These days, the Web can be an untapped resource of tools, tips and time-killers for truckers. From serious sites providing up-to-the-minute news and mileage calculators to work-free zones filled with games, jokes and fun forums, there's truly something out there for everyone.
Trucker blogs are one of the net's newest developments. A blog (short for "Web log") is an online diary of sorts, where you can share your thoughts and feelings on political topics, celebrity gossip or just document your day. Some drivers are now getting into the action with daily or weekly accounts of their trips or training, or just their thoughts on problems plaguing the industry.
So next time you're rolling down the information superhighway, be sure to stop off at these sites designed just for you.
www.hwyblogs.com
Ready to jump into the world of blogging? Check out HWY Blogs, a free hosting site for truckers, complete with step-by-step instructions on how to set up your own blog. Or just stop by and browse the blogs of more than 100 truck drivers, from Trucker Warren's day-by-day account of driver training to husband-and-wife team Ken and Karen's on-the-road adventures.
www.newbiedriver.com
Though designed to guide rookies through their first on-the-road trips, this site offers helpful information for drivers of all levels, such as tips on fatigue, road rage, winter driving, air brakes, coupling/uncoupling, dealing with dispatchers and becoming an owner/operator.
www.layover.com
This informative site is jam-packed with tools for truckers, including industry news, maps, a freight-matching service, practice CDL tests, a Q&A with recruiters and more.
www.truckmiles.com
Designed for owner-operators, you can calculate costs and determine routes for all your trips on this helpful site.
www.truckerweather.com
Check this address to get detailed forecasts for where you are and where you're going.
www.madtrucker.com
An online community for truckers, Madtrucker features forums, a chatroom, reader-submitted stories, a photo gallery and cool links.
www.truckerphoto.com
Set up as a site to share snapshots from the road, this site also offers restaurant reviews, message boards, a blog and links to audio Podcasts for your listening pleasure.
www.truckingblog.net
In the vein of more political blogs, the author offers his opinions on trucking industry issues such as fuel strikes.
www.webtruckstop.com
Click over to this site to find links for both work and play. A Game Room features Blackjack, crossword puzzles and video-type games, while a résumé bank and online job listings help you get the most out of your experience.
www.thetruckersreport.com
Everything from industry stock updates to poems by truckers are here. A new blog, www.thetruckersreport.com/truckers.blog encourages drivers to speak out about the issues that concern them.
www.fhwa.dot.gov
The official Web site of the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration links to every state's department of transportation site, for current road construction and closure updates and, in some cases, real-time traffic reports.
www.tccministries.org
The official site of the Truckers' Christian Chapel Ministries includes a nationwide list of chapel locations and worship service schedules
www.roadking.com
The magazine's official Web site lets you read nearly all the content online, while also offering links to fleet and government sites, e-mail newsletter sign up and online parts suppliers.
