Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/44411
TruckerNet in August released a video promoting its one- touch emergency road service. Scan the QR code to watch the drama unfold as a downed trucker schools an at-first irascible small-town sheriff on the app's features. The Truckster app (iPhone, Android), too, includes more than just chain truck stops in its directory. Developed by for- mer driver Leigh Gagnon and launched for the iPhone in 2009, it also offers location function- ality for other parking resources like rest areas, Wal-Mart locations, weigh stations and hotels. Drivers using the app can assist the devel- oper in updating the information and adding additional stops. PARTS, SERVICE AND MORE Tire and truck dealers have their own apps. Daimler Trucks North America's TruckerNet app (iPhone, Android, Blackberry) enables one-touch access to the Freightliner, Western Star and Detroit Diesel manufacturer's U.S.-Canada parts and service network as well as TA and Petro locations. Built into the app is access to DTNA's Excelerator "On Call" 24/7 support line for road- side assistance, tow/extraction and monitoring of repairs. Similarly, the Mack Dealer If she looks familiar, you've probably seen her in the television spots for Progressive's consumer and commercial insurance offerings. This iPhone app is in development for Android. Locator (iPhone) lists and helps connect users to Mack dealers using phone GPS functionality in a map for real-time location tracking, including a listing of services offered at each location. Tire makers Michelin and Continental likewise have ser- vice-locator apps for the iPhone; Michelin's is also available for Android and Blackberry. Both offer users one-touch calling to emergency road service networks OnCall (Michelin) and ContiFleet (Continental). New apps extend to truck insurers. Progressive Commer- cial this summer released the Insure My Truck app (iPhone), offering customized estimates use- ful when considering the cost of a new truck or shopping among insurance carriers. LOGS, INSPECTION REPORTS AND MORE The Xata Turnpike Route Tracker app (Android, most smartphones on Verizon, Sprint, AT&T) recently introduced the RouteTracker 2, modifying its original offering capable of 22 TRUCKERS NEWS NOVEMBER 2011 uDrove's logs screen on a Motorola Droid. providing logging functionality on a smartphone to satisfy fed- eral requirements of electronic onboard recorders for hours-of- service compliance. Combined with Web-based storage and tools at a cost of $35 a month, the Route-Tracker offers real-time tracking capability and auto- mated IFTA data collection and reporting, in addition to the log- ging capability. The Trucker Tools app's home screen on Android phones. The multifunction app is also available for iPhone and Blackberry platforms. The remainder of the smartphone-func- tional logging apps are computer-assisted logs, allowed for in the hours regulations but with the condition that the programs are able to be retrieved and printed or emailed/faxed for view on request of law enforcement. Operators using RADIO AND MUSIC No surprise: Some of the most popular apps among drivers are music and radio- related. Just as satel- lite radio opened up broadcast continuity for interstate travel- ers, smartphone apps are not only enabling access to more and more music sources but also capturing Relatively new to the United States, the Spotify service and associated apps (most platforms) enable on-demand access to music as well as custom playlist-creation and sharing with friends, for free. Sound too good to be true? The service operates as radio, and has negotiated licens- ing contracts with major record companies — artists will be paid by ad revenue and premium account user fees. local broadcasts nationally. All of these apps require a large amount of cellular data when accessed while moving, so keep that in mind before you limit your phone's data plan. Satellite radio is available via your smartphone. The SiriusXM Internet Radio app (most platforms) enables access to more than 120 channels to subscribers for $12.95 a month, Road Dog Trucking Radio included. For free the iHeartRadio app (most platforms) has aggregated Internet radio streams from 750-plus stations around the nation, as has the TuneIn app (most plat- forms) for thousands of stations around the world. Pandora Radio's app (most platforms) allows users to create custom radio stations based on individual preferences — a great way to discover new music. And Last.fm's various apps for multiple platforms function somewhat similarly, with an optional sharing network included.