Duty Status Logging / Driver Phone Software

[Carrier Mobile]

Hi everyone,

I’m a student at a university in Michigan. A few months ago, I started a project to develop a mobile phone platform to assist truck drivers log their duty statuses. I assembled a group to help produce a prototype that we hope to complete and distribute free to truck drivers this summer. We are really hoping that truck drivers can give us direct input into the development of the program so that we can make it useful to you as possible.

Currently, we want to write applications for the iPhone, Blackberry and other smartphones (starting with the iPhone first, since that’s what we have experience with) that will log driver’s duty status automatically much like the Qualcomm systems (emulating Werner’s paperless logs or similar products). Additionally, each driver will be given a unique identifier and have their own free account that will allow drivers to upload their logging data, network with other drivers, and track their own routes. There are a number of other things we think drivers might like, such as location-based job searches and near-real-time tracking. Of course, all of these options will have the option of being turned off.

There are a number of general things we’d like to know before we begin development:

1. What kind of cell phones do drivers have? Do many have iPhones, Blackberries or similar? How many plan to purchase one of these phones in the near future?

2. What kind of functions/features MUST drivers have in a platform like this? What are the most important things we must include in our software?

3. Is there anything we should NOT include in our software?

4. Are there any problems drivers often encounter that a platform like this might be able to solve?

5. Are drivers interested in this sort of thing?

Driver input is essential to determining the direction we take to a final product, so any input is extremely helpful. We’re going to monitor these posts periodically to add updates and answer questions as best we can. If you want to contact us directly, you can email the team at info.carriermobile@gmail.com.

[ranger309]

You might want to contact Penske Logistics. They have been using a Nextel Cellphone based logging/tracking system since 2005 or 2006. Yes, lots of drivers are using smartphones and even pocket PC's these days in addition to laptop PC's, XM Radio and satellite TV.

[Comftblynumb]

I should probably start with the fact that I am not a smart phone owner though I do try to keep track of these new apps waiting for one that might send me out to the store for one.

The first thing that I would ask is about the automatic feature. Perhaps it might need to require input so that the phone will know the difference between me creeping along in gridlock traffic verses walking across the parking lot? I would think that you are using the GPS system for this alot. I know that an amazing number of drivers LOVE thier GPS moving maps (tomtom, garmin etc) Even in the company I work for, we only go to comapny terminals and we know about all of them. I am suprised at the number of my collegues that rave about having one anyway. If you could incorperate directions, fuel, low bridges and some of the things on these products, I would bet you would have a BIG winner.

The tracking feature might be a great selling tool to companies. If the company or customer could track us, they would love it. Qualcom and the other satalites are very outdated. It involves alot of expensive, bulky equipment installed in the trucks. I currently run time critical freight and we are using Nextels. They su*k. Make an app that is driver and company friendly, you'll be rich.

Good luck.

[Carrier Mobile]

Thanks for the great info guys!

We are well aware of the Nextel products. Do you know anyone who currently uses that system? It would be nice to get info on what they like/dislike about it.

In terms of the tracking, we are planning to make it so that you must update it whenever there is a change in duty status. However, we are still in early development and are open to suggestions. Could you describe how you would envision it working?

Most of the competition we have seen thus far seems to target the companies. We are targeting both the company AND the driver. There are several features we are thinking about implementing for the driver, including:

An application that maps out the gas prices of stations nearby.
Location-based, targeted restaurant advertising, so that you can get deals for restaurants in whatever city you are in.
Maps designed for truck drivers. This would include things like trucker stops and service locations. We like your idea, comftblynumb, of including low bridges. Toll roads might be another good thing to include. Is there anything else you can think of that we could include in that?

Down the road, we are considering creating a type of social network for drivers. For example, a driver could friend other drivers that he knows, and then be able to see their routes and see when friends will be nearby. Also, drivers could rate different things, such as roads, truck stops, ect. Any input on this idea would be helpful.

Finally, we want to know if there is anything that you get annoyed with while driving that you think a mobile app might be able to fix. Please, even if it sounds very unlikely, we would like to hear about it.

Your input is greatly appreciated. Thank you.

[Stogey]

Originally Posted by Comftblynumb

I should probably start with the fact that I am not a smart phone owner though I do try to keep track of these new apps waiting for one that might send me out to the store for one.

The first thing that I would ask is about the automatic feature. Perhaps it might need to require input so that the phone will know the difference between me creeping along in gridlock traffic verses walking across the parking lot? I would think that you are using the GPS system for this alot. I know that an amazing number of drivers LOVE thier GPS moving maps (tomtom, garmin etc) Even in the company I work for, we only go to comapny terminals and we know about all of them. I am suprised at the number of my collegues that rave about having one anyway. If you could incorperate directions, fuel, low bridges and some of the things on these products, I would bet you would have a BIG winner.

The tracking feature might be a great selling tool to companies. If the company or customer could track us, they would love it. Qualcom and the other satalites are very outdated. It involves alot of expensive, bulky equipment installed in the trucks. I currently run time critical freight and we are using Nextels. They su*k. Make an app that is driver and company friendly, you'll be rich.

Good luck.

I use map quest a lot, but if you are not careful you can head towards a low bridge or other areas not suitable for big trucks.

[ranger309]

I got to thinking that listing tunnels, roads and bridges, where petroleum hazmat tankers and/or other placarded truckloads are not allowed during the time periods of medium to high traffic loads might be something to look into, as well. Also ,one thing to remember too is that we drivers just use the term "fuel" for both gasoline and diesel fuels. Glad we can help you out with your project.