App or Database of shipper locations?

google has that. it's called google maps.

first you type in the city he's going to. then you search for the business. it'll give you phone number. address. and even navigate you there.

sometimes you can find something no matter where your at. sometimes it won't find it untill you reach town.

 

good idea ! It would be great if we could write notes on the places along with directions for the next guy. perhaps a rating system to help find the correct directions as the database builds ? That would be very handy, you would be surprised how often I call for directions and wind up speaking to someone who has no idea of truck routing or if we can make certain turns, etc... I would be great to look up a place and see directions with a five star rating from 100 truckers or something so I'd know the directions are good. Or a recent note warning of construction and an alternate route, etc... Or notes that the shipper is notorious for making trucks wait, etc... Something like that could be very empowering for drivers.

 

Lumper service required ? Place to eat close by ? Rest room availability ? Drop trailer while unloading or stay hooked ?

 

I use an app/website called Loading Spot that does some of what you're asking. Add a "DOTcom" to the name for the website (don't want to get kicked off the site for promoting a business). It doesn't contain every business yet and there are still a few bugs, but I find it to be useful anyway.

While it doesn't do directions (yet), it does provide information such as overnight parking, lumpers, and FCFS/appointment only, and there is a spot to put additional notes such as dock hours, etc. Drivers can also add to the database by adding a shipper/receiver and they can rate the customer so other drivers can know what to expect when they get there.

Also, the makers of this service are very responsive to all the feedback I've given, including adding features I've suggested.

Hope this helps.

 

Looks like a great idea. I have used Microsoft One Note (older version) to keep up with the info on some of the shippers that husband has more often, I can copy and paste the google map directions into it, add notes for parking places etc.

I guess directions could be added by someone on this website into the rating notes.

 

I tried the loading spot app, on my galaxy s5 it crashed the first time I used it. It crashed the 2 more times I used it.

 

I believe they plan on adding a place for directions in the future. That's very dedicated of you to use One Note like that (you must really love your man LOL), but this kind of a service is the kind that can really only thrive and succeed if they get a lot of drivers involved to add reviews and information. I think Loading Spot has some great potential if they can get more drivers involved. I'm trying to get more people involved on my podcast, but I've got a small audience.