Instant O/O and Load boards

Ten Four driver.

 

Install a print to PDF function. There are several free ones. Then print any digital paperwork to PDF, store the PDF in you laptop and print it when you need it.

You can also do that with scanned documents. If your going to scan it to print (copy) you might as well store the scan as well.

FYI: Print to PDF = search for "Bullzip Print to PDF"

 

I was thinking about putting my small inkjet printer in the sleeper with a power inverter that plugs into the cig lighter. It copies, scans, and faxes. I would be using it as a copy machine primarily. I was thinking that during my 10 off, I could make copies of all my load paperwork right there in the sleeper, just for records in my briefcase in case I needed them later down the road for one reason or another. Didn't know if this was necessary or not.

 

That's what I use mine for Larry. Print load confirmations, sign them, scan them and attach them to an email back to the broker or shipper. I've got a Gateway netbook that I use in conjunction with the printer/scanner. A couple brokers I use allow copies of the bill of ladings. I'll scan the original, print my invoice and scan both, attach to an email to the broker before I even leave the reciever's lot. Works like a charm!

 

I would also get an online fax number, The one I had was $10 month for, I think, 200 faxes. It emails you the faxes as pdf's, you can also email fax with it as well. I usually tried to use email with brokers, but sometimes it was easier just give them the fax number. It was also good for ordering trip permits. I would just keep the email with the permit on my blackberry.

 

Make sure your multi-function unit has a locking tab, or you have the locking tab that came with it. Locking it between use will significantly enhance its wear-ability. The locking tab is either a plastic insert, or incorporated into the unit. Check the Quick Start guide that came with it to see where and how to use it (The guide tells you to remove it before powering it on).

If you have the ability, I'd stick to scanning for storage rather than paper... the paper adds up and thousands of loads worth of data will fit on a thumb drive (for backup).

 

Thanks alot guys. I really appreciate the info. Jason, I had no idea you could purchase an online fax number like that. I will definitely be doing that! Sounds like I'll be putting my printer/fax/scanner in the sleeper for sure. Next, I need to get with Verizon (my cell phone provider) and get my laptop setup so that I can have internet access anywhere I go. Thanks again guys. BTW, where's Pharm at these days? Does he ever post anymore?

 

Verizon has some impressive mobile internet - that's who I'm using most of the time. It'll cost you about $60 a month and it has a download limit I've never run over. Really strong signal anywhere you've seen a trace of people in the last hour - it will drop out in places where anyone else's will also (middle of nowhere, Utah, New Mexico, etc).

Whatever you do, try and avoid having a contract on the data line - don't buy a modem from them with a contract attached. I used a USB cable off my cellphone for awhile, and then finally bought a brand new V740 data card off ebay for $140 (Verizon wanted more than that even WITH a 2 yr contract). It's been trouble free and easy the whole time I've had it so far.

Pharm is using a Millenicom USB modem - I think - and it worked everywhere Verizon did for the most part. If I wasn't such a die hard Verizon fan, I might go that route - I remember him saying it was cheaper than mine. I haven't bugged him lately for an update, but I hope he's doing alright out there.

The only improvement I'd like to make is to get a cellular antenna installed on the truck (maybe a Wilson trucker model) one of these days when I have some cash to squander. It'd be great to make the most of the service I'm paying for.

 

HP
I have one for my data card. I don't think it made that much difference
Your welcome to try mine if the conn will work with your card.

 

You said you used a usb cord from your phone to your laptop? I've got the access pack on my phone which gives me unlimited text and internet access. Do they make a cord that will enable me to run my laptop off of my phone's internet?