Pocket tools proliferate for networking, reference and managing trucking life and business

As a smartphone user, you’re probably already aware of many of the tools for networking, weather, navigation and more.

Facebook, Twitter, Google Maps and the Weather Channel, among others, offer one-touch access to their networking, microblogging, and route- and emergency-planning functions. Games — from Scrabble-like Words With Friends to the popular Angry Birds — fill in dead time. But trucking suppliers and service providers — as well as enterprising drivers — have been developing apps with specific functions to help you efficiently navigate on the road. From logbook and tracking apps to document services and single-function surcharge- and scale-math cheaters, there’s likely an app for it.

Trip planning

Owner-operator Miguel Dunkelberger, leased to LR & Sons of Grand Rapids, Mich., frequently uses Pilot Travel Centers’ store locator app (iPhone), which uses the GPS functionality of the iPhone to locate the nearest Pilot or Flying J location, then offers turn-by-turn directions to the stop. TravelCenters of America’s new TruckSmart app (iPhone, Android) has the same functionality for TA and Petro locations, as well as stops’ real-time parking availability, fuel price and other data.

uDrove’s logs screen on a Motorola Droid.

In May, concurrent with release of the app for Android phones, TA-Petro integrated its UltraOne loyalty reward program in the app, allowing drivers to check credits, purchase histories and points balances, among other functions. A shower interface enables searching within a 15-mile radius for shower availability (including approximate wait times), shower reservations and push notifications of availability.

Truckers News publisher Randall-Reilly Business Media and Information, in collaboration with Pro-