Question regarding gps

you need to remember that car GPS dont know approved truck routes,even truck GPS can get you in trouble,I personally dont use one never have.

 

If you do get a gps, get a truckers unit. They aren't perfect, but they are better at routing you through truck friendly areas.

I use mine so I have a good idea when I will reach my destination.

 

Ok maybe this helps you, I have both a trucker gps and a regular automotive gps. My truck gps is a Cobra 5" display ($300) and my other unit is a Garmin 5" display ($150). I really like my Cobra because it has the truck routing, you can program in your total length of your truck and trailer, you can program your height (13'6" in some states and 14' in others). My Cobra lists all the truck stops on my route and rest areas for truck parking.

Does my Garmin do any of this? No, but it's easier to use, I like the map layout better, and I usually can find and address that does not show up in my Cobra. A couple of times my Garmin has gotten me into trouble routing me down truck restricted roads, and one time I rolled up on a 11' train bridge and had to back up and get turned around in some little mayberry town.

I leave my Garmin on the North Up setting and leave my Cobra on the Track Up setting. But all this is just my opinion. If I could only have one, I would pick the Cobra truck version, because that is what I do, I'm a truck driver. If I had the money I would still keep my Cobra truck version and buy the Garmin trucker gps, but I don't have the money so I work with what I have.

Also I turn the voice command volume off on both of my gps's, sometimes the routing is a little different between the two units and I was getting confused sometimes.

Always remember that you still have to look out your window and use your brain, gps is just a tool.

Uncle Ben

 

Honestly, doing strictly locals like you're talking about, I don't what good a "truck gps" is going to do you. After a few weeks you'll have the area memorized and as long as you avoid cutting through residential areas and avoid "no truck" streets and stick to the primary thoroughfares , you'll be fine.

 

If you're hauling hazmat then you really need to know the route you'll be taking. Doesn't the company have a map or layout of the route? You can use the GPS but do NOT rely on them to put you on the correct route. Since it's local why don't you drive the route in your own vehicle to see what you'll run up against. Ask the company what was done in the past. Your main concern should be the hazmat since it will get you in the most trouble. Study the little green book and know as much as you can BEFORE you start out. It's to cover yourself and avoid any problems that are simple but most drivers fail to know.

 

Not if your haulin Hazmat, Was looking at this truck unit. Supposedly will route based on load and truck, but you can't trust GPS it is only a tool. You can get it for about $200 online, but this site gives a good description http://www.truckgpsstore.com/ganu46trgps.html.

Good luck with your new job and be safe, If you haven't been trained on dealing with propane ask your new employer for training, thet should have it. If they don't see your local fire dept.

 

I use my GPS for info only and ideas of getting where I needed to. Its used at the speedometer and time and distances.

 

I use my gps as a aide. I think my unit hates me because it is constantly saying "recalculating". It is just another tool. I have noticed that my garmin seems to avoid the truck restricted routes even on a car unit.

 

I have the Garmin 450t. I like it, but I used mainly to have an idea of ETA. Sometimes it was nice to have to get to my shipper/receiver in LA, Oakland, Denver or the Seattle area, and such places. Often the directions sent by qualcomm are vague, or just plain wrong.
Still, the good old Atlas, tuck stop guide, and common sense are the most valuable tools I own. (the trouble with the truck stop guide, they are continually updating it. I think my latest version is 21)