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Flickering Trailer Lights? Try the Pigtail Wedge

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There are a few things that most truckers have in common, and one of them is the struggle of dealing with flickering trailer lights.  

 

It’s well known that the root of this problem lies in the pigtail, or the electrical cord that powers your trailer lights from your tractor. Loose connections or faulty wiring can affect the pigtail’s ability to keep a consistent supply of power. However, until recently, the long-term solution for this frustrating problem was still unknown.  

 

This is where the Pigtail Wedge comes in, an easy to install, long-lasting, and affordable solution that keeps drivers from constantly needing to readjust the pigtail or worrying about complying with DOT regulations. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about the tool that is sure to become essential for truck drivers across the nation. 

An Easy Solution  

With 28 years of commercial truck driving under his belt, Pigtail Wedge inventor Robert Patterson has had his fair share of flickering and flashing trailer lights. Years of dealing with this frustrating and potentially dangerous issue led him to design and patent what is now known as the Pigtail Wedge.  

 

The concept first struck Robert in 2017, when he was shopping for Christmas presents with his wife. The carrier he works for, Dayton Freight Lines, had been having ongoing issues with the electrical cords on many of the trucks in its fleet. Every three months, hundreds of trucks required new electrical cords, creating a costly and time-consuming pattern.  

 

Then, in the Macy’s shoe department, Robert had an idea. He realized a shoe horn could be used to keep the pigtail from shifting, therefore maintaining the connection and keeping his trailer lights from flickering. Although the shoe horn was too large to fit at first, Robert used a dremel to adjust the size and create the first prototype of the Pigtail Wedge.  

 

Initially designed as a short-term solution, Robert thought the wedge would be useful to keep his lights from flickering just until he was able to replace his electrical cord. However, after weeks, and then months, of no electrical issues, Robert realized he might have found the long-term solution to this common trucking problem.  

 

How Does It Work? 

Over the years, truckers have tried various solutions for this pesky problem. Electrical tape, using screwdrivers to spread the contact posts, or other ways to manually force the connection have proved short-term fixes that aren’t worth the trouble.  

 

“If you go out and ask a hundred truck drivers if they know how to fix this problem, a hundred truck drivers will tell you that you just shove anything in the electrical socket: paper clips, zip ties, or paper,” said Robert. “That was the go-to.” 

 

However, Robert saw these solutions as limited. Drivers could keep their lights from flickering, but they had to continuously stop to readjust. Robert wanted to create a durable, long-lasting solution that would save truck drivers time and money, which led him to continue experimenting with the design of the Pigtail Wedge.  

 

After testing shoe horns and 3D printing, Robert now uses an injection molding machine to create the wedge from a specially crafted proprietary blend of plastics. The size and tapered shape of the Pigtail Wedge allows drivers to insert the wedge as far as is necessary to keep the connection tight, and a lanyard made of durable rope ensures that the wedge won’t be lost.  

 

 

When installing the Pigtail Wedge, the lanyard is first fed through the grip of the pigtail, then the plastic wedge is inserted into the receiver, creating a user-friendly solution that requires no expertise or specialized tools for installation.  

 

“A lot of drivers will tell you that they don’t need something like this,” said Robert. “They’ll say they know how to fix it. But if every driver you talk to knows how to fix it, why do we still have the problem?” 

 

Thinking About Trying It Out For Yourself? 

For many, the best part of the Pigtail Wedge is its low price tag. Starting at $6.99 on Robert’s website, the wedge can also be bought in bulk for any carrier looking to make an investment in its team. 

 

With the winter holidays just around the corner, a Pigtail Wedge is also the perfect gift for any trucker, or a great addition to your own wish list if you’re looking to “fix the flicker with the flicker fixer,” as Robert Patterson likes to say.  

 

 

Here at Drive My Way, we love highlighting innovative solutions for everyday obstacles in the trucking industry. If you know of other entrepreneurs making driving easier for everyone, or you just want to reach out with your thoughts, be sure to follow us on our social media!  

