Truckers swear by a number of Apps that make their jobs easier and safer – including navigation apps, weather apps, and even fuel-saving apps. We’ve compiled a list of some of the most popular iOS and Android apps among Truck drivers and owner-operators, so you can discover your favorites. Each of the below apps is available on both the App Store and Google Play.

Best Apps for Route Planning

Most truckers use a variety of route planning apps since each comes with its strengths and weaknesses. Google Maps, for example, has an extremely useful satellite feature but isn’t tailored to truck navigation. Here are a few of the most commonly used apps for avoiding traffic, spotting fuel deals, and planning out your route.

Trucker Path

Boasting over 1 million users, Trucker Path is a very popular navigation and route-planning app among professional truck drivers. Truckers appreciate the all-in-one functionalities of this app, which include information on rest areas, weigh stations, truck parking locations, fuel prices, and other points of interest around a driver’s route. Trucker Path has also developed other software including Trucker Path Command for fleet managers, and the Trucker Path LoadBoard app for finding and booking nearby loads. The Trucker Path app for drivers is free, with a variety of paid subscription options available as in-app purchases.

Trucker Tools

Trucker Tools is another all-in-one app for truckers, used for booking loads and planning the details of your route. With information on nearby fuel stations, parking spots, truck washes, and more, drivers find that Trucker Tools simplifies the route planning process. Like Trucker Path, Trucker Tools includes resources for both brokers and carriers. The Trucker Tools app is free, with in-app purchases available for advanced functionalities like load tracking.

GasBuddy

GasBuddy is an app with a straightforward purpose – saving drivers money at the pump! Gas Buddy is a free app that identifies fuel stops with the most affordable gas prices in your area and offers a rewards program through the Pay with GasBuddy free debit card. Drivers can also pay for a premium subscription that includes more deals and roadside assistance. Or, sign up for the GasBuddy credit card for additional rewards.

Waze

Most truckers agree that the Waze app isn’t their go-to choice for navigation – with many drivers preferring to rely on a more sophisticated GPS tracker. But while Waze isn’t specifically a “trucker app”, many drivers find that it’s a game changer for getting real-time traffic updates based on their current location — including road hazards and police sightings. Waze is a free app to add to your favorite navigation and trip-planning tools.

Best Utility Apps for Truck Drivers

The apps in this list were developed to perform very specific functions for the trucking industry. Truckers keep these convenient tools downloaded on their phone or tablet to make their day-to-day job easier!

Drivewyze

With a Drivewyze subscription, truckers are alerted to upcoming weigh stations and inspection sites. The app will send a bypass request to the station, and then notify the driver whether they are able to bypass or need pull in. This automatic system saves time and helps drivers stay compliant with weigh station laws. A subscription to Drivewyze is paid after a 30-day free trial. Truckers can also use Drivewyze Free – a no-cost option for receiving safety alerts and advisories while on the road.

Weigh My Truck

The Weigh My Truck app from the CAT Scale Company is a free, digital alternative to waiting in line and working directly with a cashier when you need to weigh your truck. You can weigh the truck, pay for the transaction, and get a digitally generated ticket for your records, without having to leave the cab! The Weigh My Truck app is free.

Cat Scale Locator

Cat Scale Locator does just what it says – helps drivers find the most convenient CAT scale for weighing their trucks. You can also save your favorite scale location for future reference. The Cat Scale Locator app is free and pairs well with the Weigh My Truck app.

Trucker’s Slide Calc

Trucker’s Slide Calc is a handy app for calculating axle weights to maximize fuel efficiency and maintain compliance with overweight load laws. While it’s still the driver’s responsibility to ensure the load is compliant with state and federal regulations, the app is extremely useful for suggesting the best axle positioning. Trucker’s Slide Calc is free, boasts a high accuracy rate, and has hundreds of positive user reviews.

Best Apps for Truck Stop Rewards

If there’s a truck stop you find yourself frequenting often, be sure to check if they have an app! Rewards programs are a great way to earn additional perks from the purchases you’ll be making anyway.

Pilot Flying J

With hundreds of locations all over North America., Pilot Flying J is a popular stop for truckers to fuel up, park for the night, and purchase refreshments. The Pilot Flying J app makes it easy to track rewards and also filter nearby locations by amenities like shower and parking availability.

Love’s Connect

Love’s is another popular truck stop with a rewards program designed for truck drivers. With the Love’s Connect mobile app, truckers can conveniently find nearby Love’s locations, plan their stops, purchase and reserve showers, and manage rewards.

Best Weather Apps for Truckers

Most truckers prefer to use a combination of weather apps so they can take advantage of their favorite features on each one. You’ll want to find an app or combination of apps that give you an accurate storm radar, weather alerts, insight on weather conditions like wind, and an overall forecast you can rely on. Here are a few of the go-to weather apps for truck drivers.

AccuWeather

Truck drivers appreciate AccuWeather for its reliable local forecasts. While other weather apps specialize in particular types of weather conditions (read on for more details), truckers find that AccuWeather is a helpful, all-purpose weather app for getting an overall forecast for their route. The AccuWeather app is free, with in-app purchases available to gain access to additional weather alerts and data.

The Weather Channel

The Weather Channel is another all-purpose weather app that many truckers rely on for a local forecast, weather alerts, and insight into specific weather conditions like wind. The Weather Channel app is free, but users can upgrade to a paid subscription for a better experience and access to more advanced features.

MyRadar

Many truckers download weather apps for tracking specific weather conditions. MyRadar is a popular choice for truck drivers who want to keep a close eye on inclement weather like rain, snow, or significant storms. With advanced weather prediction and a user-friendly interface, you may find that MyRadar is a helpful addition to your favorite weather apps.

MyRadar

Wind poses a significant threat to truck driving, with a truck’s large sides creating a “sail” effect in strong crosswinds. Windy.com is a weather app that gives more detailed information on wind conditions than other weather apps, and many truck drivers find it worth adding to their smartphone or tablet. The Windy.com app is free, with a low-cost annual subscription available for premium features.

Why Truckers Still Love Their Radios

The SR-497HPC mobile ham radio from Stryker Radios

Let’s face it – as much as smartphones have to offer the trucking industry, they have their limitations. Cell phones lose service, battery life runs out, and apps crash. Truck drivers have long appreciated mobile radios as a convenient, reliable way of communicating with others and receiving emergency alerts while on the road. Although there are many apps worth downloading on your phone or tablet, don’t forget that a high-performing CB or ham radio is still a must-have for today’s truck driver!