Our Top 5 Tips for Vehicle Fleets to Boost Cell Signal on the Road

Reliable connectivity is vital for commercial fleets nowadays. Drivers and dispatchers increasingly depend on an internet connection to get navigation updates, pick up jobs, and track vehicle performance through real-time telematics.

Many companies provide devices that rely on LTE cellular signal, such as tablets, cellular hotspots, dash cams, GPS, cradlepoint devices, and many more. With so much tech, fleet vehicles are becoming offices on wheels. Staying connected on the road can be a frustrating challenge when traveling through zones with weak cell signal.  

Even in metropolitan areas where plentiful cell towers stand close together, drivers may still experience poor cell reception. Sometimes, they pass by obstructions including bridges, overpasses or hills that block or disrupt cell signals. Local weather conditions such as rain, snow, dust storms, or fog can also weaken signals.

With connectivity being key to successful fleet management, we have some great tips to keep in mind when you need to boost cell signal on the road in your commercial fleet. 

Ways to boost your cell signal in transit

If you face difficulty maintaining a solid cellular signal on the road, try one or more of these top five tips to boost your reception.

1. Try again down the road

If you can’t get or keep a solid signal when you first make a call, try again 20 miles later. As you travel, your phone is constantly seeking signals from one tower to the next. You may have been out of range on your first call attempt, but you could be within the range of another tower within a few miles.

2. Aim higher

Because signals operate on line-of-sight, structures between you and the cell tower can weaken or block the signal trying to reach your device. Increasing your elevation even slightly can make a difference in signal strength. If you lose connection while driving through a valley or other low spot, try again as you head toward higher ground.

3. Park it

When you are stationary, your phone won’t have to keep bouncing from one tower to another to catch a signal. It may be easier to keep a consistent connection if you can pull off the road before attempting to make a call or access the internet.

4. Step out

Stepping outside your vehicle may reduce obstructions between your location and the nearest cell tower. Weather permitting, you might need to get outside the cab and move away from your truck to find a strong signal.

5. Get a cell aignal booster

A cellular signal booster can help eliminate worries about obstructions, bad weather, or interrupting your reception as you drive. With an economical, one-time purchase and simple installation, this technology boosts cell coverage in isolated areas. Booster kits significantly reduce the risk of dead spots and help keep you connected wherever the road takes you.

Whether you manage a commercial fleet or work as a commercial driver, a strong cell signal is necessary to complete daily job responsibilities on the road. weBoost offers industry-leading cell phone signal boosters specially designed for trucks and semis. These powerful accessories reach far to bring great reception to your truck in the city, countryside, interstate, and any location in between.

Best cell signal boosters for fleet vehicles

Drive Reach Fleet

The Drive Reach Fleet is our strongest multi-user cell signal booster for work trucks and fleet vehicles. It reaches cellular towers up to 74% farther than the Drive X Fleet. Its uplink-output power of up to 29.5 dBm ensures that owner operators keep their fleet connected — even in weak signal areas. Drive Reach Fleet works seamlessly with all phones, cellular devices, and networks.

• Farthest reach for fleet
• Requires professional installation
• Enhances signal for multiple users and devices
• Optimizes vehicle tracking in remote areas

Drive Reach OTR Fleet

When it comes to a fleet of vehicles, the Drive Reach OTR Fleet optimizes cellular connectivity for all fleet Vehicle Classes (1-8). weBoost’s cellular signal boosters for fleet vehicles keep OTR drivers connected with dispatch and fleet managers. From congested cities to remote locations, the Drive Reach OTR Fleet improves in-vehicle connectivity to support telematics systems and multiple cellular-connected devices simultaneously.

• Most powerful fleet vehicle booster
• Requires professional installation
• Modular OTR antenna adjusts from 17” to 45”
• Multiple mounting options

Best cell signal boosters for trucks

Drive Sleek OTR

Drive Sleek OTR is ideal for single users in trucks and semis. It comes with a magnetic vent clip, an adjustable phone cradle, and a 17” Trucker Antenna. The Drive Sleek’s innovative design accommodates small tablets and wider smartphones.