What Does the Future Look Like for Electric Semi-Trucks?

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electric semi-truckManufacturers and the industry at-large are viewing electric semi-trucks as the next big thing, already pouring billions of dollars into the effort. As a driver, you’ve probably heard about this phenomenon but may not know much about the trucks themselves or how they’ll impact the industry. Here’s what the future holds for electric semi-trucks.  

What is an Electric Semi-Truck?

An electric semi-truck is any semi that runs on batteries, specifically lithium-ion-cobalt or ion phosphate batteries. Despite that major difference from a diesel rig, driving an electric semi-truck is more or less the same. Manufacturers also claim that these trucks will cost less to maintain than traditional diesel trucks over the lifetime of the vehicle, and they’ll be much quieter than a standard diesel rig. 

What’s the Latest on Electric Semi-Truck?

Though there are a number of manufacturers out there pumping money into electric semi-trucks, it has yet to take over the trucking industry. That’s not to say that electric trucks only exist in theory right now. Large carriers have already bought electric semis for their fleets and are using them today. Freightliner recently announced that their electric eCascadia trucks have hit a combined one million miles on the road. 

Why are They Being Developed?

Concerns over humans and their impact on the earth have been growing steadily for decades, and many fingers are being pointed at the auto and transportation industries specifically for their heavy reliance on fossil fuels. Manufacturers see the tide turning and want to be on that first wave to capitalize on this new market for electric, sustainable trucks.  

Who are the Big Players?

1. Tesla

Back in 2017, Tesla announced their own electric semi-truck, simply called “Semi” but the trucks have yet to see the road, with the company pushing back production dates multiple times. As of right now, the trucks are set to go into production in 2023. These missed deadlines haven’t stopped companies from placing orders, with Walmart Canada placing an order for 130 trucks in 2021. According to Tesla, the Semi will come in two models, one that can travel 300 miles on a single charge, and one that can travel 500.  

2. Freightliner

Freightliner’s two main electric trucks are the eCascadia and the eM2. The eCascadia is your standard rig, suitable for carrying a 53’ trailer. The eM2 is an electric take on Freightliner’s classic box truck. Both trucks can travel up to 230 miles before needing to be charged.   

3. Volvo

Volvo’s electric semi is called the VNR. The truck is similar to the Freightliner eCascadia but has Volvo’s signature sleek look. According to Volvo, The VNR can travel 275 miles on a single charge, outperforming Freightliner slightly. Volvo recently had the largest order of electric trucks to date come in and aim to have half of the trucks they sell be electric by the year 2030.  

4. Nikola Motors

You’ve probably heard of the other manufacturers, but maybe not this one. That’s because Nikola is a startup company founded in 2014. Nikola states that their electric-semi, the “Tre” can travel up to 350 miles on a single charge. 

Will Electric Semi-Trucks Overtake Diesel?

Probably, but not for a while. Just as electric cars are taking more and more of the market share, it’s plausible that electric semi-trucks will do the same eventually. While they’ll steadily get more and more popular, it’ll be a long time before they overtake classic diesel trucks. 

The biggest reasons are their high sticker price, scarce availability, and OTR limitations. Right now, electric semis are only recommended for last mile and short-haul deliveries, not regional or OTR runs. This is mainly because a nationwide infrastructure of charging stations doesn’t exist for electric semi-trucks yet. 

Even if a carrier does pony up for the cost of an electric truck, it’s not just the truck that will cost you money. There’s a whole infrastructure, including electric grids and charging stations that need to be implemented as well to ensure the trucks will run smoothly. While manufacturers say electric semis will cost less in the long run, those initial costs are just too much for most fleets to justify spending on a new technology. Until these issues are in the rear-view mirror, electric semis won’t be overtaking diesel.  

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ELD Requirements: What New Truck Drivers Should Know

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eld requirementsThe ELD mandate has been around since 2017, so unless you’re a new truck driver, you probably know about ELDs and the requirements surrounding them. But, if you are a new driver, here are the need-to-know facts about ELDs.  

What is an ELD?

