Laptop-GPS-mapping software advice....

[Lunker]

I added a GPS system to my laptop several months ago and can't live without it as a tool to get my job done faster. Faster = more miles per pay period. I got a comment from my fleet mgr that he likes the way I get to consignee's area way before delivery time, hence, he likes to get me a drop on the load instead of waiting for the receiver to unload. One thing to realize is that all computer map programs are not created equally. I have Delorme's Street Atlas 2008, payed $70 new and it came with the gps mouse. My brother bought MS Streets & Trips 2006, payed $110 with the mouse. I've used both programs on my laptop when we ran team for 6 weeks running all 48 states. He liked his program because he was used to it. I like mine for the same reason. One thing his wouldn't do that mine would is if you missed a turn, it would reroute you to get you back on route. It also wouldn't let you set via's without actually listing a stop somewhere on the via you want. Because Interstate sets your route from their company map program and sends a list of the route's hwys on the qualcomm, I have to be able to make sure my gps is on the same route. I found that it actually sets my route exactly the same 95% of the time.
I saw mention of someone's fears of a driver following exactly every direction of a gps and ending up hitting a overpass or some other weight, length restricted route. That can happen, but you still need to verify your route has none of those situations in the MCA. Then it's no different a job with or without the gps except you'll have more confidence in where you're going, when you're about to make important hwy changes or offramps, how much time left to get there with great accuracy and how to get around many different obstacles. All this adds up to more money in your pocket with more miles, happy customers and happy employers.

[druid2874]

I love my dash mounted GPS I do know how to read a map. hell give me compass and a map ill never get lost 20 years army retired. But to me a GPS is a tool nothing more nothing less. Only as good as a person using it. Hell I have seen trucks go under a low bridge that had no GPS on dash. I for one don’t really put a route in it I just use it manly when I get close to a shipper or receiver in a big city that I never been to I can see on the GPS what street is next about 1/4 to 1/2 mile before I get to it. Cant tell you that thing is a godsend when its dark raining try looking for street signs at 2am when it pouring down raining I just take a quick glance down at GPS and say yep that’s the road.

[superdave9]

I am a rookie who is about to "enter" the profession next week, just trying to decide on a good starter co. As of now I am only going to be able to use MCRA [$ reasons] which I am trying to learn as we speak. I definitely see both sides of the discussion. This is being played out in almost every profession. I do agree when you learn the fundementals of anything, everything else is that much more clearer. I started land surveying right out of high school[mid 80's], got out, then went back into 5-6 years ago. Wow, the earlier years were like working in the dark ages, compared to now [GPS!!!!]. I definitely see the point of "walking" before you "run". Though I am a big fan of running. This brings me to my question........ what is the optimum GPS for trucking [OTR] ? Take into consideration I do not have a lap top as of now, but plan on purchasing one soon. Would it be better to get a program or a self-contained GPS ? Also does anyone know some ways I could do get accustomed to my MCRA other than the obvious; picking destinations randomly and "diving-in", as the trucking school did not cover this very important area. :shock:

[Skywalker]

I can't tell you which of the GPS's would be best....since I don't use one. I realize that people can justify them...but at the same time....once you have a modicum of experience, and get to know the highway network.... even a GPS becomes "passe"....

While the MCA has a compendium of "low clearances" listed for each state, its not a perfect list. I'm in Louisville, KY right now....and the 12'4" bridge that was next door to my receiver is not in that list. There are also a number of other low clearances in Louisville that are not in the MCA. So, regardless of whether you use the MCA or a GPS....good directions to a shipper or receiver are a "must have".

For those of you with GPS's....run this route: Garden City, GA to Green Bay, WI.... your mileages should be between 1132 and 1209. Let me know what route your GPS picked. I'm curious. Thanks 8)

[druid2874]

Shortest route 1126.8 which I would not run. Not truck friendly
and the route it first picked was 1209.4 which was 16 75 24 57 94 43
but i can also tell my GPS no toll roads or tell it to take 294 instead of 94 thru chi town which is what i would do. like I said I don’t use my GPS for route no need 80% of time I am on a interstate or us highways
but for in town to see what street is next or the like it is a hell of a lot better then anything

[superdave9]

Skywalker, explain MCA to me, I have no idea what that is. GPS, I know.

