Truck drivers—especially long-haul truckers—have unique needs while on the road. They spend hours isolated in their cab and require assistance finding gasoline, showers, places to park, and healthy food. The right smartphone apps can provide solutions to many of these. Here are some of the key apps that truckers should download to their phone or tablet.

4 Essential Smartphone Apps to Consider as a Truck Driver

1.  GasBuddy

GasBuddy lets you search gas prices by city, state, or zip code and identify the nearest refueling stop to your location. It shows you which stations offer diesel, making it indispensable for anyone who spends their days on the road.

2. CoPilot^® Truck

CoPilot Truck provides safe and accurate navigation for big rigs. Many streets have size, height, or weight limits that make travel risky for truck drivers. The CoPilot Truck app lets you map out a route that's entirely legal before you leave home. This helps reduce fuel waste and increase the chance of on-time deliveries. It also utilizes real-time road conditions to provide accurate arrival estimates.

3. Trucker Tools

The Trucker Tools app is the Swiss Army knife of smartphone applications. It shows weigh stations and rest areas and offers timely weather and traffic information while you’re on the road. It even shows you how to find wash locations and provides coupons for many truck stops across America.

4. Facebook Messenger

Facebook Messenger is a valuable resource for people who spend time away from home. It lets you keep in touch with friends and family while you're away, let loved ones know when you'll be home, and touch base with colleagues or clients on the job. 

If you wish to complete advanced training courses to become a truck driver, contact Great Lakes Truck Driving School in Columbia Station, OH. They serve clients throughout Lorain County, and their instructors have 500 years of collective on-the-road experience. They offer Class A and B CDL training, along with heavy equipment and pipeline safety courses. Visit their website to submit an application, or call (440) 236-3436 to schedule a consultation.