GPS For Trucks

OK thanks

 

They are a useful tool. They aren't perfect and they aren't a replacement for the Motor Carriers atlas (or for that matter, your brain). I have a Rand McNally TND 700 and I've put 150k on it. During that time it's pointed me at two low bridges (neither are in the MC atlas) and several no trucks roads. But it's right 95% of the time and it usually saves me a lot of time. When it finishes the route, get out the Motor Carriers atlas and check that the route it has makes sense. Think before you obey the little voice.

 

I use my gps as another tool, just like my atlas. I won't follow it blindly, but after checking it's route against the atlas to make sure out makes sense, it makes things easier.

 

Exactly. Another tool. Not the ONLY tool. What I generally do is choose my own routing, then if GPS doesn't agree, I let it recalculate. I mainly use it to keep track of my distance from a given point, and the final few turns of a trip. It's also helpful if there is a sudden, unexpected detour due to accidents, etc.

And to be sure....there are some really good deals on some of them right now....prices are coming down, as they always do.

 

ha!

I use the same, or "MAPS" on my iJunk.

I had the opposite problem though. Several times I looked and thought, oh, lots of room. Piece of cake. Wrong.

Odd how when you're lookin down at something it looks like you have lots of room but once you're there with the truck, all of a sudden, its much much smaller.

I use a GPS app on my phone. Or, "MAPS".
With the GPS, I put in the address at the yard, confirm it's the right one, and then turn it off till I'm close. We get printed directions of our destination but the GPS comes in handy when I get close to the customer to pin point their location.

I have a Rand McNalley Truckers Atlas but it only covers major highway/interstates. Worthless when it comes to local problems.

 

This is a GREAT piece of advice. I've made the same mistake several times, but I was certain to have a backup plan, such as street parking. But this is a very good thing to be aware of!