GPS or Route Planning Apps

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.

 

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.

 

I forgot that. Yeah, I’d rate satellite and street view critical.

 

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.

 

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.

 

buy a truck atlas. use truck gps final 100 miles