Communicating from the cabin of a truck requires some specialized equipment and perhaps some upfront cost. But the reward can come quick.

To do all this we need:

Laptop Computer:

Any recent and decent laptop will do. Remember, you are not going to do fancy computing; only communicating, some word-processing and document handling. What is very important are sturdiness, reliability and stability.  My recommendation goes toward the Windows XP as operating system. A laptop with a 15inch screen, 128MB Memory, 20GB harddrive, built in modem and network card, PCMCIA Slots, Lion batteries are now standard most of the times.

Cellular Phone (dual-mode, Analog and digital):

Uniform mobile phone coverage across America is still spotty. With digital coverage in the eastern half and in densely populated area and analog in between. Digital modem speed is currently up to 14,400 baud and analog is slower. Surfing the net at these speeds is not a pleasure, but it is adequate for e-mail and occasional surfing. Click here for more info on cell phones. Fill in your Zip Code then click on the link on the left for more phones

Cellular Contract:
National coverage is important if you drive all of the US. If know your area then you may tailor the coverage area to what you need. It is best to get combined digital and analog with as few roaming areas as possible. Depending on your contract, roaming charges add up. Try to include long distance calls in the contract.

Cellular Modem:

It should fit into the PCMCIA slot or your built in modem should work via a cable with your phone.

Power Inverter:

Converts your trucks DC into AC. A unit with 140 Watts continuous load should be sufficient for this application.

Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS):

It protects your laptops delicate electronics from electric noise, power spikes and power drops as well as you loosing work should the power stop flowing for whatever reason. The built in battery powers your setup for up to 15 minutes or more.

The small stuff:

To connect your cellular phone to the laptop you need: a cellular modem, a cable, an adaptor, and of course the cell phone.
Also a cigarette lighter charger for the cell phone.

An Internet Service Provider (ISP):

Here only one with national scope will do. Since you are on the road and in the truck your cellular plan will dictate which access numbers you will use. In motels and restaurants that let you hook into a telephone line you will want use the closest number. Be sure to check the cost of that local call, it may be more than if you were to use the cell phone. Restaurant phone rooms may not let you make local calls. Instead you may have to use your ISP's tollfree access number. There is an extra charge and it may just be cheaper to again use your cell phone.

At Home:

Aside from the low priced long distance calling plan, your home phone telephone number should be setup with an additional toll free number so that you can call in from anywhere. The cost of the calls get charged to your home phone at calling plan rate which could be as low as 3.9 cts. per minute. Calls from a payphone usually incur a $0.35 per call surcharge to reimburse the payphone operator. The cost for the toll free number is either none or maybe $2.50 per month.
Here are two outstanding plans: PNG and Unitel

Calling Cards:

Calling cards, either billable or prepaid come in handy for those unpredictable situations when all else fails. They don't have to be expensive or even with your long distance phone provider.

Another Alternative Flexible Dial Around suggestion:

The AccuDiaL program is the best overall Dial Around service available for Such a Low Rate of 5.9¢
AccuDial for home and on the road.

A Website:

You may want to have your own website to advertise your services to the public or sending visitors to when you are negotiating for additional information that is best conveyed in "printed" form saving you faxing time.
Your own e-mail address: It is so much more impressive if your e-mail reads Joe@YourTruckingCompany.com than Joe127422u@hotmail.com .

I hope this helps. Please use the links to research the products and services further. You may also e-mail me with questions you may have.

  Lowest Discount Long Distance Phone Rates: (click and find phone rates)
OPEX (from 4.5¢ per minute)
Unitel (3.9¢ per minute)
Capsule Communications (3.9¢ per minute)
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PowerNetGlobal (4.5¢ per minute)
I Phone Bill (from 2.9¢ per minute)
Planet Earth (4.3¢ per minute)
TALK CENTS xChanger  ( 3.9cts per minute)
AT&T One Rate 7¢ Plan ( 7cts per minute)
Elite Business (3.75¢ LD; Instate 3.5c for CA, IL, MI, NJ & OH $100min)

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