GPS, or a program for your computer

worldnav 7200had programmable truck size, hazmat restrictions, bridge heights etc, only 800 bucks...maps are like what 30-40? i'm a cheap ####### but maybe someday

 

I use Delorme Street Atlas with the Earthmate GPS into a usb port. Always relay on the Rand McNally Deluxe Motor Carriers Atlas, and use GPS with mapping software as a secondary system. Mapquest, Street Atlas, Google Earth, and the others are only as good as the information put into them. I've had addresses show up in the wrong place, and calling the place you're going is usually the best way to get there. Back out of a street you don't belong on a few times, you'll see what I mean.
I run a Sony Viao laptop with Delorme Street Atlas, Earthmate GPS, in a First Mobile Technoligies computer mount.

 

besides my MC atlas I use streets and trips am considering Delorme as well BUT just got back from Quebec and I got right to where I as going another driver in behind me had to call for directions he had DeLorme and it did NOT show the streets in Canada

 

If you want the features of a Garmin but on a bigger screen I would suggest Microsoft Streets and Trips. It comes with the GPS receiver for about 70 bucks. Gives you a 15" screen instead of a 5" screen. I plug mine into my radio audio in and it plays on all my speakers.

 

Yeah I use M S Streets and Trips to, nice to use to plan trips. But I always plan my trips the night before and make it route me the way to qualcom and atlas directions say to go for trucks. Also its pretty nice to know how much drive time you have left on your trip and it adjust to your speed you are going. So if you get jammed up in traffic somewhere it will calculate how many hours you got left. Also very helpful when going into unfamiliar cities so you know how close your street is getting.

 

sorry for so long on the update of this unit. I only used it for a week and it was only good for approximate miles to go from town to town. If i would have depended on it solely i would still be out there trying to deliver that load months ago. It was out of date badley so i had to go online to download new maps and update the software on it. After updating it was a little better and even showed certain steak houses in towns i came across by showing a little steak on the screen. It had some cool features but it was definitly made for a smaller vehicle. I do not reccommend this unit to anyone. I ended up giving it away after showing them how to use it.

 

Hello all, I just started my new career with Crete. I am a little over halfway through my 8 week trainig period and am pretty good with reading a map. I try to follow the suggested route from the qualcom but would feel a little more comfortable with a GPS to "double-check" my options. I have seen the garmin and Tom-Tom units in the truck stops and saw the Tele-type online. Any of you like one or the other?

 

Use your atlas and use the GPS a little. I haven't seen a GPS that routes safely for all truck conditions.

 

For the love of god don't take the company directions as if they were directions for god him/herself. Use your Atlas to plan your trip, use a GPS when you are on the highway only And when you get lost call the facility or ask someone for directions.

I have a Garmin, that has a truck route calculator as I think all Garmin's do, but If i were you I'd get one off of ebay that has the 2007 maps or prior...I have heard that the 08's have a problem routing you through suburbs.
DO NOT USE THE RE-ROUTE CALCULATOR TO ROUTE YOU AWAY FROM TRAFFIC, CONSTRUCTION OR ANYTHING ELSE THAT WILL ANNOY YOU...UNTIL YOU ARE 100% CONFIDENT IN YOUR ABILITY TO MANEUVER A TRUCK.It's no fun trying to turn around in a seven eleven parking lot during rush hour...Let me tell ya!

Recap:
1.Use company directions, just don't rely on them.

2. Use Atlas, just don't rely on it.

3. Use GPS, just don't rely on it.

4. Get directions from the facility and strangers on the street, just don't rely on them.

Welcome to the confusing world of trucking!LOL:smt102

 

Thanks Wahwah70, I figured as much. My trainer told me the same thing, the Qualcomm route is only a suggestion. I am just going to use that as a starting point and use my atlas to figure out my route