Who drives without a GPS or dash cam?

I would consider a dash-cam as a Christmas gift hint item. Don't necessarily need it today. A GPS is nice to have, but not a necessity. They can get you in trouble with their odd, unpredictable behavior. You need to know how to "navigate by map and reckoning" first. Then a GPS can serve as a confirmation tool. I use the GPS for a lot of things, but mostly just as a means to keep track of distances to go. But I'd be lying if I said I don't use them for "last mile" directions as a confirmation, but only once I'm sure the GPS is planning something that makes sense based on other information I've gathered.

I could do the job without a trucker GPS (having been out here running the same roads and cities for many decades) but I'd rather not. I've used a GPS to essentially do a Category II approach just to keep my bearings in super-dense fog near the receiver or shipper. BTW I recommend "north up always" option to help you develop a better sense of direction and "attitude".

 

Atlas, apple maps occasionally, no dash cam.

 

Dont have GPS or dash cam. You can use your Atlas until you get a few bucks saved. When dispatched get the shipper and consignee phone number then look at your map figure out the direction you will be coming in from and call them for directions.

However i did get a smart phone late last year and i can use google to view new customers i may be unfamiliar with.

 

Just an atlas for me, and Google earth/ maps for planning.

 

My truck has a GPS. Company issued for the future ELD. So i dont touch the #######. Ibsee it always doing something dumb anyway. I use a Rand McNally, a state paper map. That big 3'x4' ####er, and a truckers road map specific to the States I run everyday. Which is two.... I also use my phone for satellite maps.

I do not have a dashcam. I would so love to get one. But I know diddly squat about them and quite frankly, no motivation to go and research.

So YES! It still is possible to drive by paper only still. A phone(basic calling) will help you to call customers and get insight on their specific location, truck entrance.

 

When I started I had the garmin 5" truck gps. Pos stopped working within 30 days. Ive been using my phone and my atlas for almost a year now with no problems. Just gotta pay attention. Also I have this app called trucker path to locate all the truck stop. Awesome app you should try it

 

I love my GPS, it shows me what street I'm coming up to, for when I'm near a customer, sure beats shining the spotlight to see the little bitty street signs.
Dashcam is nice too, just watch Scotty's videos

 

A GPS is also a useful tool. But use your paper maps and learn to drive with them first. Then you can go and buy a GPS if you wish. But when that thing goes on the fritz for the day, you still have another tool on your belt. Map reading. And you won't be stuck trying to find North.

 

Trucker path is great.

 

I wish more would use their atlas.that's all you need and also pick up free maps from restareas