Apps for Truck Drivers

Technology solutions to improve your time on the road

A truck driver looks at her phone

Today’s transportation industry offers a wide range of innovative mobile applications for professional drivers. These apps provide features that streamline a driver’s daily routines while enhancing their overall experience on the road.

From finding the best route and locating the nearest fueling stations to facilitating the process of scheduling a much-anticipated shower and securing a safe parking spot for the night, these digital solutions have become indispensable. They not only simplify and organize a driver’s trip but also contribute to their safety and well-being. Here are a few apps that are making life a little easier for drivers out on the road, transforming how they navigate and manage their journey.

Penske Driver App

Penske Driver™ is a free app that provides drivers with the tools to complete their daily tasks and keep them compliant with the electronic logging device (ELD) mandate when driving Penske rental trucks in the U.S. and Canada. Drivers can:

    • Log Hours of Service (HOS) in Penske commercial rental vehicles and fully comply with the ELD mandate
    • Submit 24/7 roadside assistance requests and view real-time updates
    • Check-in for service visits quickly from the comfort of their vehicle
    • Submit fuel receipts digitally, eliminating the need to submit paper receipts
    • Find rental, leasing, service, parking, EV charging, fueling locations and more
    • Access vehicle information, service history and 24/7 history

Download the Penske Driver app today via the Apple App Store or Google Play.

GPS Apps

The right GPS apps can help fleet owners calculate routes based on vehicle dimensions and load contents, which can help drivers avoid fines, wasted time and out-of-route miles, but it is important for drivers to understand that not all apps are created equal. With GPS technology, it is important for drivers and fleet owners to find applications that are designed specifically for the heavy-duty trucking sector.

One driver in Pennsylvania was jailed and faced a $17,386 fine for driving a 40-ton truck on a road with a 10-ton limit. Police said the driver might have avoided the situation if he had purchased a GPS device that would have alerted him to the weight limit.

“By using a navigation system that does not provide important route restrictions, such as low bridge overpasses, the shortcut you thought would save you time and fuel may end up costing you more than you bargained for,“ said the Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). “A typical system that a consumer might buy at an electronics or auto parts store may not have software programming to show low bridges, hazmat routes and other information relevant to commercial motor vehicle operators.“

FMCSA has said it will work to prevent accidents caused by the improper use of consumer-grade navigation devices in trucks and buses and has created visor cards to help drivers find the best device.

There are several GPS apps on the market geared for truck drivers, including SmartTruckRoute and CoPilot.

Weigh Station Bypass App

The Drivewyze PreClear Bypass app saves time by minimizing weigh station stops. This subscription-based app sends alerts as drivers approach scales, bypassing the scales 50% to 98% of the time, depending on the fleet owner’s safety score.

Overnight Parking Apps

Pilot Flying J's myRewards Plus app can help you find and reserve parking at one of their 850 locations, skip the shower line by reserving your spot ahead of time, and pay for fuel, all from the convenience of one app.

The Travel Centers of America/Petro Stopping Centers app, TruckSmart, features a plan-to-park function that shares space availability with drivers. This app also provides the ability to queue up for showers, schedule truck service, redeem points and more.

The Thermo King app guides drivers to overnight parking in 2,250 stalls at Thermo King dealers for a fee. Parking is not contingent on being a Thermo King user. This app combines the features of older apps and provides access to an interactive dealer locator.

TruckMap is a GPS app aimed at helping drivers find truck stops, weigh stations and parking. It can even customize routes to look for specific amenities.

The Trucker Path app can help drivers find truck stops and weigh stations and preselect fuel stops based on the truck's MPG.

Fuel Price Apps

For non-Penske customers, Gas Buddy is a free app that helps users find cheaper fuel prices. The FleetAdvance Mobile app from fuel-card provider Comdata lets customers search by their current location to find the lowest prices along their routes.

Scale Apps

With the Weigh My Truck app from CAT Scale Co., drivers can visit a scale, weigh, and receive their information via the app without opening their door or window. They can also use Public Scale Locator to find the nearest scale. If you are a Penske customer, you can use the Penske Driver app to locate public scales.

With new apps routinely being developed,