Truck Routing GPS
A Review Of Truck Routing GPS Systems
There are four major truck profiles important for truck routing GPS – height, weight, length and the hazardous material it may contain. Truck drivers are basically concerned about navigation systems, which can give accurate road information.
It is important to take note which GPS units provide restriction information for low bridges and truck stops and avoid restricted areas without eating up much fuel. Some Garmin navigation systems actually provide these features plus add-on information on steep inclines and sharp curves. If the truck passes along uncertain road the GPS unit displays a warning icon, which you can use for 18-wheeler trucks or even just for 4-wheelers. Garmin Nuvi 465T features its National Truck and Trailer Services Breakdown Directory and lets the driver with some profile customization.
Let’s make a little navigation GPS comparison for truck-designed units – Co-Pilot Truck, GPS Pc Miler and Rand McNally Intelliroute TND 500.
Version 11 of Co-Pilot Truck is intended for laptops running on Windows XP or Vista 32 , providing both Canada and US truck routes. It provides real-time traffic updates as well as web locator for your truck although this may need internet connection. This also presents over 6 million Points of Interest from restaurants, gas stations, hotels and other facilities and can be viewed with more than 10 languages including Spanish, English and French. It has voice directions capability other than what is provided on screen.
If you are into handheld GPS, there is the PC Miler Navigator that comes in 4.3, 5 or 7 inch sizes. Optimization options include best mileage, shortest distances and no-toll routes and can take about 50 stops during the trip. It also has the updated 2009 map that features Canada and US truck routes, although this has no Bluetooth capability.
Like the Pc Miler Navigator, Rand MCNally Intelliroute is also handheld with its 5-inch size. It features miles-by-state log with driver HOS built in warnings. This can be connected to the internet to get the latest road construction information when the update-from-internet feature is activated. Truck routes for US and Canada are included.
Over the internet you can find updated software versions for your GPS that may include revised maps, emergency stops or even luxury amenities while on trip. This may be available on your truck routing GPS unit manufacture’s website. Some, however, posts additional charges but this is indeed helpful to make your driving safe, quick and efficient.