GPS Unit, for truckers?

Yes,Garmin and a couple other units are available.
BUT,NEVER,NEVER rely on just the GPS or you will be in big trouble.
If you get lost in your backyard are you sure trucking is the best job for you?

Not trying to be rude but the good old Motor Carriers Atlas is your best friend.So are the detailed paper fold out maps of Metro areas.

 

No matter what, you still need to check your route with the Motor Carrier Atlas. Even qualcomm directions should be double checked. With that being said make sure your M.C.A. is the current year.

 

Yup,they do....-I own a Garmin nuvi,and it is the BEST $500 I have spent all year,-I would never go on a run without it(I spent 2 years OTR without a gps).However,like the others have said,it IS only a tool,and it is mandatory to also use a Trucker Atlas,as once in a great while the GPS will take me to a LOW overpass,truck restricted road etc....But as a tool used correctly,-it is priceless PS-I am not a Garmin rep......

 

I use an old Garmin Nuvi 205 to supplement my commercial motor carriers mapbook in city streets, and driving at night. The maps aren't detailed enough for city driving, and I try to match my qualcom routes on the GPS. While it's true that one should not rely solely on a GPS, I personally wouldn't fork out the extra cash for those heavily priced "trucker" GPS units. If you know what you're doing, and can pay attention to road signs and warnings, and where NOT to ever drive a truck, I've found that using a regular car GPS works fine. Never got lost with this thing.

 

I have the Rand McNally TND700. It is 150% worth the money!

IT DOES EVERYTHING AND MORE!

It tells you where the truck stops are, rest areas. Keeps track or your hours and milage. It knows where the low bridges are and restricked routes are.

This is how I looked at it, Rand McNally is the company the Truckers have trusted to make our maps forever, now the make a GPS why buy one from anyone else!!!!!! plus it tells you what page in the Motor Carrier Atlas what your looking at is on, as well as the speed limit so you have no excuse for getting a ticket. I love it, if it where to die or get stolen I would buy another one in a heartbeat.


American Trucker

 

Some companies have started banning GPS units for their drivers because too many drivers are relying solely upon the GPS and not checking the low clearance and restricted routes in the trucker's atlas.

 

I have the Rand McNally 5 inch screen. It's trucker specific. It has a lot of stuff on it that I don't use. It has a lot of stuff on it I do use. I love the fact that it warns you of a weigh station ahead. It also shows your speed and it is exact too. I usually only use it when i get close to a shipper or receiver.

It will give u some crazy directions over a 300+ mile trip. Once I was going from Nashville to Louisville and It kept telling me to exit off of the interstate. I'm not sure why. I finally muted it and then turned it back on when I got to Louisville and it lead me straight into the receiver.

I think it is really handy in towns that you are not familiar with. It will lead you straight into and out of cities. Before I was driving with one hand looking at my written directions, the atlas or was on the phone calling someone to lead me in.

Even though the GPS is handy as a pocket on a shirt, still it's your responsibility to operate your vehicle. The GPS is a tool only. It has gotten me going out of route before and it has put me in a place where I didn't need to be. I can see the potential for disaster with a GPS.

 

They are a great tool, but not a replacement for doing your job. You don't buy a hammer and expect it to build a house for you.

I have road tested many truck specific units and am pleased with the PC Miler unit, and the Rand McNally TND 700. Both are good truck specific units. So far, there is no "perfect" unit, they all have their shortcomings, but all in all I think those two are the best. Of course, that is just my subjective opinion.