ELD, sometimes referred to as E-Logs, stands for Electronic Logging Device. It’s a device attached to a CMV’s engine that tracks HOS (Hours of Service) logs. Back in the day, paper logs were used to track HOS. Some carriers eventually moved to EOBR (electronic on-board records) tracking to help make the data more accurate, while other carriers stuck with paper logs. So, why was the change made to ELD? EOBR devices were great, but they didn’t have a consistent data format, so they’d regularly have to be regenerated in a paper format, which defeated the purpose of the device.  

Then came along the ELD which did what the EOBRs did but generated more accurate data and in a consistent format, making it easier for enforcement and review.  

What is the ELD Mandate?

The ELD mandate was something announced by the FMCSA in 2017. It stated that trucking carriers and owner operators needed to have ELDs installed in all their trucks by the end of that year. There was an extended deadline given to carriers that already had EOBRs installed in their trucks, which was December of 2019. Those dates have long passed, so now all carriers are required by law to have ELDs installed in their CMVs. 

Do all Drivers Have to Comply with the ELD Mandate?

The vast majority of drivers and carriers, including owner-operators need to comply with the mandate, but there are a few exceptions that the FMCSA outlines here.  

The ELD rule allows limited exceptions to the ELD mandate, including: 

  • Drivers who operate under the short-haul exceptions may continue using timecards; they are not required to keep RODS (Record of Duty Status) and will not be required to use ELDs. 

  • Drivers who use paper RODS (Record- of Duty Status) for not more than 8 days out of every 30-day period. 

  • Drivers who conduct drive-away-tow-away operations, in which the vehicle being driven is the commodity being delivered. 

  • Drivers of vehicles manufactured before 2000. 

The most common exemptions to this mandate would be under the “short haul exemption“ for local drivers and non-CDL drivers. There are a few different conditions a driver needs to meet to be considered for this exemption.  

“A driver is exempt from the requirements of §395.8 and §395.11 if: the driver operates within a 150 air-mile radius of the normal work reporting location, and the driver does not exceed a maximum duty period of 14 hours. Drivers using the short-haul exception in §395.1(e)(1) must report and return to the normal work reporting location within 14 consecutive hours, and stay within a 150 air-mile radius of the work reporting location.”

As you can see, the exceptions to the ELD mandate are few and far between, so it’s more likely than not that you or your carrier will need to comply with the mandate. 

What are the ELD Requirements?

ELD information packet that contains the following: 

  • User’s manual describing how to operate an ELD 

  • Instruction sheet describing data transfers supported by the ELD and instructions on how to transfer HOS records to a safety official. 

  • Instruction sheet that describes how to report when an ELD malfunctions and how to manually record HOS in the case of an ELD malfunction. 

  • Blank RODS graph paper in case the ELD functions. Must have 8-days worth of paper.  

You might be thinking, what’s the purpose of all this digitization if I’m required to keep all these manuals and sheets in my cab? The good news is that the FMCSA was thinking the same thing. The first three items on this list can be stored digitally.  

While most carriers and drivers who were accustomed to the old system may have found switching to ELDs a pain at first, they’ve definitely shown their benefits over the past few years.

Most are specific to companies, DOT inspectors, and fleet managers, but the biggest benefits for drivers and owner operators includes less paperwork, and more easily accessible data for inspections. No need to fumble around trying to find paper HOS logs anymore when the inspector comes knocking, which helps you get back on the road making money faster.  

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Everything to Know About Weigh Stations

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weigh stationsMost motorists pass weigh stations every day and don’t think much of them. But for truck drivers, weigh stations are a constant presence they need to be aware of while driving. There are currently 680 weigh stations in operation all across the country. These stations serve a number of purposes and have very strict rules that all truck drivers must follow. Here’s everything to know about weigh stations.  

What is a Weigh Station?

A weigh station is an area off the highway where truck drivers pull over to have their truck weighed and inspected. They’re referred to as a “port of entry” when they’re near a state border, but they can also be in the interior of a state, especially in an area where there’s a lot of freight movement.  

