Newbie - Do I need a GPS, or are maps fine?

i use my PC lap top if in a jam ,just log onto the t/a petro drivers services and download were you want to go.you can do that with your phone if it is an android,gps are ok ,but for me i use the plastic page map never gets torn up and lasts .
i just buy a new every year no biggy but I'm permitted and routed most of the time anyway. once you been out here for a while you will learn the routes anyway on most of the interstates through out the USA

here is a tip before you leave the shipper or after you get loaded call the customer and get directions from the closest interstate to there facility that way your not waiting till the last minute

 

I COULDN'T HAVE SAID IT BETTER!!

 

It seems to me that anyone in the transportation business should use any and all resources available to aid in navigation. Prioritizing the use of these resources is the key.

I use my laminated map first and never make an unfamiliar run without verifying the route via my map(s). I use the RM 710 but its more of a conveinence than a primary source of navigation. The info I have used from the QC is for directions to a customer, NOT ROUTING. There is difference. I call the customer everytime, typically they have a directions recording, which is usually truck friendly OR you may call a customer and get directions from a "live" body, just as the question "You understand I'm in a big truck".

At the end of the day "situational awareness" is the most important thing, IMO.

 

look up Injun, she probably has

 

I have often wondered how we ever got to our shippers and recievers in the past. Before all the new techno junk.
Oh yea it was a map a PAY phone and the cb radio. All still work just as good cept now it's a cell phone and the cb probably won't help as much as it did back in the day.

 

Good advice. I've noticed more companies are getting their street names changed to the company name, which may not show up on GPS.

Another thing to beware of with GPS is the customer address on the bills may not be where you deliver the freight. Truck freight may need to arrive from a nearby street. With a paper atlas you aren't as tempted to drive straight to an address without customer input, like you may be with GPS.

 

Home term. Show up on time, don't fall asleep during orientation.

As for getting a GPS ... the Swift Qualcoms have one onboard. No need to get your own.

As for everyone else ... a GPS is a map. Know how to use a map, you can properly use a GPS. If you don't know how to use map, neither a GPS or a Rand McNally are going to do you any good.

 

Really?
Ever try entering an address into a map and have it tell you which route to take?

 

And just how many threads are on here due to drivers FOLLOWING their GPS and getting busted mega bucks for overweight on roads they should have never been on and hitting low overpasses...far too many to count...bet there will be another one real soon driver in trouble on a weight limited road and hit the over pass...Law officers say the driver said he was JUST FOLLOWING his GPS...

 

use a truck specific GPS from the trip starting point to the final highway exit only and from that point use the company given directions. the gps is great for locating truck stops and other interesting places enroute but do not shoot from the hip and follow it blindly.

Always double check the gps route with a truckers atlas so there is no question about your knowledge of the route and the legality of said route. I am partial to the 710 because it really is a useful tool and to boot the warranty kicks ### for when the unit craps out.