By David Hollis, Editor, Truckers News

There was a time, and it wasn’t all that long ago, that a trucker drove in a communications-free bubble of near isolation. Keeping in touch with dispatch, someone at their destination or home meant hopscotching from one pay phone to the next and having a pocket full of change handy.

Then came the revolution. CB radios. Qualcomm. Cell phones. Smartphones. Wi-Fi® connectivity. Truckers today are pretty much only out of touch if they choose to be or if they travel through one of the spots in the country without reliable cellular service.

But, even today having a signal is one thing, while hearing and being heard clearly are another. Given the nature of the truck driver’s job -- not to mention regulations – calls now are generally accomplished hands-free and more and more with a Bluetooth-enabled device.

According to a recent survey conducted by the RoadPro Family of Brands, more than two-thirds, (68%) said quality is the most important feature in deciding what to buy, with 50% responding that brand name influences their choice when selecting a headset.

But, what else should you consider when looking for a Bluetooth headset?

Noise Cancellation. Almost half (42%) of drivers in the RoadPro survey said noise cancellation is the most important feature they look for when buying a Bluetooth headset. The reason is simple: they want whomever they’re calling to hear them.

Let’s face it, the cab of a truck heading down an interstate, stuck in city traffic or parked at a busy truck stop is not the ideal place from which to make a phone call. Background noise can turn your important call into useless garble.

Good headsets use several microphones and sophisticated signal-processing software to isolate and remove annoying ambient noise, so your voice comes through loud and clear.

Comfort. About a quarter of those surveyed (23%) said comfort is the most important feature the consider when buying a Bluetooth headset. And, why not? The last thing any driver needs during a run up I-95 from Florida to New York City is to have a headset-induced headache.

Granted, what may be comfortable for one driver may be as annoying as a roadside inspection in the rain for another. It’s a matter of personal preference. Fortunately, there are plenty of styles and sizes to choose from.

Battery Life. Few things are more annoying than to be in the middle of an important call to the office or to home, and having your battery gasp its last breath. Most decent Bluetooth headsets have warning signals for when your battery is about to let you down. Still, you need to take into consideration if your headset will work as many hours as you do.

Be sure to check both how much talk time your headset delivers for each charge as well as how many hours it will last just hanging out on your head. The first is generally measured in hours; the last in days. Also, know how long it takes for your headset to recharge and become useful again.

Range. Most of the time you’re using your Bluetooth headset, it’s likely your smartphone will be within reach in your truck’s cab if not actually on your person. However, there will be times -- many, most likely -- when you’re outside refueling, for example, and your phone is inside your truck. You’ll want to be sure your headset can still get the call from your phone.

Most decent headsets will let you wander about 30 feet from your device before they stop talking to one another; many will have considerable more. Larger headsets can have larger antennae, and therefore greater range.

Price. It’s possible to buy a Bluetooth headset and get enough change back from a $20 to also buy a cup of coffee. Then again, it’s no problem spending on a headset the same amount you would lay out for a decent hotel room, reserved parking, a shower, laundry, dinner and tomorrow’s breakfast at your favorite chain travel center. But, most name brands offer quality headsets that will meet your needs for $100 or less.

How much you spend is up to you and largely is a function of what you can afford for a good quality piece of essential equipment that you will use most of the time you are on the road. In short, buy the best you can afford.

Finding the Bluetooth headset that is best for you will depend on how you plan to use. It can be a vital part of your livelihood and personal safety while on the road. Do some research, try them out and ask others what they use. It will be worth the extra time and effort to make sure you made the best choice.