What Happens at a Weigh Station?

It used to be that weigh stations did just what the name implies; weigh semi-trucks. Now, the role of a weigh station is much broader. In addition to weighing trucks to make sure they’re under the legal limit, (the federal limit is 80,000 pounds) weigh stations may also check to make sure that drivers are in compliance with all FMCSA and DOT regulations. This includes checking for HOS violations, looking at freight paperwork, and checking for other safety violations related to the truck, similar to a standard DOT inspection.  

When approaching a weigh station, the driver will first look to see if it’s open. There will be flashing lights or a sign saying if it is or not. If it’s open, the driver will get in the correct lane and pull over, either getting in line to be weighed or driving up to the scale if it’s open. Some scales are portable and the driver can be weighed while driving, while others are stationery and require the driver to stop the truck. Once the driver has been weighed, they’ll either be waved off or signal lights will let them know that they’re subject to a further inspection.  

Do Trucks Have to Stop at Every Weigh Station?

Yes, drivers of any commercial vehicle over 10,000 pounds need to stop at any weigh station they come across that’s open. Never think about skipping a weigh station, even if there’s a long line. The risks of doing so heavily outweigh any benefit.  

It’s very possible that a state trooper will be at the weigh station waiting for a truck driver to drive by without stopping and pull you over. The ticket alone could be hundreds of dollars. That’s not to mention that the officer will have you get off at the nearest exit and get back on the highway to go through the weigh station. At that point, it’s much more likely that you’ll be subject to an inspection rather than being weighed then waved off.  

If you’re ever wondering if there’ll be a weigh station on your route, you can check here for a comprehensive list of every weigh station in the country. This list also contains information on tolls, fuel tax rates, and more. 

Can I Bypass a Weigh Station?

If your carrier participates in a bypass solution like, PrePass or Drivewyze, then you may be able to.  These are mounted devices that can be put in your cab to alert you when a weigh station is approaching and if you’re able to bypass it or not. Be aware, there are some types of loads, like oversized and hazmat that always need to be checked, no matter if you have a bypass device. 

While many drivers consider weigh stations a frustrating part of the job that adds time to their runs, they do serve a purpose. Weigh stations are meant to make sure that overweigh trucks aren’t causing major damage to the country’s highways that could lead to major road maintenance, delays, and possible accidents. As long as drivers follow all posted signage and keep all their freight documents in the truck, they should be out of weigh stations and back on the road in no time.  

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How to Pass a DOT Inspection

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dot inspection

What is a DOT Inspection?

A DOT inspection is an inspection of a driver and a CMV conducted by the Department of Transportation. The purpose of the inspection is to make sure that the driver of any CMV 10,000 pounds or more is complying with all DOT rules and the CMV itself is in working order and safe to use. There are 6 levels to a DOT inspection, but the most common one is Level One, also known as the North American Standard Inspection. 

How Often Do DOT Inspections Happen?

DOT inspections are required every 12 months for all operating CMVs. There can also be surprise roadside inspections that can happen with no warning at any time while a driver is on the road. This is why it’s so important for drivers to be pre-emptive in doing everything they can to be ready for a DOT inspection. 

What is the DOT Looking For?

Specifically, a DOT inspector is looking for the following items: 

Driver

  • Driver Documents 
  • Driver’s License 
  • Medical Documents clearing you to driver 
  • Hours of Service (HOS) logs 
  • ELD 
  • Carrier ID and Status 
  • Record of Duty Status (ROS) 

Aside from this, the inspector may ask for additional documents as well as checking for proper seat belt use and that the driver is not under the influence of drugs or alcohol.  

Truck

  • Tires 
  • Brakes 
  • Suspension 
  • Brake Lights 
  • Turn Signals 
  • Fuel Systems 
  • Steering 
  • Windshield Wipers 
  • More 

Who Conducts DOT Inspections?

For annual inspections, it will most likely be a DOT certified inspector. State Troopers are also licensed to conduct DOT inspections as well. If you get stopped for a surprise inspection on the road, you may be dealing with them. 

