GPS

NO, typically a new student with a trainer isn't allowed to use one so that they can get actual experience learning to read a map. The new qualcomm's MCP200 have a built in GPS nav system that is usually pretty good and its truck based, not one used for cars. In the past Swift has warned drivers against using a GPS that is car based, as it could get drivers making huge mistakes in their trip planning on non truck or restricted routes.

But yes, I have met several people who use their own private GPS systems or a Smart Phone nav system, its whatever you prefer.

 

When I was trained,there was no cb radio,only the directions which U copyed by hand.It makes pay attention,teaches U how to read a map.there is another side to this story.....for now don't put the cart infront of the horse.There is more to this than U think.U will have fun if U like this lifestyle.For the next short while learn all U can.U will be paying dues for a yr or two.Hope this helps.......Always remember,U are driving a 80k killing machine.

 

Don't know...I do know that a swift driver was selling his and said the company told him that if he took a wrong route or went out of route he was liable for tickets fuel and extra cost as it was not swifts instuctions he was following....just sayin....I don't own one and never will I use the good old map and the cb to find good short cuts....

 

i work at swift now .The qualcom has gps. I also have truckers rand macnally.

 

This started a year or so ago when the instructors at some of the schools started to tell the students that they wouldn't need a GPS since there would be one in the qualcom. Some of the students took that to mean that Swift wouldn't allow a separate GPS in the truck. So far there has been no official word from management.

 

I'm not crazy about the QC GPS, I like my RM 510 a lot more.
It gives better information in so many areas, and I don't like having the QC lit up at night. Too distracting because it is too bright, even at the lowest setting.

I think Swift is more against the standard car GPS's more than the truck versions. At least, no one has ever said anything about my GPS when I get in a shop.

 

I don't need my Rand anymore since I go to the same place every day and then back to the terminal. I will rarely have a drop on the return trip but I know those places as well.

I think I had nearly 700 customers loaded into the Rand, and really liked how easy it was to use and it was very dependable. I tried the Q/C version a few times but I don't like the appearance at all.

One of the features on the Rand was miles to go and an estimated time of arrival. I have a function on the dash of the Volvo that gives similar information after I input the miles to go, so the Rand has retired to the easy life of my personal vehicle's GPS. It seems very content there.

 

I LOVE using my GPS on my Galaxy note but as some said you need to learn to read a map, if that qualcomm or GPS your using goes down then what? if you cant read that map then your kinda screwed. I can read a map pretty well, its the trip planning I still need to learn and get used to. I was told by swift instructors GPS's are fine to use but dont depend on them, even heard some of the truck versions can still take you to low bridges and stuff on the east coast.