GPS or Route Planning Apps

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Ben Wah 79, Sep 3, 2017.

  1. Slowmover1

    Slowmover1 Road Train Member

    1,491
    1,209
    Oct 25, 2015
    Fort Worth
    0
    US map page at front of atlas.

    State map sections to investigate “problems”. Metro areas. Etc.

    See USDOT for state links to highway construction.

    GPS set with waypoints. Fuel and or overnights. 50-mph average for all miles.

    GPS is ONLY the real -time info manager. NOT the planner. Take your time with it to confirm before you depart that it’s not going to screw you.

    But BE SURE it doesn’t take you off the big road too soon.

    I’ll happily go 15-30 miles farther on big road to closer exit.

    Customer or company directions may change that.

    The atlas is the thing. Been driving cross country since 1973. And riding a long time before that.

    If it takes 15-30’ to plan, do it. You’ll lose more if you lose your way.
     
  2. Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.

  3. Truckermania

    Truckermania Road Train Member

    1,166
    1,754
    Oct 13, 2011
    Sturgis,SD
    0
    I find invaluable the use of Google Earth for a good overhead view of where I am either picking up from or delivering to. Also, I check Google Street view to get a good idea of what the place looks like and virtually drive around to see the truck entrance. Also, calling customer beforehand is a great idea.
     
    Razorwyr Thanks this.
  4. Slowmover1

    Slowmover1 Road Train Member

    1,491
    1,209
    Oct 25, 2015
    Fort Worth
    0

    I forgot that. Yeah, I’d rate satellite and street view critical.
     
    Razorwyr and Truckermania Thank this.
  5. LilBudyWizer

    LilBudyWizer Light Load Member

    185
    169
    Oct 8, 2017
    0
    Without getting into the debate as to whether GPS's are the devils tool and how much better it was when used smoke signals to ask for directions there's a number of choices.

    First learn to use your GPS. You'll likely get the same route if you use the same settings they used to generate it. That's mostly shortest vs fastest and use vs avoid tolls. Usually just including your fuel stops will force you onto the route. Companies often tell you to use their routes and fuel while nothing happens if you don't. I use shortest routes and tolls since my time is limited. If they have an issue with me not take a 3 hour longer route for the same paid miles then I'm happy to find another job.

    If you need to buy a GPS download the manuals and read them. Heck, download the manual on your trainers GPS and show him how to use the #### thing.

    I use 3 apps, trucker path, google maps and waze. Trucker path shows me the truck stops and gives me a heads up on those weigh station that they get so upset about you blowing off. Google maps shows me the customer site and where the actual entrance is at. Make that 4 if you throw in google earth for streetview. I use waze to see where those pesky police are hiding. Um, I mean to see exit ramps. No parking on cloverleafs, no tours of local ski lodges trying to get back on the road.
     
  6. 86scotty

    86scotty Road Train Member

    4,495
    12,141
    Aug 27, 2017
    Appalachia
    0
    Old thread, I know. I’m surprised no one has mentioned DAT’s gps app. I used it for awhile and have been considering giving it another shot.
     
  7. jeff18

    jeff18 Medium Load Member

    694
    345
    Dec 8, 2014
    pittsburgh, pa
    0
    buy a truck atlas. use truck gps final 100 miles
     
  • Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.