Newbie - Do I need a GPS, or are maps fine?

use a gps, unless you can't read a map

 

you should be able to find a used GPS. I still have a Rand McNally Chicago, and Suburbs book from 1983, Kinda of worn out but still my book. Now I have a GPS, and Dont have to drive anymore.

 

Do NOT get a GPS. Learn to use maps, follow the routes given to you by the company, and use the gps on your phone.

My advice. Look at the routing you get from the company, find your routes on the paper map (and you should get the Rand McNally trucker atlas, the laminated one so you can use dry erase on it), then check your gps. Only use the gps for things like how much time it estmates it will take you to get there and how many miles left to go. Another feature we like is using the street view to check a customer out. We look at the surroundings to see if there is onsite parking, how much room there is at the docks, and where the guard shack is in relation to the directions that come over the qualcomm. (you will learn that these "local" directions are usually off about 1/2 the time)

Good Luck at school and keep us posted on your progress.

 

Even a cheap gps will often give you some help....often it is nice to use for street names, or for estimating arrival times, etc. While a non truck gps can be a safety issue if used wrong, it can be a useful tool. Highway routing is often the same with a gps, and some have traffic info...them use shipper directions for local roads...just dpuble check the truck routs for cities, some like atlanta route trucks around the city...just remember to basicly follow the companies reccomending routing....and after a couple turns, i find, my gps puts me on the same route ....just use shipper directions too and from the interstate...said 2x to stress this.

 

GPS= God Dang Piece of Sheet.. didnt tell me about the weight law...or low bridge... Get a map use your mind save your money...

 

Using both is a good idea, use the paper map to get you near, and then kick in the GPS, for the detailed map. I like my little GPS, We use it to go to all the Estate Sales.

 

GPS is OK as a reference for ETA distance, and for "seeing" streets and when your in a strange area. But I'm tempted to tell new drivers to NOT use a GPS to get FROM point A to point B, but to only use a GPS when your near point A or point B.

A map is necessary for a new driver to use to get a sense of travel, travel options, and direction. The aviation world has changed drastically with new GPS based avionics, but new pilots are taught from scratch to navigate without the use of GPS avionics, as they should be, and I personally feel drivers should learn to appreciate a good motor carrier atlas for what it is and how it is to be used.

Main thing is, NEVER rely exclusively on a GPS mapping unit. Always have an idea in your mind what your route is more or less going to look like. Take your written and understood Qualcomm directions and rely on them first, then verify enroute with the GPS. But I'm old school so what the hell do I know.