laptop issues
 

what type of software & equipment would I need besides a laptop and phone?
to close a deal with a broker.

can I fax and print from my cab?

Get a small fax/scanner/copier and an aircard from AT&T or Verision for anywhere connection.

You can get an aircard from any of the major wireless carriers- unlimited will run you about $60/month from any of them. I have Sprint and I've been impressed with their coverage. Check with your current cellular provider- it's easier than starting new coverage with a different provider. I suggest anything but Nextel. We had Nextel and the wireless internet card was terribly slow. Switched to Sprint (this was during the whole Nextel/Sprint merger) and have been very happy.

As far as faxing goes, you have a number of faxing options on the road. I don't use a broker- but I imagine it would be a good idea.

I fax from the truck all the time.

Also- you may want an all-in-one printer/scanner/fax/copy machine. You should be able to pick one up for a couple hundred bucks. They may be less now- we bought our current one about a year ago.

We have a nice HP lap top and bought a HP all in one printer (no fax) it scans, copies, and all. We have the Sprint card and have been VERY happy with it. For faxes we went with myfax.com and for 10.00 a month I can send and recieve all the faxes I need.

We are under a permit load now and getting faxes to the truck is a BIG time and money saver!!

tootie