What Happens at the End of a DOT Inspection?

After the inspector is finished, they’ll hand the driver a report, detailing any violations or defects they found. The driver will need to hand this form to someone who works at their carrier’s terminal, most likely their fleet manager.  

If no violations or defects were found, then the driver will get a decal that the inspector will place on their truck. The decal means that the truck doesn’t need to be inspected again for 3 months. If there are violations or defects, but none serious enough to warrant an “Out of Service” designation, then the driver will be informed, and they will need to have the issue(s) corrected within 15 days.  

Can You Fail a DOT Inspection?

Yes, drivers can fail a DOT inspection. If a violation is severe enough, the DOT inspector can consider either the CMV, the driver, or both Out of Service or OOS. The driver will need to rectify the violation(s) or defect(s) before they can get back on the road again.

The consequences for driving while the driver of CMV have been considered “OOS” are severe. If a driver has multiple violations of driving OOS vehicles or driving while they’re considered OOS, it can lead to them being disqualified for up to 5 years. 

Tips on Passing a DOT Inspection

Organization

The rule of thumb for documentation is, “if you think you might possibly need it, keep it in the truck.” This includes any of the documentation we listed above as well as anything else that you feel is important to have in your cab. A best practice here is to keep everything in a binder or folder for easy access.  

The other side of organization is your cab itself. It’s never a bad idea to keep a clean and organized cab at all times, especially if you know a DOT Inspection is coming.  

Maintenance Before It Becomes a Problem

Preventative maintenance is key in preparing for an inspection. DOT Inspectors look at almost every part and piece of your truck during an inspection. While it’s almost impossible and impractical to run a full body check every time you’re about to drive, you should be checking what you can, like the lights, windshield, tires and anything else you can see with the naked eye. Checking under the hood is never a bad idea either.  

Good Attitude

It’s natural for drivers to not be huge fans of DOT inspectors. After all, they’re the person going through their documents and truck with a fine-tooth comb, deciding whether they can stay on the road or not. But it’s important to remember that just like drivers, DOT inspectors are only doing their jobs. When it comes to interacting with them during an inspection, think of it as talking to a police officer after you’ve gotten pulled over for speeding. 

Don’t do or anything that can possibly make the situation more difficult than it needs to be. If the inspector lets you know about a violation, it’s never a good idea to argue and dispute it with them on the spot. This could lead to them being a little more “thorough” with the rest of the inspection, when they otherwise wouldn’t have been. If you really do feel that a violation or defect was given in error, the best thing to do is to be polite with the inspector and let your fleet manager or supervisor know about the issue when you get back to the terminal. They can handle it from there. 

Many drivers may understandably feel nervous about DOT inspections, especially surprise ones if they’ve never experienced them before. But, as long as you’ve followed the three rules above, the chances of the DOT finding any major violations with you or your truck are very low. 

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What to Consider to Find the Best Trucker GPS

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best trucker gps
While almost everyone has a cell phone these days, it may not be the most helpful tool if you’re a driver who often spends hours (or days) on the road. Using a GPS designed specifically for truck drivers will act as a partner on the road, by helping you navigate through difficult roads or unfamiliar state routes. Below are a few tips to guide you in choosing the best trucker GPS to fit your needs.

Consider What Best Fits You

Finding the right GPS model for you might be easier than you think. Before making your purchase there are a few items worth taking into consideration. The first thing to consider is screen size. Purchasing a GPS with a screen that’s too small can place extra strain on your eyes, making it harder to keep your eyes on the road. On the flip side, if you go with a model that’s too big, you risk blocking your vision.

In your trucker GPS, look for a good screen size as well as Bluetooth and hands-free navigation capabilities.

You should also think about whether or not the GPS comes with built-in Bluetooth capabilities and hands-free voice navigation. Certain models also have the ability to guide you through even the most remote country roads where WI-FI can be nonexistent, which is something that your cell phone won’t be able to do. Using a unit with a voice navigation function will not only make things easier for you but can also cut down potential distractions, allowing you to stay focused on the road ahead.

