Transportation Inspired Tweets
Posted by Karen Thomas on Tue, Mar 30, 2010 @ 12:37 AM
Tweeting. Twittering. Re-tweeting. Still on Twitter? Millions of are and included in that bunch are a number of truck drivers and transportation professionals who stay connected with friends, family, industry professionals, policy, and even fuel prices. The popular social media site features hundreds of transportation-related profiles that post resourceful information to professional and commuter drivers alike.
Take for example the profile Twitter.com/WsDOT (or better known as Washington State's Department of Transportation. In the past nine hours, their 8000+ followers would know:
'@vannschaffner We just heard, looks like the local Fire dept was able to clear the debris off the road before we got there (US 195) #spokane'
'@jaysondemers There was an accident at Spokane St. this morning that caused the backup on I-5 south.'
'Snowy day on the passes today, be prepared if you are heading over them: http://bit.ly/17B8nc '
Meanwhile, TruckerTalk (of The Trucker Newspaper) keeps followers up to date on federal policy, industry regulations, staff appearances, the state of trucking companies and much more.
Truck drivers find Twitter provides a number of uses. Supporting other truck driving professionals (in 140 characters or less of course) is a common post theme as is tweeting about weather warnings and road closures. Could Twitter possibly become the new CB? Most likely not (technically drivers would not be allowed to 'Tweet' while operating a vehicle in most states.)
Twitter is not only a social tool, but a profitable one as well. Take for example the hundreds of food trucks that operate in NYC each day. One's location is not only consistent and customer's need to know where they can find be sure to buy their favorite caramel creme sandwich. Some vendors started using Twitter to alert 'followers' (i.e. their customer base) of the truck's location, daily specials, new menu items and more.
Whether or not we continue to be subjected to winged, bipedal tetrapod vertebrate-related metaphors for years to come, Twitter proves to be a reliable, fresh information hub for many in the trucking industry and beyond.