[Skywalker]

Skywalker, explain MCA to me, I have no idea what that is. GPS, I know.

The MCA is the "Motor Carrier's Atlas".

http://www.randmcnally.com/rmc/compa...3848742&cmty=0

It is a definite "must have" for professional drivers.

[superdave9]

Skywalker, ah-ha, gotcha. For some unknown reason [brain-fart :shock: ]I thougt MCA was some sort of program for a laptop. I do have one, but need some serious tutoring! If anyone knows some good GPS units especially developed for trk. driving, please let it be known. Thank-ya, thank-ya very much. :!:

[san415]

the vdodayton truck navigation system is going to be available sometime at the end of the year, both as an aftermarket system and as an in dash in new trucks. The model name is pc5200tsn. They use it in Europe now. The info on it seems good. Do a google search but the hi-lites are: truck specific restrictions, points of interest like truck stops, weigh stations ect, tmc ( or traffic info) haz mat restrictions.

My husband uses the gps in his dash, his lap top , when his hard drive isnt crashed, he is very hard on computers! and most of all his MCA. I then get the last years MCA for me.

Anyway he is going to get the gps system for tucks when it comes out, and his next truck he will order it in the dash, I did alot of research on it and the ones for cars are just a waste in my view. His came with the truck, but he likes Rand Mcnallys map site on the internet to find the consignee.

[superdave9]

San415, thank for the info. But that was a little T.M.I.- "he's very hard on computers" lol. Anywho, did you google vdodayton or pc5200tsn? Tell your husband to get you a fresh MCA, thats the least he could do.....j.k. Thanks again, out.

[Radaremtjcw]

I use a gps mainly when going to a new shipper and reciever, and to give me an estimation of what time i can make the load in

[Zen Road Warrior]

I've been thinking about getting the tom tom. I've heard there are 3 versions and the middle and most expensive ones have the ability to run truck routes through an additional program through tom tom. Is this true?

Tired of having to stop and read street signs in the middle of the night because there isn't enough light. Soon I might be breaking ice off street signs to read them. I figure in missed turns, finding places to turn around it should pay for itself pretty quick.

Does anyone have the tom tom for trucks with the software installed? Is there a better gps out there?
thanks

[headborg]

The real issue is not the use of technology but rather the reliance on it.

With the surge of use of routing software and now GPS I wonder how many relatively new drivers out there could not figure out how to cross the street if there technological advantages were to take a dump.

I have no doubt 99.99% percent of new drivers could make the transition. Why would anyone restrict themselves to lines drawn in the dirt when there are satellites flying overhead?

Speaking as a new driver, only eight months in my truck, you all should use GPS. I said use not rely upon it 100% To do any less is just handicapping yourself needlessly.

I think anyone who drives down the highway/city streets looking at a gps laptop screen/ watching a DVD / IM'm(texting) while driving a 18wheeler....won't last very long in this industry...and will probably have a fatality accident very soon. And second, if you run out and buy a Galaxy Radio Before you buy that laminated Motor Carriers Atlas again you're in trouble.

[Skywalker]

Tired of having to stop and read street signs in the middle of the night because there isn't enough light. Soon I might be breaking ice off street signs to read them. I figure in missed turns, finding places to turn around it should pay for itself pretty quick.

Rather than face the prospect of turning down the wrong street...because the accuracy factor of the GPS will be severely hampered when it loses sight of many of the satellites that are needed to get a fix.... urban areas do that. And unless you have a 12 channel DWAAS...your accuracy may be off 100 feet or more, meaning you "might think you are there, but you ain't", so that turn might be the wrong one.

How about a really large and bright "flashlight". I've been using one for years.... works quite well.

Does anyone have the tom tom for trucks with the software installed? Is there a better gps out there?

No, I don't. Mine is better. Mine is the data base of real knowledge that has been acquired through my experience....and when venturing into areas I'm not familiar with....I take my time and do it cautiously. Works well.

thanks

Happy to be of service!!