Our second annual Technology Priorities Survey focused on the growing demand for wireless high-speed networks for the trucking industry. Our survey, conducted in partnership with Truckstop.net, the largest wireless high-speed network for the mobile professional, examined Internet usage patterns for truckers on the road, concerns with current systems available at truck stops, as well as future demand growth.

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Over 70% of the more than 200 professional drivers and owner/operators included in the survey indicate using the Internet while on the road. (It should be noted that the use of the Internet by this survey sample may be somewhat higher than the industry average because the survey was conducted online and thus included truckers accustomed to using electronic communication.) E-mailing family and friends and surfing for personal information are the top two reasons given, followed by communication with their carrier. About a quarter are using the Internet while on the road to search for loads.

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Despite the high demand for Internet usage while on the road, many of the drivers included in the survey are unsatisfied with the current infrastructure. Almost half consider themselves somewhat to very unsatisfied with Internet access at truck stops. Another 45% say they are only somewhat satisfied. Only 8% say they are very satisfied with current Internet access at truck stops.

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Limited points of access are the main limiting factor to increased use of the Internet by truckers on the road, noted as such by 64% of our survey sample. Cost of connection fees is also viewed as an obstacle with more than half of survey respondents mentioning it. Slow connection speeds are an issue for a third of the survey sample.

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The survey found strong support for increased high-speed Internet access at truck stops. An overwhelming 85% of respondents say high-speed access at truck stops would change the way they used the Internet.

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The survey results also indicate a strong case for carriers to consider providing access to high-speed wireless Internet services as an incentive to attract drivers. Two thirds of the drivers responding to the survey say they would consider access to such a service as an incentive in contracting with a carrier.