Remember: It’s All About the Features

semi truck dashboardTrucker GPS systems also come loaded with special features that you won’t find on your standard smartphone. Whether you’re looking to track your fuel usage, the number of miles you’ve driven, your tire mileage, or just curious about the nearest fuel stop, your GPS can provide you with all of that information. A good system will also alert you to changes in routine traffic patterns, hazardous conditions, weight restrictions, low overpasses, and more – all in real-time.

All of the features mentioned above will help keep you on the most efficient routes possible. And, most importantly, your GPS can help make sure you stay within HOS Compliance at all times, making the roads a safer place for everyone involved. This will allow you to deliver your loads on time, help ensure that you get the pay you deserve, and that you make it home on time.

Enjoy the Benefit of Automatic Updates

Additionally, many of the newer GPS models provide users with the benefits of automatic updates. This will help ensure that you have the most up-to-date software at your fingertips every time you get behind the wheel without the need for complicated instructions or flipping through manuals. Your system will always be up-to-date without you having to buy new equipment or software every single time.

Do Your Homework!

Happy trucker driverIt’s important to do your research before deciding on the best trucker GPS system that’s right for you and your life on the road. A simple internet search can lead you to a number of products on the market, as well as their reviews – many of which have been written by actual drivers. Use their feedback to walk you through the good, the bad, and the in-between before making your final purchase.

Remember that choosing the best GPS is all about finding the right option that fits your needs. Make sure that it comes with all of the features and functions that will help improve your driving experience. This will allow you to get a better feel for the product and everything it offers before making your selection.

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4 Tips for Nailing the Virtual Interview for a CDL Job

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4 Tips for Nailing the Virtual Interview for a CDL Job

Interviewing for a job is probably not on anyone’s list of favorite things to do. Interviews can cause stress and worry. But they are a crucial step in the process. For a seasoned CDL truck driver looking for a new job, you’ve probably seen and heard every possible interview question and technique in the book. However, even for those drivers who have been through dozens of interviews in their careers, the virtual interview can be a new way of the hiring process.

What is a Virtual Interview?

A virtual interview is exactly what it sounds like. A recruiter wants to setup some time to talk to you about joining their company, and they want to interview you. The difference here is that you’re not going to go to their office to have the meeting. You’ll receive an email with information on how and when the meeting will take place. The email should detail the program to use for the call, and how to dial-in when it’s time for the call. For those of you that are used to having video calls with friends and family, it’s very similar. But instead of checking in on how your family is doing, it’s going to be you and the interviewer talking about a potential new CDL driver job.

Preparation

Whether you recently lost your trucking job, or you’re simply looking to explore other opportunities, you need to be prepared for your virtual interview. Be ready for whatever questions they throw at you. Do your research and have your questions ready for the interviewer. That’s a great place to start. But since this one is virtual, not in-person, you need to be sure your environment is going to be ready for the call. Here’s a quick checklist to think through:

1. Prepare Your Environment

Is there loud background noise? Will you be able to hear the interviewer? Is there enough privacy to talk through your answers and questions? Could the interviewer be distracted by what’s going on behind you? Consider all of these things when selecting where you’re going to be when it comes time for your virtual interview.

Try to find a quiet place, free of distractions, where there’s good lighting so they can see and hear you well.

Use your environment to help raise your confidence during the interview. But be sure that it’s in a space conducive to a business meeting.

2. Check Your Technology

Do you need to test the software the company will use? Is your wi-fi or internet connection reliable? Is it best to use your phone or tablet? Or will you be better with a larger screen like a laptop or a desktop? Be sure whatever you choose, you’ll have all the technology working, well before your call is scheduled.

Check your connection and make sure everything is plugged in or fully charged. And have a backup plan handy just in case the day of the interview there’s a snag.

Be sure to test your camera to make sure it’s working properly. And make sure that your phone or laptop is set on a level surface, and not at risk of moving around while you’re talking. One less thing to worry about when you are having the call.

