Truck parking apps that will save you time and money

As truck parking continues to be a nationwide problem for truckers, the private sector is capitalizing on the crisis. Although that sometimes comes in the form of paid parking, others are offering services to make the search for parking easier.

If you go on your smartphone’s app market and search for “truck parking,” you will likely find a bunch of apps. App developers are savvy people and know that truckers are having a difficult time locating parking spaces and that they use mobile devices a lot. Consequently, there are plenty of truck parking apps to choose from. To save you some time, below are several options and what they have to offer.

Big Three apps

Before getting into more comprehensive parking apps, it’s worth noting that the Big Three truck stops – Love’s, Pilot Flying J and TravelCenters of America – each have their own. Whether you are loyal to one of these truck stops or the carrier you’re leased to has a deal with one of them, these apps are useful if you go exclusively to one of the Big Three truck stops.

Love’s Connect

With a Google Play rating average of 4.3 of five stars and 3.9 on Apple, Love’s Connect offers a travel map where you can plan a trip based on Love’s locations. Drivers also can check their My Love Rewards account, reserve shower time, activate commercial fuel pumps with Love’s Mobile Pay, view receipts, see real-time fuel prices and request Truck Tire Care roadside assistance.

Pilot Flying J

Pilot’s app (4.5 on Google, 4.8 on Apple) is the highest rated of the Big Three apps. Like Love’s Connect, a trip planner allows users to map their route according to PFJ locations. Users can filter locations by amenities, parking availability, fuel type, restaurants and food offerings. Truckers can check their myRewards account, including earning free showers when they fuel. PFJ’s app also includes mobile fueling and shower reservations. Paid parking also can be reserved. One key feature: live parking data available at locations along the I-5 corridor and one location in Knoxville, Tenn.

TruckSmart

TravelCenters of America’s app does not rate well. The app has a 2.8 rating on Google Play Store and a 1.7 rating on the Apple app store. The app displays TA & Petro locations within 250 miles of the current location and includes a list of amenities for each site. Current fuel prices can be viewed. Also, RoadSquad can be reached via the app.

TruckPark (3.7 on Google Play, 4.2 on Apple store)

This app is more of a reservation app if parking is expected to be a bigger nightmare than normal. TruckPark helps truckers reserve spots in real-time at select locations that are signed up with the app. That being the case, most of the 4,800 truck parking spots at more than 110 TruckPark locations are situated near major freight hubs. Simply search for the area where you’ll need parking, pre-pay to reserve the spot, and navigate your way to a safe spot that will be waiting for you and only you. BONUS: OOIDA members can receive a 10% discount on truck parking rates through the TruckPark app.

Trucker Path (3.5 on Google Play, 4.7 on Apple store)

You’ll need to pay for a subscription to access the trucking feature on this one, but you get what you pay for. This is among the most comprehensive trucking apps on the market. In addition to including all types of parking features within the navigation map, users can customize their profile to get the optimal route and information. Profile information to input include driver type, driver experience, hauler preference, routing type (LTL, OTR, regional, etc.). Inputting truck data like size and weight also will optimize your trip. The diamond subscription goes further by offering HOS optimization. Additionally, Trucker Path has a forum, load board, job board and other industry features. The diamond plan is $30 a month or $300 a year, but again, you get what you pay for.

DAT Trucker (4.1 on Google Play, 3.0 on Apple store)

Perhaps better known for its load board, DAT also has a navigation app. The map will show you truck stops, rest areas and Walmart locations where you can stop for some rest. DISCLAIMER: Contact each Walmart store to make sure it’s cool for you to park. If you stay at hotels, this app will show those too. Click on any truck stop tab to see number of parking spots, fuel prices, amenities, even whether or not the lot is paved. And yes, access to DAT’s free load board is available on the app.

Road Hunter (4.1 on Google Play, 4.2 on Apple store)

When you first open the Road Hunter app, it asks if you are a company driver, owner-operator or “other.” That’s a good sign, indicating this app’s developers understand there are different needs. This app allows you to search by specific truck stop or gas station brand, in addition to rest areas, Walmart locations and weigh stations. Have a membership at one of the national chain gyms? Road Hunter has a gym search option too. Click on the weather icon and see warnings and watches. Click on a county that shows an alert, and the National Weather Service alert will pop up. The navigation feature allows you to input your truck height and weight and whether or not you’re running hazardous goods to fully optimize the trip.

TruckMap (3.9 on Google Play, 4.6 on Apple store)

In terms of locating overnight truck parking, this app may have the easiest interface. One of the search options is “Overnight Parking.” Once you click on that, TruckMap pops up a list of places to park overnight based on your current location. The list includes Walmart locations, truck stops and gas stations. Click on any of the locations and it will show the number of spaces and available amenities. As of press time, fuel price information was not available for most locations. The app claims it covers more than 400,000 truck parking spots at more than 14,000 locations. The navigation app is tailored for trucks, allowing users to plan for weight, low clearance, hazmat and routes around truck-restricted roads. LL