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June 03, 2021

5 Ways Technology Is Making Truck Driver's Lives Easier



Technology has managed to solve and improve many problems truck drivers face on a daily basis.

With the help of innovative apps and devices, truckers are able to save time, energy and conduct important operations more easily.

 Given below are some ways technology is making truck drivers' lives easier.

1. GPS Truck Driver Units

GPS truck driver units make the lives of truck drivers so much easier. Here are some of the advantages of GPS tracking,

  • It helps truckers reach their destination on time by providing the best possible route. This can help increase productivity and even reduce fuel consumption since travelling unnecessary miles are avoided.
  • GPS tracking will make the truck driver more aware of his surroundings and this will contribute to his safety.
  • Heavy traffic and bad weather conditions are taken into account in GPS tracking. If possible, such routes can be avoided by taking a separate route.



Some of the most popular GPS trucker units are the Rand McNally and the Garmin (News - Alert) dezl units.

2. Electronic Logbook Devices (ELD’s)

Electronic logbook devices are attached to the engines of trucks to record the number of driving hours. These devices eliminate the inconvenience of paper logs which require the driver to manually fill out their hours of service.

  • ELD’s help save time, money, energy and reduce the burden of paperwork on the truck driver.
  • They help keep track of the truck’s fuel consumption which will help the driver know if any fuel is being consumed unnecessarily.
  • Since drivers are monitored using ELD’s, they will be more conscious about their driving. This will help them stick to the speed limit and avoid other bad driving habits.
  • In case truck drivers get into accidents which are not their fault, ELD’s can serve as sources of evidence.

These ELD’s can easily be purchased by drivers who own commercial vehicles. If you are looking for one, you can find commercial vehicles and heavy machinery on Truck1 Singapore.

3. Hands Free Communication

In-cab technology like voice assistants and other hands free communication devices are very helpful for truck drivers. They help them to communicate with other drivers or loved ones without taking their eyes off the road or their hands off the steering wheel. There are many apps which help improve communication and can be accessed by voice commands. This will help truckers keep in contact with dispatchers in case of time constraints or location issues.

Truck driving is a demanding and challenging career and having access to proper communication devices can significantly improve the mental health of drivers by,

  • Helping them keep in contact with friends and family.
  • Eliminating stressful situations on the road like unfamiliarity with certain locations.
  • Allowing them to seek help in case of unexpected health circumstances.

4. Smartphones

Smartphones are a lifesaver for truck drivers. This piece of technology has revolutionized the way truck drivers perform their job.

  • Smartphones serve as the primary source of communication for truckers. People can be contacted easily in case of emergencies and the location of the truck can also be tracked.
  • They can be used to access various types of applications for different purposes. Nearby gas stations, hotels, and other essential places can be easily located.
  • Smartphones also serve as a source of entertainment for truck drivers. They can easily listen to their favourite songs through Bluetooth or watch movies or videos on YouTube (News - Alert). Famous truckers like Cody Detwiler who is known as the ‘youtuber who destroys trucks’ has a popular YouTube channel.

5. Load Boards

Load boards are amazing tools which can be used by truck drivers to find new shippers who want to haul their loads. They are utilized by truck owners, drivers, shippers and freight brokers for efficient freight management.

A truck driver can go to a load board site and enter his truck information. This can include maximum weight allowance, available destinations and the type of loads he can haul. According to this information, he can be contacted by shippers.

Conclusion

It is important to encourage truck drivers to be open to using these devices since they can make their lives so much easier. It is hard enough to be a truck driver so why not make use of technology to help them relax a little more on their job?



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