Mobile Apps for Weather, Traffic, Trucking News
Software developers continue to create practical smartphone applications for use in a range of industries. More and more truckers are using such programs to access travel information on the road. Smartphone apps provide truck drivers an easy way to obtain up-to-date weather reports, maps, trucking news and traffic data.
Trucking Mobile Apps
The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association offers various free apps for Android and BlackBerry users. The Winter Chain Laws app enables truckers to check tire chain laws in any state. The Fuel Surcharge Calculator accurately determines the appropriate fuel surcharge for a trucking firm to use on invoices.
The OOIDA also provides three trucking news apps. The Land Line Now app allows truck drivers to read Land Line Magazine blogs on their smartphones. The OOIDA News app delivers press releases and other statements from the association. The Land Line Magazine News app supplies news reports on the trucking industry.
Mobile Apps for Traffic
Sigalert offers an iPhone app that uses roadside cameras to provide live traffic information. It even estimates current traffic speeds. For a monthly fee, drivers can use My Sigalert. This ad-free service allows users to save important routes and check traffic conditions more easily. There is also a mobile version of the Sigalert website.
Inrix provides a free traffic application that works on more smartphones than the Sigalert app. It uses traffic cameras and user reports to estimate travel time and help truckers avoid heavy traffic. Inrix also warns drivers about accidents and construction sites. This app works on iPhone, BlackBerry, Windows Phone and Android smartphones.
Maps, Weather and other Mobile Apps
There is a free Google Maps application for Android smartphones. (update: The Google Maps app is now also available for iPhone users.) Users can look at roadmaps and obtain directions. The app uses traffic data to estimate travel time. It provides customer ratings and other details on local businesses. Truck drivers can also save maps and view them offline when cellphone service is unavailable.
The Weather Channel supplies a free app that many truck drivers find useful. It is compatible with iPhone, Android, Windows Phone and BlackBerry devices. This app provides 10-day forecasts and current weather data. Users can see radar images and watch video forecasts. The Weather Channel offers tablet applications as well.
Truck drivers can also find apps that perform a variety of other tasks. Apps for load boards may be used to find and bid on loads. There are apps that have truck stop coupons, check local fuel prices and much more. Truckers with smartphones can save a great deal of time and money by taking advantage of these useful applications.