Truck drivers cite the independent nature of their job as a significant benefit. For example, the 2024 “What Drivers Want” report by CCJ asked drivers why they got into trucking.
- 30% were always drawn to the open road.
- 20% didn’t want a boss looking over their shoulder every day.
While they enjoy the freedom of the open road, drivers also feel trapped by regulations, traffic congestion, economic uncertainty, and other events they cannot control. Like most professionals, they want more autonomy in their work.
Many fleets now use technology that gives drivers more work autonomy without the risks of changing operational processes, policies, or pay structures. What is this not-so-secret weapon for adding freedom and removing workday uncertainties?
A mobile driver app with a powerful trip-planning tool. With this technology, drivers can manage their routing details in a few taps, alleviating daily work stress, increasing their productivity, and helping to ensure safe, on-time arrivals.
Let’s review four simple app features that give drivers control of their workday with effective trip-planning technology.
1. Giving Drivers a Choice
Trip planning for interstate commerce requires more than GPS navigation. Using a custom app platform from Eleos Technologies, fleets can quickly develop and deploy a fully integrated mobile toolset using configurable pre-built components.
Drivers can use their fleet apps to view service hours, traffic, weather, fuel pricing, parking locations, and other shipment and route details from a unified interface on in-cab and mobile devices.
Fleets customize the app workflows in numerous ways. For example, some allow drivers to select loads from a tailored list. After choosing a load, the workflow guides drivers to the next step, such as completing a vehicle inspection form before they can start the trip. Since the app is integrated with the fleet’s TMS system, all the details are recorded in real-time, automatically keeping the driver in contact with dispatch.
Other configurable options include adding one-tap buttons to call dispatch, recording an accident or delay, requesting additional load details, submitting feedback, and more.
2. Smart Route Planning
Once a driver has selected a load, they can quickly plan safe and efficient routes. The app automatically calculates and displays the optimized truck-safe route to the destination.
To plan fuel and other stops along the way, drivers use a feature that displays pre-set locations, such as fleet-approved truck stops, with details such as current prices (including fleet discounts) and amenities. Drivers can view and add other custom points of interest (POIs) to their routes, such as weigh stations, truck washes, and maintenance facilities.
Drivers can modify their route within fleet parameters for network fueling, out-of-route miles, toll costs, and other variables. The app’s advanced capabilities allow drivers to customize routes using an “add stop” button to spend time at home or take a rest break at preferred locations near the route line. The fleet receives the information to monitor drivers’ plans.
The app shows drivers the current weather and forecasts for each scheduled stop. It can also show weather advisories for any route segment, marked by an icon that drivers tap to view the details.
Other features include a pin adjustment that allows drivers to move their precise stop locations on the map to improve navigation accuracy at destination facilities. Drivers can remotely inspect stop locations using satellite imagery and street views, ensuring they understand the access points and potential challenges before arrival.
The system may also warn about difficult entry points and give drivers alternative routing options.
3. Hours-of-Service Intelligence
One of the most valuable features is a direct visual overlay of drivers’ hours-of-service data on the route map. The data comes from real-time integrations with electronic logging devices (ELDs). A yellow clock appears on a driver’s route line, reminding them to plan rest breaks near this location.
This predictive intelligence helps drivers maximize productivity by combining rest breaks with other trip-planning details, such as fueling or equipment maintenance. When clicking the clock icon, the system displays POIs on the route, including truck stops in a fleet’s fuel network, scales, and parking locations. All POIs can be customized to match company guidelines.
4. Streamlined Communication
The custom fleet app platform from Eleos eliminates the need for drivers to juggle multiple applications since all trip planning information and features are consolidated in a single, unified interface. Another helpful feature is attaching media files to loads so drivers can better manage shipment details.
For example, a fleet could add a video explaining tarping procedures for flatbed loads. Similarly, a tanker fleet could add a satellite map view of a facility with instructions showing different areas to park trailers that are unloaded, loaded, or need a tank washout.
Once loads are completed, drivers can access their load histories and view their pay status. If a load is missing a proof-of-delivery document, drivers see an alert to complete the remaining steps to ensure accurate records and faster payment processing.
Real Impact on Driver Satisfaction
Prime Inc., one of the nation’s largest fleets with headquarters in Springfield, Mo., has seen the positive impact of implementing comprehensive trip planning technology. The fleet’s custom driver app has a voluntary adoption rate exceeding 98%, contributing to low turnover rates well below industry averages.
“Everything [drivers] need is in one place, and it feels seamless. Our drivers stay because they’re happy,” notes Brianne Madura, IT Manager of Prime Inc.
Putting the Power in Drivers’ Hands
Custom mobile apps that offer sophisticated yet simple trip-planning tools can significantly reduce workday uncertainty. Fleets and their drivers can use the technology to maximize time on the road and stay focused on safe, on-time performance.
With this technology, fleets can give drivers more autonomy while maintaining operational efficiency. A thoughtfully curated balance of control and support creates a satisfying work environment and elevates fleet performance, compliance, and customer service.
Are you ready to give your drivers more control and satisfaction on the road? Schedule a personalized demo today to see the Trip Planner and other customizable mobile tools from Eleos in action.
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