GPS systems for trucking.

A good trainer teaches the student the core basics and you develop from there. You really need to perfect good map reading before you progress. I'm pro GPS but they are only a tool. They are programmed by non-truckers and not 100% correct. Not all truck restrictions are published. You don't rely on them as to type address and go. You do your trip planning, you use your Rand McNally, you call the customer for directions (many have voice mail directions). Then you compare everything and modify the GPS by waypoints if need be. Then you know everything is 100%. That said you can get by with a $100 GPS. Don't go crazy buying all the truckers toys while money is tight the first year or you'll be one of these drivers that gets $100 paychecks and gets mad at the company. Many times you'll hear drivers selling stuff cheap at a truck stop. That's a good way for a new driver to acquire stuff.

A good GPS example is you deliver to a small town off the interstate. The GPS will take you to the first exit on in. When the town has a truck route at the second exit. You don't know this unless you call the customer. You simply reroute the GPS to the 2nd exit and it will then take you in correctly. Sometimes a GPS will take you to a dead end but the road continues on the other side of the block. These are rare instances but they do happen.

Always do your trip planning and homework and you will minimize your problems. Eventually you'll get to know the interstate system. It's the local directions you have to be careful with.

Another thing to consider is map updates. They cost about $60 each. Garmin has models with LM at the end and those are free lifetime maps. Well worth the extra $$. ANY GPS has a directory of businesses and you can save favorites.

 

though i agree with you, you would be amazed at how much the general public knows NOTHING about map reading,

so these folks go to a truck school, and come out on the road and they are completely lost

they rely solely on the GPS (which can have quirks in it) and they have no sense of direction, other than a gps saying turn right here or left there

not to mention, many people have no sense of direction, that from maryland to NY you have to head NORTH or that to get from tennessee to illinois you have to go thru KY

this is where basic map reading is important, and many GPS do not show maps, but general route information as you approach each point

 

I don't understand how it got delivered either. Around here, the ones without GPS always ask me for directions.

 

Like others have said, I look at everything as a tool. I have a 5" Rand, smartphone for Google maps, QCom with route suggestion, and an atlas. I use them all to varying degrees. My biggest use for the Rand is for eta's as it is normally very close to the suggested routing from the QC, and as I'm driving I can easily find the next rest area, truckstop, Wal-Mart etc. as an unplanned stop if I need it. Google maps is great to get a layout of the place if you've never been there. Not one of the gadgets that I have do I trust 100%. Even the QC has sent me down roads with bridge weight limits. Your eyes are the most high tech tool you have available. What was a good route last week may have changed this week.

 

I find a regular laptop's screen is too big and it takes up too much room. Also, the large display throws too much light at night and bothers me. 10.1" netbook is about right for me.

 

How did we get it done? Great point Tonythetruckerdude!

Also, call customers and let them know when you will be there. I am positive that alot of this industry's problems would go away IF a driver called and told a shipper/receiver when he would arrive and what he was loading/delivering. I always preferred to be expected rather than be a surprise to anyone.

 

Exactly correct ralph...I only did OTR for a very short while (3 years or so) in the late 70's....but I always called the receiver as soon as I could after being loaded. Let them know their load was safely secured on the trailer and I was ready to head their way. I always made sure of delivery dates and times so there was no mistaking when they expected their freight to arrive. I also made sure that I had complete and very good directions to their dock. Also would I be required to live unload or did I need to hire a lumper...long story short, I started a dialogue with them , communication always goes a log way to getting the job done and usually means a lot less headaches on everyone's part. Besides If you show a willingness to be NICE to start with...you will almost always get unloaded faster and without any drama...OH yeah, it may be a little off-topic...but if at all possible get cleaned up before you arrive, clean clothes. clean shaven or at least have the beard trimmed up, show up looking like a professional, instead of looking like you've been road hard an put up wet. Drivers complain all the time about how they get treated by shippers and receivers...when lots of time you get back what you give....but I'm just just a product of the way it used to be....but one thing I do know...for the most part the "good ole days" were the best by far. You guys that were a part of it remember..."good times"

 

Very good point as well as everything else you said. Another thing I don't think anyone mentioned, but in a few instances when approaching a shipper/receiver, the CB can be invaluable in getting local directions.