The best trucking apps for drivers in the USA: apps to find loads, share tracking, navigate with truck routes, find parking and fuel discounts, bypass weigh stations and check brokers.
The best trucking apps for drivers in the USA cover a few key jobs: finding loads, sharing tracking with brokers, truck-safe navigation, finding parking and fuel, checking brokers and handling paperwork. Most drivers use a small set of apps, typically a load board, a navigation or truck stop app, a fuel discount app and their ELD. Just Tracking puts loads, tracking, broker checks and truck navigation in one free app, which cuts down how many apps you need.
Key takeaways
- Load board apps are the most important tools for owner-operators who find their own freight.
- Some load apps are free, some are paid subscriptions, and some only show one company's freight.
- Regular phone maps aren't built for trucks, so use truck-specific navigation for height, weight and hazmat limits.
- Fewer, better apps save time and phone storage, so choose apps that handle several jobs at once.
Trucking apps for finding loads
For owner-operators and small fleets, a load app is the one you'll open most. Look for real-time loads, filters for your equipment, broker credit information and an easy way to contact the broker.
- Just Tracking: free load board app with 250,000+ daily loads across 74+ equipment types. Every load shows the broker's credit score, days to pay and minimum authority age.
- DAT One and Truckstop: large paid load boards with mobile apps and several subscription plans.
- Amazon Relay: free, but only Amazon freight, and it requires 180 days of active authority.
- Broker apps: large brokers such as Uber Freight let carriers book their own loads in their apps.
For a full comparison, see our list of the 30 best load boards for truckers.
What makes a good load app
Search filters that match your truck
You should be able to search by origin, destination, deadhead, equipment, pickup date, full or partial, length, weight and minimum rate per mile. Saved searches and load alerts save even more time. On our free load board, you get alerts on the web and in the app as soon as a matching load posts.
Fast contact with the broker
The faster you reach the broker, the better your chance of booking. In our app, you can chat with the broker from any load, with the load details attached automatically, or send your own rate offer.
A way to be found
When you're empty, turn on Ready Now in our driver app. Your truck shows live on the Available Trucks map with its type and location, so brokers with freight nearby can reach you.
Load tracking apps
Brokers want to know where their freight is without calling you every few hours. Tracking apps share your location and stop updates automatically. Many brokers use their own tracking apps or services, so you may be asked to install one for a load.
With load tracking in our driver app, you accept the trip, share your location and check in and out at each stop, including multi-stop trips. You upload the BOL and POD from your phone, and carriers, dispatchers and brokers see the truck live. Learn more in our guide to real-time load tracking.
Truck GPS and navigation apps
Car navigation can send a truck under a low bridge or onto a restricted road. Truck navigation apps route around height, weight, length and hazmat limits. Our driver app includes truck navigation, and there are also dedicated truck GPS apps and devices. Enter your truck's height, weight and length correctly so routes fit your rig, keep maps updated, and always follow posted signs, even with a truck route.
Truck stop, parking and fuel apps
- Truck stop and parking apps: apps such as Trucker Path show truck stops, parking availability, weigh stations and driver reviews.
- Truck stop chain apps: the major chains have their own apps for fuel rewards, showers and, at many locations, paid reserved parking.
- Fuel discount apps: apps such as Mudflap offer discounts at participating truck stops.
Planning stops ahead of time saves hours looking for parking at night. See our guide to the best truck stops in America.
Weigh station bypass apps
Bypass services such as Drivewyze and PrePass can let qualified trucks skip some weigh stations, saving time and fuel. Whether you get a bypass depends on your safety record and the site. Check the cost and the states each service covers before you sign up.
Apps for checking brokers
Before you haul for a broker you don't know, check its authority, bond and payment history. Company Snapshot shows a broker's FMCSA authority, bond history, payment history, red flags and verified reviews on one screen.
ELD, document and other must-have apps
- ELD app: required for most drivers, and it comes from your ELD provider.
- Document scanning: send clear BOLs, PODs and receipts the same day. Many factoring companies have their own scanning apps.
- Weather and road conditions: weather radar and state 511 road condition apps help you avoid storms and closures.
- Help on the road: our driver app includes roadside assistance, and its Services map shows tow and repair shops.
Stay safe with trucking apps
Scammers target drivers through apps, texts and fake load offers. Download apps only from the official app stores, and never log in through a link someone texts or emails you. Be careful with any "broker" who asks you to change payment details, pick up freight for a different company than the one on the rate confirmation, or pay a fee to get a load. Turn on two-factor sign-in where it's offered, and review which apps can see your location. Share live location for active trips, not around the clock unless you choose to.
How to choose the best trucking apps
- Start with the job you spend the most time on, usually finding loads.
- Prefer apps that combine several jobs, so you're not switching between five screens.
- Check what's free and what needs a subscription before you rely on it.
- Read recent reviews from drivers and test the app on a real load.
- Keep your phone mounted and use apps hands-free while driving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best free trucking app for loads?
It depends on your equipment and lanes. Just Tracking is a free load board app that shows broker credit and days to pay on every load. Broker apps are free too, but they only show that broker's freight.
Can I find loads with just an app?
Yes. Many owner-operators find, book and track loads entirely from their phones. You'll still need your authority, insurance and a carrier packet for each new broker.
Is there an app that tracks loads for brokers?
Yes. Tracking apps share your location and stop updates with brokers automatically. Our driver app shares location, stop check-ins and documents.
Are there apps for pickup truck loads?
Yes. Load board apps with hotshot, partial and small-truck filters list loads for pickups with trailers. Check the weight and size against your truck and trailer ratings.
Do I need a truck GPS app?
It's strongly recommended. Truck navigation routes around low bridges and restricted roads that regular map apps may not account for.
Get the free Just Tracking app
Find loads, check brokers, share tracking and navigate from one free app. Sign up for free today.
