Trucker gps?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by marvelousmack, Jun 16, 2021.

  1. marvelousmack

    marvelousmack Light Load Member

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    Are they worth it? How accurate? My main concern is getting me down the right streets where trucks are allowed and avoiding low bridges
     
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  3. xsetra

    xsetra Road Train Member

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    You will still need common sense.
     
  4. Hazmat Cat

    Hazmat Cat Medium Load Member

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  5. Frank Speak

    Frank Speak Road Train Member

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    Here’s the best advice you’re going to get on this topic.

    Are they a great tool? Yes! I love ‘em. They’re great for ETAs at a glance. They’re great for telling you your exact speed, keeping up with mile markers and names of streets, etc....

    Notice the obvious omission here? I’ll spell it out for you.

    Do NOT EVER *TRUST* one to find grass on a golf course!
     
  6. marvelousmack

    marvelousmack Light Load Member

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    Dam. Thanks
     
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  7. Frank Speak

    Frank Speak Road Train Member

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    Btw, you ain’t from Kentucky are ya? It just so happens, I teach a class titled “Dummies Guide to You’re First Year OTR”. Only requirement is you have to be at least third generation Kentuckian.
     
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  8. CrappieJunkie

    CrappieJunkie Wishin' I was fishin'

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    Me, personally, I never used one. I used the Paper Atlas and called both pick up and delivery point for directions.

    My ELD in the truck had one, stupid thing was always wrong. It would try to route me west through Knoxville at the 75/40 split, instead of East when I was going to South Carolina.

    I, myself, would never use one for anything more than miles and ETA. But like one of the responders said use common sense. Look at the map ahead of time using Google Maps. Use the Truckers Atlas to compare for legal routes. Call the customer too. Sometimes places will have you come in from the left or right because of how the docks are set up or if the turn can be made, etc.
     
  9. marvelousmack

    marvelousmack Light Load Member

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    I'm not
     
  10. Espressolane

    Espressolane Road Train Member

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    GPS is a tool. It can be used for planning purposes.
    They are good for finding times and distances to things. Be it a truck stop or rest area as examples.

    They also have problems. The maps have time lags. New roads, addresses of new construction, things like that, may not be fully updated.

    Should you get or have one. Sure, as long as it is a truck specific unit. Understand that it has limitations and can get you into some real trouble. Never depend on the unit being perfect. Always review the routing it offers. Use some good judgment.
     
  11. MacLean

    MacLean Road Train Member

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    Definitely buy one and your atlas and Google Maps. The Atlas is a great tool but it doesn’t cover everywhere so the GPS is a great backup too. The big thing is to get use to planning your routes on the Atlas if possible the map out your route on the GPS so it follows it.
     
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