• Up to +22 dB gain
• Cradle fits devices 5.1” to 7.5” long
• USB-A port charges device in use
• Several CB-antenna mount options

Drive Reach OTR

Drive Reach OTR is our strongest multi-user cell signal amplifier for semis. The height-adjustable antenna elevates up to 40”. Drive Reach OTR strengthens all available signals up to 32 times for fewer dead zones and faster downloads in extremely remote locations.

• Farthest reach for trucks
• For multiple users and mobile devices, including telematics and ELD
• Spring antenna base stands up to low branches and gusty winds
• Several CB-antenna mount options

How a cell phone signal booster works 

A truck cell signal booster captures an existing outside signal and boosts it up to 32 times. Then, the booster distributes the stronger signal throughout your truck cab. 

A booster kit typically includes an outside antenna that catches the signal, an amplifier or cellular repeater, an interior antenna that broadcasts the boosted signal, and a cable to attach the components together. Boosters need access to a power supply and can usually plug into your truck’s AV power source.

MiFi hotspots vs. cell signal boosters

When it comes to finding a connectivity solution for your fleet vehicles, you may look into your options for using a MiFi hotspot or cellular booster kit. Here’s a closer look at some limitations of MiFi and the advantages from cell phone signal boosters. 

MiFi hotspots come with limitations:

• Hotspots only work with the carrier providing them.
• These devices rely on battery power.
• Some network services can be spotty along freeways or at truck stops.
• MiFi hotspots require purchasing an additional monthly plan.

You can overcome many of these limitations by utilizing your cellular device to hotspot for internet connection. In addition to boosting hotspot capabilities, a cell signal booster allows for a more reliable connection for all cellular-connected devices in the vehicle.

Cell signal boosters offer these advantages:

• Cell signal boosters for trucks and fleets amplify weak 3G, 4G LTE, and 5G signals for all major carriers.
• If you use a hotspot device, a booster can improve its performance.
• One-time purchase means no additional monthly bill or fees.

It can be well worth it to opt for the reliability of a cell signal booster over the relatively less consistent performance of a MiFi hotspot alone. 

Satellite internet vs. cell phone boosters

Some trucking companies utilize satellite internet equipment to give drivers access to a mobile connection. This carries some drawbacks.

• Latency: Satellite internet connections can be notoriously slow, as data has to travel through a complex maze encompassing 22,000 miles between earth and sky.
• Inconsistency: Atmospheric and weather conditions bear heavily on satellite internet service. Inclement weather, heavy clouds, or layers of ice can degrade or block cellular reception.
• Bandwidth gaps: When satellite internet systems hit capacity, customers often see a decline in performance. Satellite plans have download caps that are easy to reach while traveling as well.
• Cost: Satellite internet is the priciest connectivity option. It comes with expensive equipment that requires professional installation and a monthly service plan that typically costs more than hotspot services.

Cell signal boosters for work trucks and provide powerful signal reception for a fraction of the cost of satellite service with no recurring charges. All our kits feature sturdy exterior antennas built to withstand the elements to bring a better signal to your truck. Each can be mounted easily on most heavy-duty trucks as well.

Safety and security with weBoost

weBoost cell phone signal boosters extend your coverage for constant reception from coast to coast. You’ll be able to maximize your unlimited data plans and hotspot bandwidth with no recurring fees or extra charges. Our devices encrypt data for more secure connections. Most importantly, access to a solid signal gives you peace of mind for whatever you face on the road.

weBoost is the leading manufacturer of vehicle cell phone boosters. As the official cell signal booster partner for Subaru Motorsports USA, our in-vehicle boosters provide a connectivity solution for vehicles of every type. Produced in the United States, they come with a two-year warranty. Our boosters work with all mobile devices on all North American networks and are approved by the FCC.

Choose weBoost to speed up your internet connection and hold your calls with enhanced voice quality. Contact us today to get the signal boost you need.