Will this fit in a swift truck?

As for a GPS i have one but you can't rely on it solely i also have 2 atlas and google earth on my phone and lap top...

they are helpful but you have to keep them updated..

to the OP if you are getting a lap top stand you might want to think about PC miler soft ware for it as it is truck specific

As for the qualcomm the directions on that thing are a love hate deal, some times they are spot on and other times you wonder who in hell wrote these down, and swift has alot of customers so if you find directions are wrong on them send corrections to your DM and help out someone else

 

I rarely take the time to boot up my laptop in order to get directions, use Google maps, etc. What I do is use the same features on my smart phone (Driod X) to accomplish the same thing. If I am not familar with the route I take the time to research it fully BEFORE I start down the road. Having to go 10 miles in order to find a safe/legal place to turn around (happened to me 2 weeks ago in a small Mississippi town late at night) is a real time killer. If at all possible I will use the satellite view to determine the best way to approach the shipper/receiver. Even if you plan to ignore them determine where the fuel route is going to take you and why. Compare the fuel route to whatever your GPS has cooked up as well. On a recent run from Lancaster, PA to Kansas City both the QC GPS and my Garmin wanted me to take the PA turnpike where as the fuel route wanted me to run I-68. Being a good little company driver I took the fuel route and burned more than enough extra fuel to pay the tolls on the turnpike.

I am also not afraid to call the customer. I always confirm my appointment, this little step has save my butt countless times as the times on your dispatch are frequently wrong. I almost always ask them for directions to back up what ever method I'm planning to use, again very useful. I also confirm whether it's going to be a live load or drop-n-hook.

 

Microsoft streets and maps is nice to have.

Satellite view of the area on a phone will show things you can't see from street level.

 

problem with the smart phone is that it is really small, in jam or needing it real quick it works but as for trip planning i use my laptop and it is easier to get the big picture and see what is going on around that area

 

Agreed, but I'm lazy! The smart phone is always ready and therefore easier/simplier to use. I hauled my laptop all over the midwest last March on the motorcycle for 8 days and only booted it up twice. Used the browser on the Droid several times a day. My pattern of usage in the truck is pretty close to the same.

 

Yep, for all the reasons you listed. I also have Swift Terminals, Flying J/Pilot, Loves, Petro/TA, interstate rest areas, walmarts, and weigh station GPX's loaded up on mine. Can't do favorites or gpx/gpi on the QC.

When getting a preplan I put the Origin AND Destination into the Garmin so they are saved on recently found. I put the Origin into the QC. Go to pickup.

After pickup I put the final destination into the QC, but next leg stop into the garmin (fuel, rest area, shutdown point). Then en route the QC address doesn't change, but the garmin I'll constantly update.

At any given time I can pretty tell you by the minute that I'll pull into final, and give myself a 15 to 30 minute buffer that I know without a doubt I can make.

PS I just use a Nuvi that I pull from my personal vehicle. It works fine, just have to be smarter than the gps and properly use your Motor Carriers Atlas and pay attention to route and signs as well. Even the QC will try to route you down restricted roads if you don't pay attention.

 

the QC use to like to route you through residential streets trucks are not real welcome down those

 

I never really had issues with my Garmin..its set up for trucks.I would see what the routing the Co. wanted to send me and compare to my GPS...Then I would figure out where i'm gonna stop at end of the day.I had just about every T/S west of Kansas stored in my Gps and also had a T/S guide to compare where to stop. I had no issues out west cause I remembered where they were for the most part,but when I went to N.E., I hated it...way too tight,little side streets not made for trks, not enough T/S's, and when I did find 1,there were no spots left....I prefer the west coast.

 

I use my atlas to physically see my route then I use the qc and my Android for detections. My phone has been doing a pretty #### good job. But they are only tools. They can get you in trouble if you only rely on those.