OTR trucking is characterized by extended working hours on the road and minimal time spent at home. However, with advancements in technology, people have been able to maintain their communication while on the move. For working truck drivers, having dependable internet connectivity on their trucks brings in many advantages. The following are some of the main reasons why one should ensure that he or she has an internet connection when making deliveries.
Best Internet For Truckers
Satellite Internet for Truckers
Hughesnet
Hughesnet is another good internet service that can be used by truck drivers as they are most of the time on the road. It provides satellite internet service through which you can connect to the internet regardless of where you are driving your truck in the country. Hughesnet has plans that are ideal for RVs and trucks, with equipment that can be installed easily. Hughesnet allows you to watch videos, engage in online gaming, conduct video calls with your family and friends, or do anything you would normally do while parked. It is noted that the service functions efficiently even in disadvantaged areas. They are cheap and no contracts bind you in the process. Hughesnet could be a good choice for truckers in search of fast and constantly available internet when on the road.
Viasat
Viasat provides satellite Internet service primarily targeted for the use of truck drivers. Its in-vehicle antennas offer uninterrupted communication throughout the country which is very useful for the truckers. Viasat acknowledges that truckers require a platform for running business while on the road, communicating with dispatchers, keeping up to date on compliance, and staying in touch with their loved ones. Its internet plans are designed to meet these needs with high speeds, unlimited data, and prioritization of bandwidth. This service empowers truckers allowing them to have an internet connection anywhere they go to enhance productivity and general well-being. Truckers never have to sacrifice speed or data when they are on the move with the help of Viasat. The service allows them to handle activities effectively from the comfort of the road.
Mobile Hotspots
EarthLink
Some of the products include mobile hotspots with fast, reliable internet connection that ensures truckers stay connected on the road. The hotspots rely on 4G LTE networks to enable fast Internet connection across the country. It is convenient to install in trucks, RVs, and other vehicles, delivering WiFi internet to the devices within its reach. Truckers and the rest of the people who need the internet can take a plan that allows them to enjoy the internet without having to sign a long-term contract. Options such as battery backup, location-based filtering, and device management enable flexible settings of the hotspot and connected equipment. Truckers who require a reliable connection to the internet while on the move can get the assistance they require from EarthLink’s mobile hotspots to ease their working conditions.
Use Social Media to Communicate with Friends and Family
One of the biggest challenges of the trucking industry is the fact that drivers have to be away from their families for long periods. When you go online, you can easily communicate face-to-face through Skype calls or even through Facebook Messenger. You can share photos from your travels or even watch your kid’s baseball game live. That’s why it makes the miles go by much quicker when you can virtually see familiar faces from home.
Unlocks Entertainment and Eradicates Boredom
Looking at the highway for hours on end can be monotonous to the point of almost boring. An internet signal allows one to have breaks through entertainment to avoid boredom. Watch a movie or TV show from Netflix, Hulu or any other application. You can listen to Internet radio stations or listen to music and podcasts from Pandora, Spotify, or any other service you prefer. Watch movies on your tablet or read ebooks, play mobile games, or do any other leisure activities that are available during free time between jobs.
Get Navigation and Traffic Alerts
Using printed maps or even stand-alone GPS units can lead to out-of-date routes being taken. An Internet connection allows you the view live traffic information and road closure information. As for live map routing, the latter also determines the best possible routes to help avoid construction sites, accidents, and other obstacles. The efficiency of delivery is enhanced by keeping up to date on the go.
Monitor the Weather and Make a Forecast
Driving in severe weather or storms also becomes a risk factor for safety as well as for timely pick-ups and drop-offs. An internet signal makes you aware of frequently changing weather radar and regional forecasts. One can use such information to bypass major systems or at least be prepared for what road spray or high winds may be in store for one. That way, checking the weather online impacts your driving choices.
Research trip stops ahead of time
That is why being an over-the-road driver entails traveling and discovering new towns or cities in the country. Exploring the web for the next stops enables one to find out places of interest, reasonable eating joints, the cheapest fuel prices, and secure areas to camp and take a break as well. Having web access helps in planning for the trips and in making the best out of the stops.
Handle Business Needs Remotely
For the operators, it is crucial to stay connected with the dispatch, report back to the home office, and exchange necessary documents. Rather than spending hours trying to reach someone on the phone, having web connectivity lets the truckers complete many administrative tasks and correspondence. Reply to messages, file reports electronically, and perform all business-related tasks including invoicing.
Use a map and identify an internet cafe in your route
Several large truck stops such as Pilot/Flying J, Love’s, and TA have WiFi lounges where drivers who are awaiting repairs or necessary rest can wait. Other fast food chains such as McDonalds and Starbucks especially also provide free wireless internet for the public. The location of hotspots where WiFi is available when you are frequenting particular routes helps you to stop and connect where cellular signals are weak.
Have Lower Rates with E-Logging
Federal regulations have been changed in terms of requiring the use of electronic logging devices for hours of service. Eliminating paper logs also reduces other expenses such as printing and faxing of reports. Another aspect is that e-logs are more precise regarding driving and off-duty times, mileage counts, and fuel usage. Some systems even incorporate features that enable adding of expense receipts and even the scanning of paperwork. All in all, digital logging systems are more effective and help with compliance with the inspections.
Make the Most of Useful Apps for Truckers
From payment processing programs to load board directories, a rising number of apps exist whose purpose is to help truckers. Using the smartphone camera for scanning documents reduces paperwork and this also makes the cabbie’s cab less cluttered. Other applications assist in finding cheaper fueling stations or parking for large trucks. Constant access to all these programs is useful to the drivers in the sense that they can be able to balance costs and logistics.
Connect First and Connect Wise: Safety and Legal Issues
The ability to remain informed on the current regulations also ensures that your rig is always in compliance with inspections and does not incur penalties for violations. Staying informed about the weather and traffic situation with the shippers to address issues that may arise also contributes to it. Emergencies such as breakdowns and other related problems are less of a problem if one can quickly seek help or support. In every case, web access is a major component in the safety and regulatory peace.
In the current world of transportation, one would expect that an internet connection is one of the standard features that are mandatory for a truck driver to have to be effective on the road. As such, the ability to communicate effectively, find information, organize oneself, and be entertained on the go makes life on the road easier. Accessing the company’s network or going online from the truck requires a good Wi-Fi connection or a good signal amplifier for the cellular connection is valuable to those who spend most of their days on the road as truck drivers. Ultimately, the process of getting web access set up translates into better efficiency, organization, comfort, and security for the truckers.
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