3. Choose Your Clothing

Even though you don’t have to meet your interviewer at their offices, it doesn’t mean this is a pass to stay in your pajamas for this meeting. It’s still a job interview.

You should dress the part of someone who’s looking to make a great first impression. Make sure you look your best and wear a nice clean shirt.

Nobody will know if you’re still in your gym shorts as long as your top half looks presentable and professional.

4. Be Authentic

Even though a virtual interview might be new for you, treat this interview like you would any other job interview. You know that you’re prepared, and your driving record is in good shape. Now it’s time to be yourself!

You’ve got a new advantage in the virtual world, you’re not on their turf in an unfamiliar office. You might be at home, or in the comfort of your cab if you’re out on the road.

Use this to your advantage to put any game day jitters at bay. Being prepared and comfortable can help you nail this interview!

Is the Virtual Interview the New Normal?

For now, many companies continue to have office employees continue to work from home. This means that most of the recruiting and hiring will be done from home. Many companies have been doing this for months now and can seamlessly handle the entire process without ever meeting in person. This might be the new normal for some time. So if you’re in the market for a new CLD truck driver job, the virtual interview is something that you can expect for the foreseeable future.

If you are looking for a new job, please let us help. We can help find you a perfect fit trucking job.

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3 Free Truck Driver Apps to Improve Your Day

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3 Free Truck Driver Apps to Improve Your Day

Technology can make life easier. And usually, if there is a problem in your life, odds are that an app has been created to help solve it. Trucker life is tough and stressful enough. So, finding any way to make your day easier is always welcomed. Here are 3 free truck driver apps that will make your day better. Or at least hopefully make your day run a little smoother!

1. Trucker Path

Trucker Path is a great app that virtually every trucker can use to get through their workday. It is often cited as the most frequently downloaded free truck driver apps out available. The app contains virtually everything you would need help with from general maps, parking info, truck stops locations, weigh station stops, and much more. Great for drivers of all experience levels, but most helpful when driving in unfamiliar areas where you don’t have a good lay of the land.

2. Weigh My Truck

An app that helps you get in and out of weigh stations faster is something every trucker needs. Weigh My Truck app does just that. Once you have an account setup, it automatically knows where you are, and your weigh history. So when you get to a weigh station, just drive onto the scale, pay and get an electronic weigh ticket sent right to your phone. You can still run into the register and pick up your paper copy but using the app will save you plenty of time at these stops.

3. iExit

Looking for a place to stop and take a break or a spot to stay overnight? The iExit app is really helpful for when you’re done driving and need a place to stop. This app lets you know what is coming up and then where the best place to stop once you pull off the interstate. It’s interconnected with a number of other apps like Yelp, which show user feedback on the points of interest on the map. So you can search for a specific type of restaurant or a place to sleep for the night if needed. It can even help you find the best gas prices in the area when you need to refuel.

Bonus Apps for COVID-19

During this time of change for many people lives, using technology to stay connected has made life easier. Finding new ways to keep in touch using technology helps. These apps can help you stay more grounded and feel connected to family and friends while driving over the road.

1. Zoom

Video calling is something that many people are using more frequently now than ever. Zoom is a great app for video conferencing when you want to talk to a few people at home, or up to 500 people across the country. Zoom has a free option, or a paid premium version available for download. Since March of 2020 when people really started to be quarantined in their homes, Zoom has seen over 300 million daily meeting participants, and is still growing. It’s the perfect app to use to host a virtual happy hour to stay connected to your friends and family.

free truck driver apps2. Sanvello or Headspace

Mental Health Apps like Sanvello or Headspace are perfect for people struggling with additional stress and anxiety lately. These free apps give helpful inspiration and techniques to help you manage stress, or even sleep better. The apps also give you access to support tools and resources that help you focus, reduce stress, and overall take better care of your mental health and be more mindful. They can also provide access to community resources where you can find and share conversations with others.

