What do you guys use? For mapping routes

I run a magellan roadmate GPS but as everyone else said, its my maps first, my gps second. Sometimes I have 20 stops in 17 different cities/towns so its nice to have the gps and be able to just pop in an address and cruise. Common sense is a must for watching out for low bridges and non truck routes.

 

I use mapquest and google,no problems so far. I look it up by town state and address and write it all down,need a small printer though. The only thing that might bother you is when you follow the routes,be sure to stay on truck routes in the towns you go thru. I always call the customer to be sure address is right and they haven't moved or going to a different warehouse. One of my friends use the Pc miler which is better for trucking rtes.

 

Microsoft maps and trips CD is OK. Especially in LA, California-if you miss an exit and go off-route/ just hit F3 button and it gives you a new green line and directions and distances.

 

That would have been a life saver a few times for me when I first started making runs into LA. Could have used it the last couple times I went to Pittsburgh as well, when everyplace I went seemed to be blocked by construction with no clear detour route.

 

At Central, you gotta watch what qualcomm tosses it, it might send you down a no big truck road, which Central then states at the bottom of the Qualcomm message "Please Check All Routing with a STAA map, you might get fined"

Qualcoom, Atlas, and sometimes just plain luck. I had a set that told me to get off at Exit 225, when there wasn't a 225 exit.

 

I use DeLorme, have done so for about 3 years now, with no problems. That said..It ain't truckers software, so a few minutes to track the actual routing is needed to tweak it.

I also use PcMiler and Rand McNally HHG software to compare routes sometimes.

My trusty paper map stays in the seat for quick referance in a meltdown.

A tip for newbies.... Never rely 100% on GPS navigation that was not designed for trucks. Never rely on "shortest" routing inquiries, as most software will attempt to route you through 400 redlights to save 10 feet in the trip LOL. Always double check your routes.

 

I use google map and satelite map, it shows buildings and entrance even you can see docks and trailers.

 

Together with Qualcomm and verbal directions from customer for pick-up/delivery, I use Microsoft Streets and Trips with real time GPS to show my exact position en route to shipper/stops/consignee. GPS is real handy off interstate. Sometimes I'll be traveling back country roads. With the GPS set to direction of travel, you know exactly when and where to make your turns. This mode of operation has saved me many times from making a wrong turn in New Jersey or New York. I use Rand McNally Road Atlas to steer clear of low clearances and to ensure I stay on truck routes. The additional bonus of using this software is that it will calculate your run miles from which I can effectively manage my HOS, then give dispatch an accurate PTA, and have a load offer for me immediately after empty call.