enforcement. "The truck police" you could call them.
I drive reefer and need to get washout so I have a blue beacon app. There's also a CAT scale app I've used on occasion
I'm gonna be pulling a reefer as well and the lady who does orientation told us about blue beacon. Just downloaded it a few minutes ago! I've got a nice little collection of apps going now! Glad I got the phone with 64gigs of space!
I'm wondering about an e-log app. If my comm unit has my e-logs on it, do I really need an app? I guess it would be good for back up if the unit goes down but I learned to do paper logs in school so I'm not incredibly concerned about doing my logs on paper for awhile if I need to. So, e-log app? Yes or no?
CAT Scale:
A network of over 1,500 certified truck scales across the U.S. and Canada found primarily at truck stops. CAT scales are by far the most trustworthy scales out there.
In fact, CAT Scale offers an unconditional Guarantee:
“If you get an overweight fine from the state after our scale showed your legal, we will immediately check our scale. If our scale is wrong, we will reimburse you for the fine. If our scale is correct, a representative of CAT Scale Company will appear in court with the driver as a witness”
Reefer:
A refrigerated trailer.
I drive reefer and need to get washout so I have a blue beacon app. There's also a CAT scale app I've used on occasion
I'm gonna be pulling a reefer as well and the lady who does orientation told us about blue beacon. Just downloaded it a few minutes ago! I've got a nice little collection of apps going now! Glad I got the phone with 64gigs of space!
I'm wondering about an e-log app. If my comm unit has my e-logs on it, do I really need an app? I guess it would be good for back up if the unit goes down but I learned to do paper logs in school so I'm not incredibly concerned about doing my logs on paper for awhile if I need to. So, e-log app? Yes or no?
I wouldn't bother.. even in a blizzard mine didn't go down.. sometimes it loses the wireless connection but the community still works. I use the TA and petro app the most...they are usually bigger parking lots and easier for newbies.. then flying j. Pilot and loves are much smaller. If it comes to a loves with 50 spaces or a petro with 300 spaces...... I'm going petro lol.
CAT Scale:
A network of over 1,500 certified truck scales across the U.S. and Canada found primarily at truck stops. CAT scales are by far the most trustworthy scales out there.
In fact, CAT Scale offers an unconditional Guarantee:
“If you get an overweight fine from the state after our scale showed your legal, we will immediately check our scale. If our scale is wrong, we will reimburse you for the fine. If our scale is correct, a representative of CAT Scale Company will appear in court with the driver as a witness”
Reefer:
A refrigerated trailer.
I'm wondering about an e-log app. If my comm unit has my e-logs on it, do I really need an app? I guess it would be good for back up if the unit goes down but I learned to do paper logs in school so I'm not incredibly concerned about doing my logs on paper for awhile if I need to. So, e-log app? Yes or no?
A while ago my Qualcomm went down (black box fried and could only be replaced at a terminal) and we ran paper logs for nearly two weeks. I tried out the Keep Truckin app, but thought it was a little tedious to use. That combined with the debate about whether those apps are okay by the FMCSA made me just forego it and use paper. You can certainly download a few and try them out though.
As for other apps, I really like Google streetview. It's nice for scoping out shippers/receivers, especially when used in conjunction with satellite view.
Shipper:
The customer who is shipping the freight. This is where the driver will pick up a load and then deliver it to the receiver or consignee.
Terminal:
A facility where trucking companies operate out of, or their "home base" if you will. A lot of major companies have multiple terminals around the country which usually consist of the main office building, a drop lot for trailers, and sometimes a repair shop and wash facilities.
Qualcomm:
Omnitracs (a.k.a. Qualcomm) is a satellite-based messaging system with built-in GPS capabilities built by Qualcomm. It has a small computer screen and keyboard and is tied into the truck’s computer. It allows trucking companies to track where the driver is at, monitor the truck, and send and receive messages with the driver – similar to email.CSA:
Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA)
The CSA is a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) initiative to improve large truck and bus safety and ultimately reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities that are related to commercial motor vehicle
FMCSA:
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
The FMCSA was established within the Department of Transportation on January 1, 2000. Their primary mission is to prevent commercial motor vehicle-related fatalities and injuries.
What Does The FMCSA Do?
- Commercial Drivers' Licenses
- Data and Analysis
- Regulatory Compliance and Enforcement
- Research and Technology
- Safety Assistance
- Support and Information Sharing
Fm:
Dispatcher, Fleet Manager, Driver Manager
The primary person a driver communicates with at his/her company. A dispatcher can play many roles, depending on the company's structure. Dispatchers may assign freight, file requests for home time, relay messages between the driver and management, inform customer service of any delays, change appointment times, and report information to the load planners.HOS:
Hours Of Service
HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.New Reply:
New! Check out our help videos for a better understanding of our forum features
Preview:
Why Join Trucking Truth?
- The High Road Training Program
- The High Road Article Series
- The Friendliest Trucker's Forum Ever!
- Email Updates When New Articles Are Posted
Apply For Paid CDL Training Through TruckingTruth
Did you know you can fill out one quick form here on TruckingTruth and apply to several companies at once for paid CDL training? Seriously! The application only takes one minute. You will speak with recruiters today. There is no obligation whatsoever. Learn more and apply here:
TT On Facebook
Ok need some opinions here. What are the best apps to have on my phone when I hit the road? I already have Truckers Path and Transflo Mobile plus. What else?
Also what's the best weather app to use? (I HATE Accuweather so that's out for me. Accuweather completely missed a tornado that touched down in our backyard a few years ago. No storm warnings from the app at all. Luckily I can read radar pretty well and knew to take shelter)