TruckSmart

Launching Your TruckSmart Experience

TruckSmart is a comprehensive mobile application designed specifically for professional truck drivers and fleet operators. Developed by TravelCenters of America (TA), part of the bp portfolio, it serves as a digital companion for life on the road. Its primary purpose is to streamline access to essential services—like fueling, maintenance, parking, and showers—at TA, Petro, and TA Express locations nationwide. Unlike generic navigation or roadside assistance apps, TruckSmart integrates directly with the TA/Petro ecosystem, offering real-time availability, remote service initiation, and loyalty program management from a single interface.

Exploring TruckSmart: Core Functions and Mechanics

TruckSmart operates as a utility app centered around the daily needs of truck drivers. Its core functionality is not built on gameplay or narrative but on practical, time-saving tools that reduce downtime and enhance efficiency. The app leverages location data, user accounts (like UltraONE loyalty membership), and real-time system integrations to deliver services directly to the driver’s cab.

Location and Amenity Discovery

TruckSmart features an interactive map that displays TA, Petro, and TA Express sites within a 250-mile radius of the user’s current location. Drivers can filter locations by state, highway, or specific amenities—such as showers, parking, dining options, or maintenance services. Each site listing provides up-to-date fuel prices, parking availability, current weather conditions, and a detailed breakdown of amenities. Step-by-step navigation directions are integrated, making it easy to route the next stop.

Remote Service Management

A key differentiator for TruckSmart is its ability to initiate services remotely. Drivers can:

- Start fuel pumps from their cab, checking lane availability and prices beforehand. The app supports commercial fleet payments and stores payment prompts for future use.

- Book showers instantly, queueing for one before arrival. UltraONE members can redeem points, use UltraCredit, or pay by credit card. The app sends a notification when the shower is ready and even allows users to unlock the shower door directly from their phone.

- Reserve parking spots up to 30 days in advance via the Reserve-It Parking feature. Loyalty members can apply points or credit.

- Set up vehicle maintenance work orders with TA Truck Service up to 24 hours in advance. Users can create and save vehicle profiles to speed up future requests.

Loyalty and Account Integration

TruckSmart fully integrates with the UltraONE loyalty program. Users can check their point balance, UltraCredit status, and current gear level, and see progress toward the next tier. Points can be redeemed in-store, at TA Truck Service, or at participating restaurants directly through the app, eliminating the need for a kiosk visit.

Roadside Assistance and Safety

TruckSmart provides direct access to RoadSquad, TA’s 24/7 roadside assistance program. With location-sharing enabled, the app sends the user’s coordinates to the call center for faster, more accurate dispatch. The app also supports broader safety initiatives, including human trafficking awareness resources and training materials in collaboration with TAT (Truckers Against Trafficking).

The Team Behind TruckSmart and Supported Platforms

TravelCenters of America (TA), a well-established operator of highway travel centers across North America and part of the bp portfolio, developed TruckSmart. TA has a long history of serving professional drivers, with over 320 locations offering fueling, maintenance, dining, and convenience services. The app reflects their deep industry knowledge and commitment to leveraging technology for driver support.

TruckSmart is available for iOS and Android devices. It requires location services to be enabled for full functionality, particularly for features like real-time site filtering, fuel pump initiation, and roadside assistance. TruckSmart is free to download and use, though certain services—like fuel, showers, or parking—may require payment or UltraONE membership for discounts and rewards.

Critical User Feedback and Practical Highlights

Based on user reviews and reported experiences, several strengths and challenges stand out:

- Usability and Convenience: Users praise the app’s convenience, particularly the ability to start fuel pumps remotely, book showers without waiting in line, and reserve parking in advance. The integration with UltraONE is also highlighted as a significant benefit.

- Technical Performance: Some users report issues during peak usage times (e.g., between 3-6 PM CST), when the app may slow down or time out during fuel pump initiation. Server capacity during high demand appears to be a recurring concern.

- Interface and Functionality: The date picker in the registration process has been criticized for being non-intuitive and difficult to use for selecting historical dates. Some users also note that certain filters (e.g., expanding search radius beyond 50 miles) can be unresponsive.

- Rewards and System Errors: Occasional syncing errors between fuel transactions and UltraONE points/credits have been reported. Some users feel that customer support is not always responsive in resolving these issues, particularly when system errors occur.

- Safety and Community Initiatives: The app’s support for safety programs—like human trafficking awareness and roadside assistance—is well-regarded, aligning with TA’s broader commitment to driver welfare.

Why TruckSmart Is Worth Trying

TruckSmart is best suited for professional truck drivers who frequently use TA, Petro, or TA Express locations. Its primary value lies in reducing downtime, simplifying logistics, and maximizing the benefits of the UltraONE loyalty program. For owner-operators and fleet drivers alike, features like remote fuel initiation, instant shower booking, and parking reservations translate to tangible time and cost savings.

While the app has occasional technical hiccups, its core functionality delivers on the promise of a more streamlined life on the road. For drivers invested in the TA/Petro network, TruckSmart is not just a nice-to-have but a practical tool that enhances productivity and comfort. Its ongoing development—coupled with TA’s established industry presence—makes it a credible and useful addition to any driver’s digital toolkit.