Fleet Management News & Business Info | Commercial Carrier Journal
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/251785
T he solitude a truck driver endures is one of the toughest challenges they face, especially early in their career. Most expect the obvious challenges a truck driver must learn to conquer, difficult backing situations, heavy traffic, terrible weather, tight schedules and erratic sleep patterns; but the solitude of being on the road can be the most difficult. Truck drivers live in their own little universe filled with truck stops, rest areas, parking lots and loading docks. A driver is limited to a few hours a day to interact on the road with other drivers, waitresses, dock workers and mechanics. It is a universe where drivers spend 75 percent of their time confined to the truck, either in the sleeper berth or in the driver's seat. Technology is bridging the gap between the truck and home, making the lonely road a little less lonely. Smart phone and tablet driven apps like Facetime, Skype, email, Facebook and uDrove are becoming the lifeline for drivers while on the road. It is estimated that 70 percent of long haul truck drivers use some sort of smart phone or tablet while on the road. ere has been a significant drop of the use of laptops in cab because of the increased technology in the smart phones and tablets. It is reported that nearly half of all drivers use their device to make that connection with friends and family while on the road. Many of these smartphone/tablet based technologies improve drivers' quality of life by giving them anytime, anywhere access to information, business tools and streaming video and audio. Bottom line: ese apps connect drivers with their family and friends making the profession more attractive. DEALING WITH SOLITUDE ON THE ROAD TECHNOLOGY IS B R I D G I N G T H E G A P B E T W E E N THE TRUCK AND H O M E , M A K I N G T H E L O N E LY R O A D A L I T T L E L E S S L O N E LY. BY NICK REED, uDrove ® GENERAL MANAGER " " 28 IT MAGAZINE V o l . 8 , N o . 1