11 Trucking Apps That Make Life on the Road Easier

Driving a lorry isn’t just about getting from A to B. There are (literally) so many moving parts to keep track of when you’re on the job as a truck driver.

Between route planning, fuel costs, compliance, and getting through standstill traffic, you’ve got a lot on your plate. The good news? You don’t have to figure it out by yourself. 

Thanks to modern technology, there are trucking apps that can help with everything from navigation to compliance. 

The best apps for truck drivers will help you work smarter, not harder. If you’re working for an agency, the company you’re working with might already have their own preferred apps and systems. 

But it never hurts to know what else is out there, because the right tech can make trucking life a whole lot easier. Just keep in mind, some of these apps have in-app purchases for extra features, so be sure to check what’s included before committing!

Let’s take a look.

Navigation and route planning apps

Regular navigation apps are great if you’re in a car. But when you’re a professional driver hauling a 40-tonne truck, the last thing you need is Google Maps sending you down a narrow country lane or straight toward a bridge that thinks all vehicles are under 3.5m tall.

Truck-specific GPS apps are a lifesaver. They take into account your vehicle’s height, weight, and load restrictions, helping you avoid tight squeezes and weight-limited roads. 

1. Sygic Truck & Caravan GPS Navigation

Sygic is a free app to download with paid options for extra features, available for both iPhone and Android devices. With up-to-date offline maps, custom routes for trucks, and 7 different vehicle profiles, you’ll be even more confident navigating the roads.

Pick the best route for your lorry without weight limits getting in the way. Sygic lets you customise your truck’s size, weight, max speed, and even Hazmat levels to get the safest, most efficient route. Their route planning even lets you avoid toll roads and U-turns. 

When it’s time for a pit stop to stretch your legs, the app flags petrol stations, truck stops, rest areas, and more.

2. CoPilot Truck

CoPilot Truck is one of the most popular apps in the trucking industry, and for good reason. This app is available on both the Google Play store and the Apple App store, and you can get a 14-day free trial period to get a feel for it before you commit. If you like it, you can get 12 months for a little over £90 with all features included.

CoPilot also offers Hazmat settings and the ability to calculate efficient routes based on your truck’s dimensions and load types. With PC*Miler routing, you’ll never have to worry about hitting truck-restricted roads. And with real-time traffic reports, it’s designed to keep you on the safest, most efficient path with accurate ETAs to help you deliver on time, every time.

3. TomTom GO

With TomTom GO, you can customise routes based on the type of cargo you’re carrying. And with clear lane guidance, you’ll avoid missed exits or rerouting headaches.

Like with other mobile apps, it alerts you to upcoming petrol stations and rest stops so you can plan your mandatory breaks in advance.

Fuel price tracking

Fuel price tracking apps are like a trusty sidekick on the road, helping you avoid paying more than you need to at the pump. They’ll show you where the cheapest fuel is along your route, so you can skip the expensive stations and save a little extra.

4. PetrolPrices

Available on Android and iPhone, this free app lets you filter by brand of fuel or fuel type. 

You can even sort by distance if you’re running low and need a refill fast. You can also update any changes in fuel prices, letting other truck drivers know where to find the best deals.

5. Shell Fleet

The Shell Fleet app, available on any smartphone, is great for saving money at the pumps. You get a discount per litre on both standard diesel and unleaded fuels, plus a discount on Shell V-Power fuels at all Shell-branded locations.

Load boards and freight matching

Load boards are a solid way to cut down on empty miles and increase profits. Instead of driving around with an empty truck, you can quickly find available loads that’ll keep you moving and earning. 

One of the top UK platforms for this is:

6. Returnloads.net

Available for download on the Google Play store and the Apple App store, Returnloads.net has launched an app that lets owner-operators and haulage companies quickly find a load within a radius of 10 to 200 miles from wherever their vehicle happens to be in the UK. 

It’s a great way to keep your truck busy and make the most of every journey!

7. Haulage Exchange

With this app, you can join the UK’s biggest network of loads and haulage experts. Find thousands of daily freight opportunities, filter jobs by route, connect with verified professionals, and use insights like Price-Per-Mile to make smarter, money-saving decisions.

Compliance and safety apps

Let’s face it, no one’s a fan of paperwork, but when it comes to keeping your truck and tachograph in check, it’s a must. 

Here are a couple of apps that can help:

8. SmartCheck

SmartCheck offers a 2-week free trial and works on both Android and iPhone. After the trial, it’s just £5 per vehicle, making it a cost-effective way to stay on top of vehicle checks and compliance.

With SmartCheck’s damage reporting, you can easily log and submit damages as part of your daily vehicle check. 

By keeping a clear, up-to-date digital record, you can cut down on disputes, improve accountability, and take action quicker to keep your fleet running as it should.

9. Trucker Timer

The Trucker Timer app is perfect for HGV drivers who want an easier way to track their driving hours. It has a built-in driving log and tachograph feature to give you accurate results every time. 

Available for both Android and Apple devices, it’s priced at £4.99 on the App Store and £3.32 on the Google Play Store.

Honourable mentions

While this list of apps should keep you busy, we thought we’d throw in a few miscellaneous ones that might come in handy on your travels.

10. WhatsApp

Chances are you’ve already got this one downloaded, but if not, it’s a fantastic way to stay in touch with friends and family while you’re on the road.

Available for both Android and Apple phones, you can message, call, and video chat for free with anyone, no matter where they are in the world.

11. Audible

If you're looking to make those long drives a bit more interesting, Audible is a must to download. You can listen to audiobooks, podcasts, and more to keep yourself entertained and make the most of your time on the road.

These apps are all about making your life on the road a bit easier and a lot more efficient. Whether you’re driving solo, managing a fleet, or running a trucking business, these apps can save you time, money, and a whole lot of hassle.

If you’ve got all the right tech at hand but are looking for a new driving job, we can help! Check out our driving jobs and find your perfect match.