Who knows how many truckers are looped in to social media - Facebook, Twitter, and so on. No definitive study has been conducted, but we do know that social media tools are a great way for truckers to stay connected with friends and family while on the road.

And did you know you can update your Facebook and Twitter “profiles” via mobile phone? Even though the federal government just officially banned texting-and-driving by truckers, you CAN STILL text. You just need to pull over, park your rig, and do it safely. Text updates by phone are also a backdoor solution to accessing Facebook and Twitter, something that’s especially useful when you’re away from your computer or not near a Wi-Fi connection.

So how do you link your mobile phone with Twitter and Facebook? Go to the “Settings” tab on your Twitter account and then click “Mobile” to find instructions. Basically, you’ll send a text (any text will do) to 40404 (Twitter’s U.S. short code) or 21212 (Canada’s short code) and you’ll be texted back the rest of the signup instructions.

For Facebook, go to “Settings,” then “Account Settings.” Click the “Mobile” tab next, and it will walk you through instructions on how to set up in less than three steps.

Once you’re all set, text an update to your status and tell you friends and family what you’re doing, or where you are going (like “Just drove past a small field of red corn poppies along Interstate 95! Thanks to VDOT’s Wildflower Program for brightening up my drive!” …You get the picture.). But again, make sure you’ve pulled over safely at a rest or truck stop first before you text!

P.S. Want to link up with Getloaded.com? You can find us at www.twitter.com/getloaded or at www.facebook.com/getloaded.