GPS Question...

Id go garmin all the way. Not as fancy, but it also doesn't break down and crash like Cobra and RM.

 

I found that the best truck routing solution available right now is "CoPilot Truck". It can be downloaded off of the Android market or Apple Store for $150. This is the same software that runs on the PC Miler devices. You can run it on your cell phone or tablet. I've been using it for about the last 3 years.

 

Two of our drivers use that Cobra. One has the 5" and the other has the 7". They are better than nothing I guess but they still call me a couple times a week for me to give them directions off of my laptop (Microsoft Streets & Trips). The problem is the small screen and difficulty in choosing your own route.

 

Save your money...go with Streets & Trips and configure your company supplied truck routes in Streets & Trips. Add the Truck Stops Plus add-on Template for Streets & Trips for the truck stops, truck washes, Wal-Mart Supercenters, weigh stations, rest areas, etc. Then use Google Earth (free download) to locate all your shippers and receivers and to copy all the GPS coordinates into Streets & Trips so Streets & Trips will give you directions directly into your shippers and receivers truck entranceways. You can also save them as you go for when you have to go back to them as well. In addition, you can also save all your company terminals and drop lots the same way.

 

That's what I do.

 

Honestly I found A way better GPS that I use all the time, its at www.myeyeinthesky.com and its great! There is a temperature detection system and you can even give your truckers a special key for driver identification. It updates every minute and works all around Australia. They are cheap around 450 BUT only a buck a day for the rest of your life.

 

Garmin only. Done lots and lots of research!

 

My RM 510 has locked up a couple times over the past 2 years, but it has not broken down.
The fix is to simply turn it off, and then turn it on again.
Sometimes the memory get full, and it needs a reboot. Just like any computer.

I do have some complaints about the device, but nothing major.
In fact, as soon as the 520 becomes available I will be upgrading for the extra features and lifetime maps.

But, like with any GPS or map, you have to be able to read and understand it correctly.
It makes some stupid decisions from time to time, but that is where human intellect comes into play.
Like with anything else in this job.

Even my Qualcom routes are not always reliable.
Today, after my fuel stop, I was supposed to take a certain route that wasn't even there! The roads the QC listed were bogus, to a certain point.
Looking at the atlas showed where I was supposed to be a few miles on, so I zoomed out a bit on the GPS and got on course.

By the way, Cobra GPS's have been on the market for several years.

Do some research before you buy one of any brand. They each have some features the others don't. And none of them have everything.
I like the RM feature set, so I'll be sticking with them.