The three best GPS apps for truckers are Smart Truck Route Version 2, Copilot, and Sygic Truck Navigation. Each one of these resemble what you would expect from an actual GPS unit, turn by turn directions and automatic updates.
Smart Truck Route Version 2 is the one I have been using for several years along with Google Maps and a good old Rand McNally paper atlas for my backup. With this combination I rarely encounter any problems navigating.
The 12 volt slow cooker that is a “must have” cooking accessory for truck drivers is this one by RoadPro.
I have been using this slow cooker (crock pot) for several years and I absolutely love it.
It’s been one of the cooking accessories that I use most often, along with this 12 volt stove/lunch box which is also made by RoadPro.
It’s great being able to setup the slow cooker in the morning and by the time I’m done driving I have a warm, healthy meal waiting for me.
Read More
Using a cell phone for texting or talking while operating a commercial vehicle is illegal.
Fines, penalties, even the disqualification of your CDL could be the result of driving while using a mobile phone (source: FMCSA).
There are a lot of things that a commercial vehicle driver can do that will get you in trouble but using your cell phone to talk or text while driving is one of the most obvious.
Read More
The best advice I can give new truck drivers is to understand that you will get better with experience and an open mind. Listen to the experiences of veteran drivers and have an open mind to listen to what they are telling you. Don’t be arrogant or overly cocky as a new driver.
Don’t dismiss someone because they are a little older than you or aren’t addicted to their GPS to
help them navigate.
These drivers are packed with advice that all new (and old) drivers need to hear.
Read More
Sharing a truck with a trainer is not something most new drivers look forward to.
Why? You don’t have much say in who you get and how the two of you are going to get along. Actually, you have no say at all. You are a guest living in with someone else in their truck for several weeks.
I’ve heard horror stories of new drivers getting teamed with a trainer that did nothing, taught nothing, and knew nothing. In fact, some companies will allow a driver to reach “trainer” status with only 1 year of experience.
Read More
