Do I need to buy a GPS?

Most likely you'd have to buy one yourself.

 

Learn to read a map and save the money.

 

All depends on the company. But like kittyfoot said make sure you can read/ have a map with you. Dont depend on the gps, it can get you into a lot of trouble, and could always stop working at the worst moment. But its a nice thing to have to assist you.

 

Don't bother spending money on a GPS, at least starting out. It is a good way to get yourself in trouble. I buy a new laminated Rand McNally about every other year. Most carriers don't furnish a GPS to drivers.

 

Do you HAVE to buy one? NO.

Is it a good tool to have? YES..

Companies are not going to buy you one, you will need to buy it yourself. Just make sure it's designed for trucks.

Not really sure why soooo many people seem to be again the technology.. I know I will hear it could do this and that, but mine hasn't yet. It has on a few occasions saved my butt. Like the time company directions and those of the receiver failed to mention a new weight limit placed on a bridge. Even my laminated Road Atlas said I could cross it. My GPS said nope...

My atlas will tell me there is a weigh station or rest area along my route. The GPS I have reminds me without having to keep looking at a big laminated book all the time.

GPS will also tell me how long it's going to take for me to actually get to that weigh station or rest area. Yes the map will too, but the GPS is just easier and a bit more accurate

Point is learn to use ALL the tools at your disposal.. I do and I haven't got lost or misdirected yet..

 

I drove for 2mths without one so I could get the basics down, then spent $249 for a RND500 and it's been a huge help but not something you can 100% depend on, you need the basics...

 

I was against GPS when I started, mostly because of the stories about them getting people in trouble. After about 6 months I got one and realized how silly it was to decide they were bad just because a few idiots got in trouble with them.

I don't rely on it for planning routes and I have been turning it off a lot lately. However, when I need an eta or want to know how many blocks it is to my turn it is invaluable.

As for the actual question, I think some are starting to provide it as it is built into some of the new qualcomm's. I have also heard that some will not allow you to use your own GPS. Though it is a great tool it's not necessary so I would say it's best to wait until you have a job and know how it is with your company.

 

I think the best advantage to GPS is that it tells you in advance which lane to be in at large interchanges, and when you are really close to your destination it will giude you the last little bit so you can pay more attention to the road and traffic then looking for a tiny road sign or company sign that is facing the wrong way etc..

 

This is one of the main things I love about GPS. In my work, reading maps and following directions is very important but I use a GPS to get a heads up on turns and lane changes ets.