About Gps...and Use Map..

Use gps or map...which one is better... If use gps...which company..what models. .

I have no experience as a trucker, but A) I dont trust them and B) sometimes you cant get a signal.... this is just my opinion... I have also read that you must know how to read a map and know how to plan a trip that way to get your permit and liscense.. I could be wrong as my g.f. reminds me I'm wrong all the time. :)

Even with using a GPS, you should know how to read a map and map out your routes. GPS's are not perfect. They are machines. And an old saying that goes with computers, "Garbage in, Garbage out".

A GPS, no matter the brand, is only as good as the information put into it from the manufacturer.

It is totally foolish to rely only on GPS unit during travel. And even if you have a GPS, not all of them have any kind of use for a truck. Yes, I know, several companies make "trucker GPS units". I have one myself. A Garmin 465T. But even at that, they have their faults.

As far as loosing signal. It is true, in a city with tall buildings they can and usually do loose signal. But if you haven't looked up your directions and found your location before hand, then you are in trouble before your trip starts.

I have used a GPS ever since I have been in the motor coach business. And once I get into trucking, I plan on continuing to use my GPS. But I won't use it alone. I ALWAYS pre-plan my trips. No matter what. Even if I have been there before. There could be road closures. Bridges could be closed for repair. And how would a GPS know that? It wouldn't. Only checking with maps (I use Google Maps. Just my preference) and yes, sometimes even making phone calls to the highway department in the area.

My GPS is not perfect. None are. But mine has gotten me out of more trouble than it has ever gotten me into. My GPS is only a "help-mate", nothing more.

Keep it safe out there, Joe S.

We are old school, we still use an Atlas. And when you haveta "stage" a load and route, you'll find you will need an Atlas. If you are determined to get a GPS, you'd better get a Truckers model, or you will find yourself hopelessly lost on streets that you can' skin a cat on between you and the parked cars. We always used to say about "bird dogs" go big or stay on the porch. In other words, get the best, or atleast one that will do the very best for you.

In my opinion you want to use every tool available to navigate this great land. GPS, Qualcomm directions, directions you'll get by calling the customer, maps, the Trucker's Atlas, Google Earth & Google Maps - everything.

What I used to do is check every available source of information to see if I could get 2 or 3 of them to match up. If so, then you were probably fine. But it's not unusual to try to verify the directions somewhere between multiple sources and get conflicting information.

Just an FYI, I purchased a 2014 Rand McNally Motor Carriers Laminated Atlas at Loves in Yuma yesterday for $30. Cheapest one I found on eBay was around $45. (Hope this helps for some of you out there). Mark

I've heard good things about the rand mcnally 720 (I think). It shows you walmarts as well as truck stops and scales. Its also for trucks so it should keep you away from low bridges and things like that. I think it has a lot of other neat features as well. I think it costs a lot though. Like the others say I wouldn't just trust a gps, even if its top of the line.

My plan when I get started is to get a good gps. Match the directions on the qualcomm with it. Also route the trip with a laminated atlas. That way I have multiple sources to go by. If sometuing doesn't match up I can look into it more. I'm also going to try to use google earth quite a bit to see where I'm picking up and delivering. That way you can get an idea about what your going to be getting yourself into and make a plan.

Just keep in mind that electronics can fail especially internet signals. Always have a backup plan so you can be prepared for everything.

Good afternoon,

I am in the middle of my class a schooling, and all the instructors tell us that a GPS is a tool, and should be viewed as one that is to be used in addition to planning your routes using an atlas and maps. I had spent over 11 years working for a commercial ambulance service, and even though the GPS was usually right, there were occasions that it was either wrong, routed me into a closed or no longer existant street, or a longer route. So what I did was plug the address in to my GPS while my partner looked it up on the map (or vice versa)..... Plus map reading is a valuable skill that can always be used if the GPS decides to go to the big electronics store in the sky....lol.... Just my 2 cents from a noobie.....

I agree with Brett. I've been driving for a week with Schneider Bulk and I bought a McNally 720. It has been right most of the time, but a few times it was slightly off. I still use my atlas and my Qualcomm directions. Luckily for Schneider Bulk our Qualcomm directions are amazingly accurate (once you get to the proper exit on the proper interstate). I heard our Van drivers saying their directions suck lol.

Also... if you do have a GPS. Go online and UPDATE the maps/firmware. A lot of people never do that, not realizing that the GPS company does spend time and money to have accurate map databases.

Like Brett said. Use all the tools at your disposal. And don't forget to ask fellow drivers in your company, or with other companies, they may have been to that facility and can tell you how to get there.

The great thing about the laminated atleas is, you can use those dry erase markers to plan your trip, use different colors for fuel stops, or where you figure your hours will get thin. Then you just wipe it clean with a rag !! I'll admit, TSB made me pre plan EVERY trip we did for nearly a year. And I used the laminated atlas and dry erase markers....worked perfect...