APR 2002 TRUCKER TALK

It began with the need to replace my laptop computer. In computer terms, old is anything you’ve brought home from the store. In this case, my trusty, traveled-everywhere-with-me laptop was six years old – in computer years it was an antique. But that was ok – we worked well together.

It ran Windows 95 operating software and I backed everything up to my home desktop computer. I kept the books on a program that had outlived three computers – my laptop, two desktop Windows-based PC’s and one Mac. It had a few glitches, didn’t always give me the right mpg or dollars per mile, but those were shortcomings I was willing to overlook.

Well, as computers do at the least convenient time, things started going wrong – the screen wouldn’t always come on with the computer – funny squiggly lines came up instead. It started freezing up for no apparent reason. It slowed down like an old man with arthritis and no amount of begging and pleading (or deleting extra junk or talking nicely) would cure its ills. And fixing it was almost as much as replacing it.

So I went shopping for a new one. And found this wonderful, new toy with all the latest bells and whistles. I can now watch movies or make my own CD’s or practically scramble eggs with this thing. But it wouldn’t, couldn’t run my old accounting program. You see, the new technology built into the Windows XP operating system wasn’t compatible with the old program. I was crushed – it was practically a deal-breaker – but there was really no choice – all the new computers came with the same operating system – and that meant I had to find a new trucking accounting program.

I called the manufacturer of my old program. Sorry - not only were they no longer supporting it – but the customer service people had never even heard of it! So I did some homework and found that since I last looked for software there were quite a few new and terrific programs to choose from. And, I am happy to report, there is a program that is now working pretty nicely for me. I’m not going to tell you which one I chose, but of the programs listed, one should do the job for you.

I’m not yet at the point where I can operated the thing blindfolded and in my sleep, but my reports are clear and concise and the mpg and revenue per mile are accurate! And it reminds me when I have maintenance due. So I guess in spite of my misgivings, this old dog can still learn a few new tricks – and involuntary change is sometimes even good. So if you need a trucking-specific accounting program for your one truck or small fleet, check these out:

Hammer 2 – designed for owner-operators or small fleets. Provides reports for any time period, PM scheduling reminders, much more. Available with or without Prophesy Pro Mileage routing software. Call Fred at 800-772-2716 or go to www.hammerlane.com.

Easy Trucking Software – tracks profit per mile, saves time/money, makes tax time easier. For details call 800-459-OMNI or visit www.2omni.com/land.

FastLane’s Fast Track – their goal is to give small fleets or owner-operators the capabilities of large trucking companies. Call 877-928-1464 or check out www.gofastlane.com on the web.

LoadLedger – Version 1.4 now available. Reports for any time period, any number of tractors/trailers, maintenance tracking and reminders. Go to www.loadledger.com or call 866-Antworx (268-9679).

Profit Tracker Plus II – keep track of expenses, revenue, PM scheduling, customers and more. For more info call 800-846-1802 or visit www.edonna.com.

Dispatching Plus – for trucking companies and brokers. Find them on the web at www.edonna.com or call them toll free at 800-846-1802. Check with us next month as we bring you highlights from the Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, KY. And as always, we wish you Safe Journeys, wherever your road takes you.