GPS for Truckers

I would want a program that told me about a restricted route or low underpass BEFORE I got to it. What are you going to do? Go into the settings directory and with your Motor Carriers License beside you and start making corrections to the TOM-TOM "mapshare" system, for every low bridge listed for every state plus the restricted routes? Am I missing something here? I though the idea was to get a program that was "designed" for trucks so you did not have all these hassles in the first place.

My suggestion is do not even open it and send it back. If your bull headed and decide to keep it (despite this advice) please give us a review of your trials (and tribulations with TOM-TOM).

 

Peace

 

I have flown over chicago & let me tell ya, its just as bad. Controllers will usually give you the grand tour (telling you to turn, climb, descend, slow down, speed up) about every few minutes. At least they can't STOP you though!

 

Have a copy of CoPilot Trucker 11 on the way. When I get it up and running will let you all know what I think.
Looks (looks can be deceiving, doncha know?) like a good program. *sound of fingers crossing*

 

WHEW.....(wiping sweat from forehead)There are ALOT of posts in here about GPS info. Unfortunately, not the specific info I am looking for. However, I will recomend and discourage (2) brands. STAY AWAY from COBRA's NAV 1 5000. I went through 4 of those pieces of you know what. They kept locking up and malfunctioning on me. I now own a GARMIN 780. It's got bells and it's got whistles. Probably did'nt need that high of a model (digital pict. display, bluetooth phone capability, MP3 player, etc) and paid highly for the x-tras. $750. I love the thing, only ran into 3 problem situations when it comes to finding a local. The thing I have the most problem with it is that it does'nt have TRUCK routeing ability, like its lower models do. I am haveing a HARD time finding v.i.a. the internet software and or map updates to accomodate my interest. So.....if any one can help steer me down the right path, I's appreciates it ! REMEMBER......SHINY SIDE UP ! RUBBER SIDE DOWN ! CAPICE ?

 

P.S. NEW YORK.....it's a GPS's NIGHTMARE ! Finding your way around the PARKWAYS is ROUGH !

 

i didnt have a problem with streets and trips in brooklyn....

 

Did you get your software up and running yet? How's it work? Looking intensly into CoPilot, just can't decide if I should buy a used pocket pc and get that version or mount my laptop and get 11?

 

Me either and also down in the hood in Philadelphia.

Hey...have you streets & trips users seen that new add on template? It adds thousands of truck stops, super wal-marts, rest areas, and other trucking specific points of interests. With it you can also now check your routes for low clearances and restricted routes right from your laptop. It's pretty #### nice. I got it and I love it. It's called the Truck Stops Plus and you can look it up on google.

Oh...and for you guys debating going with a standalone GPS unit or a laptop solution. I prefer the laptop solution because first of all it is much cheaper, but most of all because I can multitask with the laptop solution and I can't with a GPS standalone unit. Unfortunately, I learned that the hard way. Not to mention that I appreciate the much larger view you get with the laptop.

As for as GPS solutions ever being able to do trucking specific routing, nothing will ever be trustworthy since nothing ever remains static, and if you are a current user of CoPilot or a former user like me, you already know it. Hence, why spend the big bucks for something that doesn't even work, is filled with bugs, and is much harder to use!

Nevertheless, it's not that big of an issue as most companies today supply their drivers with preferred routes to save on fuel cost. Hence, just sync your software routing with your company's supplied routing, it just takes only a few seconds, and then verify any unfamiliar roads don't have low clearances and restricted routed. If you are using streets & trips with the aforementioned new add on template, you can do it very conveniently, easily, and quickly right from the display of your laptop.

Hence, don't waste a million bucks on a GPS solution, since the best solution is the cheapest - streets & trips - and if you want to add all the truck stops, super wal-marts, rest areas, and don't want to open your MCRA to confirm your routes, get the aforementioned add on template also. I recommend that you do.

And if you get the add on template, then I recommend that you further add all your company terminals and also your shippers and consignees as you go. Designate whether they are live load/unload, drop & hook, or mixed. Then before you know it you will be driving on easy street.

 

Good luck! Everyone I know that used CoPilot 11 had to stop, since it is even buggier than CoPilot 9. Plus they screwed up the points of interests' manager big time. Oh...get the laptop solution, because you can multitask. You can't with a pocket PC! Plus you will appreciate the extra screen.