Voice Activated- I am going to start with a safety feature that every trucker should really consider, controlling your phone by voice. Most new phones have voice dial features that can keep your hands and eyes on the road while you dial, text and answer calls. I am going to highlight some third party apps in future blogs that will aid you in these features.
Fuel Saving- There are several apps like, Gas Buddy, Gas Book, and several more that will use your current location and find you the cheapest fuel in your area. This will help offset the additional cost of the smart phone.
Navigation- You don’t need a dedicated system for navigation any more. You can use Tom Tom, Garmin, and all major brand navigation systems right from your phone.
Banking- Transfer balances, pay bills, and check balances while you are on the road. This one is pretty easy and has been around a long time with the exception of being able to deposit checks without going to an ATM. Chase Bank now will let you take a picture of the front and back of the check and submit the check electronically. That is right you don’t even have to go to an ATM.
Camera- Smartphones have a camera to take pictures in the event of an accident, or video tape a statement from the 16 year old kid who just rear ended your truck while texting. Document damaged merchandize that is loaded onto your truck, text a photo of a broken part to your mechanic so he can order a part for you, the possibilities are endless.
Music- Let us not forget how important it is to have good music while driving a long day. Bring all your music with you. Consider the possibility of audio books while driving.
Credit Cards- Accept credit card payments from clients with not upfront cost and minutes to set up. Sorry to sound like an infomercial.
Email- Email important information to your insurance agent or your book keeper, this will give you a written copy that you can keep for your records. I can tell you as an insurance agent my level of service is greatly increased by those clients I am able to email information to on a regular basis.
These are just a few features that can change the way your company does business. There are many more with access to the internet wherever you are, electronic log books, keeping track of your drivers locations, load finders, DVR live radio so you can get hear the programs you want, controlling your home DVR, watching movies, finding your favorite music, watching your favorite shows on the go, it is no wonder so many truckers today are using smart phones. I am a personal fan of the Iphone platform but there are plenty of options now, and Android is now a very good platform as well. Consider the increased efficiency, I don’t think you will be able to live without it after you try it.
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