Is a backup GPS essential

Depends on how comfortable you feel driving without a GPS. Many companies have Navigo GPS on their Quallcom systems which can be used as a substitute in case your primary GPS fails. While many people harp on using a GPS, it can be quite helpful in locating truck stops, rest areas, knowing how far you are from your destination, being in the proper lane for turning, and more. Of course, you must always exercise good judgement in the event that the GPS directs you to a no truck route or low clearance, but with a trucker specific GPS you really shouldn't encounter those issues much. Also, you must be prepared in the event that your GPS fails and you're in a position where you can't use your backup (in my case: Downtown Houston).

Many people swear by shipper/receiver directions. But you will probably encounter load plans that provide specific instructions not to call the shipper and receiver. IKEA is a good example of this. Sometimes you will call shipping and receiving only for the call to go to voicemail. Sometimes the person giving the instructions provide you with the route they normally take with their car. "That's the route I always take." one of them told me before leading me to a no truck route. Sometimes you will call and get a person or automated message that provides you with precise directions, but I wouldn't count on it.

A map should be a mandatory item in your truck as it gives you a bird's eye view of where you're going and provides you with more options when trip planning, but even that is not 100% effective. Some towns and rest areas are not even on the map. For example: try looking for West Hampton, NJ on a 2013 Rand McNally Road atlas or try searching for a rest area on WY 220. Neither of these are on the map despite it's physical existence. Such errors can have a huge effect on your trip planning. Also, an atlas is virtually worthless if you're in a small town and your destination is not on a major street, and it doesn't guide you back you back to the interstate from those places either. Perhaps the one exception to the rule is state map, but I doubt that you have plans on filling your truck with 48 individual state maps.

In the end, it's best to use all of the tools at your disposal (GPS, maps, google, directions, etc), but not to put too much trust on any of them. I don't know why I provided such a long winded response for a simple yes or no question. Oh well.

 

Will it route the aircraft around a low overpass?

 

Thank you...I knew I wasn't the only one here who felt that way.

 

We could go back to acetylene headlights too, but why? Embrace the technology but don't become a slave to it!

 

the fact is, GPS gives u far more information than an Atlas does. one still needs to be smart with it. gotta be smart with an atlas too. people that run local or dedicated type stuff..no need. my GPS saved me tons of time. the garmin are good. I really like the 760.

 

Sometimes the GPS gives to the longer route then what an atlas does.

 

Drivers got around for many years with a map, payphone and CB. You don't have to stare at a map while driving. You can make a little cheat sheet. You should have confidence before you even leave on a trip where you are going. It's when you wing it you have problems. Then again when you gain experience you'll know the interstates and state highways like at home. You just need local directions if you haven't been there before.

Your trucker toys will come with time. If you are already planning on spending your checks you'll be broke and asking for cash advances. There are a lot of temptations out there. Handle your money wisely.

 

Tools are not smarter than their operators!

 

Point well taken. If I hadn't been relying on GPS as a crutch all these years I'd probably be darn good at reading a map/ trip planning.

Id be interested about your thoughts on a starter fridge. I'm thinking a good one would pay for itself in ice $$. Assuming I will make it through the first year..which I will. I'm well aware of the high turnover rate in this business. So, an igloo with ice to start? I plan to avoid truck stop food from the start.

 

Yep, I have a backup GPS, and backup for that GPS and a backup for that. I have my Garmin on the dash, I use Google maps on my phone if in in doubt, I use a paper map if still in doubt, and if I'm still in doubt, I use the most reliable backup of all I CALL THE CUSTOMER with my phone.