Smartphone

I should have done it long before I did. Last spring my aunt came up from Dallas with her new iPad and as much enthusiasm for it as a kid after Christmas. I had heard of iPads but had never seen one before. I adamantly resist any sort of technology that comes with a monthly charge and is not absolutely essential; but within a day or two, I was convinced that, for a truck driver, a smartphone is indeed essential. Besides, I had a significant discount with Verizon through my company, and my entire phone bill was tax-deductible. So, here are the reasons why every truck driver should have a smartphone or other mobile internet device:

1. YellowPages.

 * Since I delivered to stores - up to a dozen or more a day - it was extremely handy to be able to look up customers' phone numbers or addresses when they were missing or inaccurate on the paperwork; much easier and quicker than calling and bothering my dispatcher, having her search through the slow old computer database, and often with no luck.

* I also now have directory access to all my local businesses and agencies, etc., so if I have some business to take care of at home while I'm away, I can do it.

2) Google Maps.

* When my map software isn't quite precise and I want a second opinion, or when I want for any reason to see a satellite image of the place I'm going to be putting my 75' vehicle before I put it there.

* When I find myself settling into a new town for the night and don't know what's around or where to eat, I can find out. I can also zoom in on a satellite photo to see if the access and parking of a place are big enough to accomodate a truck. I hate to use the word "empowered" but I can't understate how useful Google Maps is for a truck driver, for getting the job done and for after-hours.

3. Google Navigator. This functions exactly as a GPS device. And it's free. And it's reliable.

4. Numerous truck- and travel-friendly apps, including a national interstate exit directory of restaurants and amenities at each exit.

5. E-mail. I can take care of business, or be in touch with friends and family about plans for the weekend.

6. Facebook. Same thing. And because when I'm parked for the night in a Lowe's parking lot in the boondocks of Northern Pennsylvania I really need to know what my friend's kids are up to in Colorado.

7. It appears that you can tether your laptop to your internet phone via USB cable and thus also have internet on your laptop. (I noticed this only recently, long after I had cancelled my phone service and left the country, so I'm not able to try it out. But it looks promising.)

8. Your phone bill is tax deductible.