Using GPS

That happens alot. They should never be solely relied on. A good map book and cell phone is really all you need out there.

 

Sorry, but neither of those would help me on a portion of my loads. I get runs more often than not where the consignee is someone you are not allowed to contact by phone, and the map book doesn't tell me where to turn. The directions are normally pretty good on the qualcomm as far as street level, so I tend to stick with those. The GPS will get me near the place, then I follow the QC from there.

I never pay attention to where my GPS is wanting me to turn once I am within 1/4 mile of where I'm going, haven't had any issues yet (knock on wood, lol).

 

Yeah ya cant soley rely on the gps. Once you start getting close its nice to have to get an idea how many intersections up the road you want is. But you still gotta use your BRAIN, and EYEBALLS once your getting close because the gps isnt gonna take you to the truck entrance but just to the address or the street your going. Also keep in mind that roads change, intersections change, and they add and remove roads all the time that arent updated. So remember its just another tool, next to the atlas, and directions from the shipper/consignee. I think its stupid though that they have places that say do not call. I dont care im gonna call and make sure I know where there place and truck entrance is at. 2 minutes of there time will save me lots of headache.

 

That GPS is so nice for seeing what street I'm coming up too. Beats looking for that little street sign that's always on the farthest corner from me.
But I use the atlas, mapquest and the qualcomm too.
The GPS tells me what side of the highway the onramps are on. It's nice being in the correct lane ahead of time.
I've done it, but I hate calling the customer for directions

 

I bought me one just to be able to read street signs in bad view or not there. I rely on my atlas and qualcomm but there are times when you just cant see the rd. this will be my first time out with the new GPS so we will see. a friend of mine says his works great to find places. I will never ever want it to be my route planner though. As even with the truck units they screw up at some point.

 

For the most part I dont see any real need. It maybe nice and handy but not really needed. You still need to contact the shipper or reciever the first time in to know which driveway etc. Its a good time to ask for directions.

 

I started using gps 2 years ago and its probably been a year or more since i have even opened my atlas, just use common sense and you can put your atlas under the bunk to gather dust.

 

ok, i agree with everyone here, but but Gearjammer has said is just a really bad idea, you ALWAYS want to open your atlas and look at your routing to make sure ur gps and qc are send you trucker friendly places..

 

I call my places for directions, and enter those directions into my GPS and confirm the route is okay with my trucker atlas.

I don't have Qualcomm or anything like that so I have to go this route instead.