Trying to find a good GPS

Always use the atlas as your main source.

There is an app called Truck Routes that you can download for free and I think is is $59 to activate it. Does a fairly good job unless you are in the NY/NJ area. It is based on goole earth and maps.so.you can get a sat. View of where you are going too.

 

not wanting to use new technology ??

no, got one in the 4 wheeler

takes 5 minutes to call and find best way into place. I call right after dispatch, so it's all ready

scroll thru diff maps??

no, I know how to get from one state to another.

just need the way off interstate or state road to plant.

shoot I'm usually gone before the GPS'ers are done punching in the info. lol

and if they don't speeky no eengrish they ain't gettin' no freight.

I don't drive to Quebec or Mexico, anymore.

I tell dispatch or broker, if I can't get direction, then I can't deliver freight.

put's it back on their plate, not mine.

 

nicely put,sure beats what i was thinking.

 

I love hearing all the super-truckers out there who refuse to use a GPS because "a map is all you need", or "you can just call for directions". Do these guys still use tree bark instead of toilet paper too? For that matter, why do they even drive a truck when a buggy and a team of oxen always did such a fine job of moving products?

Time makes it's changes my friends, and while you can get by without a GPS,why would you want to??? The truth is, using a GPS (in addition to maps, calls for directions, company routing, etc.) can make you more a more efficient driver. Personally I wouldn't go without one. Is it 100% accurate? No. That's why I also use an atlas/map and call for directions if they haven't been provided in my company routing. It's also why I don't drive around like a mindless drone without reading signs that warn me of low bridges, restricted routes, etc. The GPS is a helper, NOT the sole source ofinformation.

Here are a just a few questions for all the GPS haters out there:

- Does your map help you see a street sign that's obscured by tree branches on a dark night? What if there just is no street sign at all? A GPS can help with that.

- When you are low on hours, does your atlas give you a list of places to park for the night, as well as the distance they are from your truck, and the time it will take to get to them? A good trucker's GPS can do that - without having to pull over and look them up in a truck stop guide.

- Will an atlas alert you to traffic jams up ahead? Absolutely not. A GPS will if you subscribe to that service.

- What if you somehow get lost and there is nowhere to pull over so you can pull out your atlas? A GPS can help in getting you back on your route. I understand that you have to be careful in this situation so that the GPS doesn't put you in a worse situation, but having some help is better than going on a hope and a prayer.

- Does your atlas warn you if you are speeding? Although I admit it isn't near perfect in this regard, my GPS does warn me. Again, although it's not perfect, it's still better than having nothing at all, and yes, I do watch for the speed limit signs.

- The GPS isn't the be-all and end-all. It is just another tool that helps me do the job. Could I do a tuneup without a screwdriver? Sure. But again, why would I want to if I didn't have to? Technology is something that, if used properly, can make your life a lot easier.

I have the Rand McNally 710, and absolutely LOVE it! To me it is worth every penny it costs, and if I lost it, I would buy another one immediately. I could still get around without it, but it sure makes the job easier and less stressful.

 

My company has alot of wrecked trailers in their yard from my guess is low bridges.Even though a GPS will lead you to low bridges,can't drivers read,there are height signs right on the bridge.

 

One thing about calling for directions. Have the old timers ever called for directions and the contact there sounded like they weren't really all that sure about how to get to their place? I've only been driving for two years, and I've talked to more than a few of these people. Not only that, but what about the ones who can give you directions to get there by car, but can you really depend that they are not also sending you down a restricted route or toward a low bridge? The way I see it, why not have as many forms of info as possible? A GPS is just another one.

 

The best gps device is the TND 720 from rand mcnally. However i do use Google maps to see the customer location and see where the possible truck entrance is at, in satellite mode. But also use the company turn by turn driver notes to locate the shipper/receiver.

 

So you call the old timers or ones that depend on an atlas and calling for directions super truckers huh?Do you even know what a super trucker is?Those drivers that use the atlas are the ones thats not lazy.Suppose you go to a customer and have to take the scenic route to get their due to construction that trucks are prohibited from entering.Only the customer knows how you should get there.What about delivering in Chicago,you going to depend on the GPS for trucker directions to get there.If customers give you car directions to get to there place,whos fault is that,you tell the customer youre driving a semi.I have never had any problems picking up or delivering and I always call the customer for directions.Heaven forbid if FMCSA bans GPS one day because too many rely on that rather then looking at the atlas for low bridges or non trucker routes,you're going to be up a creek without a pddle because you wont have the good ole gps to do all your routing for you anylonger.

 

we aren't techno haters,comments like those from Zan are the reason newer drivers feel like we treat them differently the attitude. if you want to use a gps go for it,never said it was wrong or right.we are from a different time gps wasn't heard of then.our gps is in our head's,not super truckers another term used by newer driver's for the old timers knowledge. the OP asked for opinions that was mine.

 

Wonderful example of misinformation!

The atlas does nothing for local road information.

DOn't follow the GPS, use it to tell you when and where are the roads that you, as the driver, chose. Too many times I have needed to turn on a road where the street sign was missing.

Mikeeee