If you use the DAT Trucker™ mobile app for Android, you probably noticed some big changes recently. We redesigned the app to work the same way that most other mapping apps do. More importantly, now DAT Trucker lets drivers find what they need faster and easier. Based on your location, you can find truck stops, rest areas, fuel prices, Walmarts, nearby loads, truck-friendly hotels and more.
We’ve gotten a lot of great feedback from new users who love the app, but truckers who’ve been using the app for a long time are telling us that they've had trouble finding the tools they used in the old version.
Everything is still there, and after you first get the app set up with your personalized settings, you can find what you’re looking for in one click.
Everything is still there, and after you first get the app set up with your personalized settings, you can find what you’re looking for in one click.
When you open the app, there's a map based on your phone's GPS location. The markers show locations that match your search results – just like in Google Maps. You can see everything at once, or choose whether you want to see truck stops, rest areas, Walmarts or more. Tap the magnifying glass in the top-right corner to search other cities.
If you tap the triangle icon circled in the screen above, you can choose which categories you want to search: Truck stops, rest areas, etc. The app will remember what you select and do the same search anytime you open the app, based on your GPS location. Once you have it set to your preferences, you'll find what you're looking for faster than you could with the old version.
If you want to see a list of search results like you did in the old version, you can tap "list" from the map screen. Tap on the sort options (circled in the picture), and you can sort the list by name, distance, fuel price and more. Also, this is often the most useful way to see search results if you're in a place where the internet connection isn't strong.
Trying to find a parking spot? From the list, you can get more details about each business. Tap on a truck stop to see how many parking spots they have and get info about showers, laundry, scales and much more.
You can still search for nearby loads. Just tap on the main menu in the top-left corner and choose "Find loads nearby." You might see fewer results than you used to because the old version showed loads for every equipment type. The new version shows loads that match the truck and trailer in your profile, so the loads are more relevant to what you're looking for.
You can also tap the DAT Trucker icon in the bottom right corner and choose what you want to do. For example, you can tap "Fuel up" and find the cheapest nearby diesel prices, or "Sleep" to find truck-friendly hotels.
Another advantage of the new version is that it lets our software developers make updates faster and make changes based on your suggestions. For example, many of you pointed out that we didn't include landscape mode, which flips the display when you turn the phone sideways. That'll be fixed in an update coming soon, so keep sending suggestions.
Get the DAT Trucker mobile app in the Google Play store or the Apple App Store.
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Note: This article was adapted from DAT’s blog post on www.DAT.com. It was first published in April, 2016.