3. House Party

House Party is a great app to feel like you are at the “party” when you’re unable to actually be there in in person. Letting you “face-to-face” chat with up to 8 people at a time, House Party is a fantastic way to socialize from a distance. Move easily from room to room once you are logged-in, giving you an opportunity to check out different parties without much effort. Having the ability to play games with the kids, or the adults, is a fun way to pass the time while you’re away from home.

If you’ve already got a smartphone, and a good data plan, you’re ready to try out some of these apps. Or other apps we’ve featured in prior posts. We want to hear from you about apps you recommend. Tell us what other free truck driver apps you use to make your life easier. Post your suggestion on our Facebook page and share with your fellow drivers. You might even find a new app that will help you too!

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Self-Driving Trucks: What’s On the Horizon

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self driving trucks

The world of technology innovations continues to move forward. New advancements are being made every day. The development and progress being made with autonomous, or self-driving vehicles, is no exception. Though similar, there are going to be very different applications for self-driving trucks vs. self-driving cars. So here we’re going to look at what’s on the horizon for self-driving trucks.

The landscape is full of potential and new companies looking to get involved. Several of the biggest brands in the world are working to hone this technology to improve trucking efficiency, and ultimately make the roads a safer place for all drivers. Google, Tesla, and Daimler to name a few. Google has been testing self-driving cars since 2011, and their Waymo trucks since 2017. There is evidence that Amazon has been testing deliveries since early 2019. In May 2019, the US Postal Service tested self-driving trucks running loads between Phoenix and Dallas for 2 weeks. Just last month, a Florida based robotics company sent their first truck onto the interstate for 10 miles via remote control.

Truck platooning is a great application of self-driving technology

Platooning has already been tested for a few years.

By using a lead truck with an actual driver, several self-driving trucks follow closely behind, creating less congestion for other vehicles on the road. Since all of the trucks brake and accelerate in complete unison with the lead driver, helping overall traffic flow and delivery times.

Some might jump to a conclusion that self-driving trucks are going to put current CDL truck drivers out of a job. But this is simply not true. This technology is still very new and needs significant vetting. Presently, most self-driving programs have a driver controlling the wheel, but the computers are controlling everything else. And even when trucks move to being fully unmanned on long highway stretches, drivers still will jump-in and take over in more congested areas.

There’s a lot of potential in the future of this technology. Many companies are making great strides in testing and bringing self-driving trucks to daily life.

But there’s still a lot of work to be done

And some companies once committed to it, have already gotten out of the game. Uber had committed but now is reallocating resources to autonomous car technology and development.

If you have any thoughts on what impact self-driving trucks are going to the overall trucking industry, drop a comment on our Facebook page.

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The Top 6 Truck Stops By Truckers, For Truckers

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The truckers have spoken.

Truck Path, an app that utilizes crowd-sourcing technology to view information about truck stops throughout the country, has released its own list of the top ten best truck stops.

In addition to showing parking space availability, the app gives truckers the ability to rate travel centers on a scale of 0-5, based on qualities like best food, fuel prices, cleanliness and other amenities. Currently, the app supports over 50,000 truck stops in both the United States and Canada.

Stops with things like showers, free Wi-Fi, and laundry facilities were most highly ranked by drivers. Overall, independently owned truck stops ranked far better than corporate-owned facilities.

Here are the top 6 truck stops of 2018, according to Truck Path, that each tied for a perfect 5.0 rating:

  1. Big Horn Travel Center in Fort Worth TX
    No automatic alt text available.
    Image via Facebook
  2. Highway 51 Truck Stop in Merrill WI

    Image result for Highway 51 Truck Stop in Merrill WI

    Image via Foursquare

  3. 19 AND 75 Filling Station in Ivanhoe MN

    Image via Facebook

  4. Coffee Cup Fuel Stop in Summit SD


    Image via Coffee Cup Fuel Stop

  5. Williston Truck Facility in Williston ND

  6. Roady’s Carlisle Plaza in Carlisle PA

    Image via Roady’s

  7. 115 Truck Stop-PTP Stop in Marshall MI

    Image via Food Mart

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