Drivers, why are we using GPS units?

Well, I use my TND 520 almost constantly. I do my route planning on my laptop (MS Streets and Trips) and I look at the sites on Google Earth. I put a push pin in the customers driveway and enter that Lat/Long into the GPS (never miss).

All tools have their place.

 

Never really used one too much , the wife bought me one as a gift and I did try it out. It worked alright I guess , but I would have never spent money on one myself. Cabwrecker said it correctly with this statement....

 

It is a good tool if you don't rely on it completely. I always check against the atlas for low clearance and non allowed routes, then Google satellite and street view for truck entrance, low overpass, impossible turns, etc.
I don't put too much stock in calling for directions, you may not get a hold of anyone, or get poor truck routing directions to a facility. I was once given directions from a shipper that led me to a low clearance, when I called back she said " well that's how I get to work everyday" or often directions for local folk "turn here at this small general store, then turn there across the street from that auto shop", okay which street is that? "I dunno you'll see it"

 

I mainly use mine for an accurate distance and as an incity item. But I always check my route with the atlas and then the entire route from the freeway to the shipper/receiver with google maps. That alone has saved me more times than I can count and it's free.

 

Time is money, GPS will save you time. It also keeps me from looking for truck stops, scales, CATs, rest areas and detours. I literally punch and go, it has never steered me wrong because I will catch it first. Just because you hit go doesn't mean you don't monitor and verify. Bottom line, it will make you money by saving you time, what's not to like about that?!?

 

Its man made,and subject to failure.Cloudy days,buildings,and not being current are ways to get in trouble.
I have had to detour around a railroad construction road closure.
GPS did not notify me,only rerouted me after the fact.I like the technology up until it screws me.
I respect all you old schoolers that never picked one up,and lasted without it.
Road construction,wrecks and shutdowns will kick you off course too.
The CB has helped me more in those situations.Locals know where to go,and usually lend a hand.

 

Where else can I spend a mere 300 for a nag I can turn off whenever I want?

On a more serious note, I love my gps. Lil bugger has gitten me into places I never would have found otherwise. I gone places where both the company directions and the customers directions would have put me in bad (and expensive) situations. Gps, atlas, and google maps used in conjunction are a truckers best friends!

I sometimes wonder whst I did back in the day before gps and google maps. Then I remember...I got lost. A lot. Gimme that new technology that makes my job and day easier everytime!

 

Me too. I rarely rely on one to "get me there" but they can be life savers in the event of a road closure and fog so thick you are literally "flying on instruments" to manage the last few miles getting to that place you've never been before. Customers get tired of answering directions requests from dozens of drivers every week and besides these hand-written, mis-understood, mis-stated directions are more likely to get you into trouble then a good GPS will.

 

gee..............most drivers can't read or know how to use an atlas,or speak english well enough to have a phone conversation