A trucker’s job is to get products from point A to point B safely and efficiently. This is why navigation is such an essential aspect of the job. Without the right navigation skills, a trucking job can quickly become chaotic. Since timeliness is vital to the entire supply chain, navigation should take a front seat in your commercial vehicle. Investing in the best GPS for commercial vehicles is in your best interest as a truck driver. This is why you should try not to cut costs for your commercial truck GPS. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the best trucker GPS navigation systems on the market. Plus, we’ll show you what to look for when buying your own. Keep reading to learn more about the best GPS for commercial vehicles.
Why Invest in a Commercial Truck GPS
What is the point of buying a commercial truck GPS in this day and age? It’s a question to ask when your average person has access to a GPS at their fingertips. Every smartphone has a GPS built-in; if it doesn’t, you can download a navigation app from the app store within minutes. So what makes a truck route GPS any different? Why should you invest in this technology for your commercial vehicle?
The first reason you should get a truck route GPS instead of relying on your phone is for your safety. Unlike your smartphone, a commercial truck GPS has more advanced features, like truck tracking. Having this sort of system in your truck can reveal your weaknesses as a driver and help you improve them. Additionally, using your phone to help navigate isn’t the best idea for someone driving a semi-truck for hours. It’s best to eliminate these distractions when you’re on the road.
Truck Route GPS Benefits
In addition to safety, driver productivity is increased when using a stand-alone GPS. The main point of installing a GPS in your vehicle is to get you to your destination safely and as efficiently as possible. With the right technology, a GPS can vastly improve your productivity as a trucker. Your truck route GPS will find the fastest way to get to your destination in a manner that your phone never could. The benefits of investing in the best GPS for commercial vehicles include the following:
- Improved fuel efficiency
- Truck specific navigation
- Live map and traffic updates
- Voice control and voice assistant
- Advanced trip planning
- Truck rest stop information
Overall, having a GPS in your commercial vehicle will make driving life much easier. It’s essential to get a GPS specifically for commercial trucking when you start looking at purchasing a navigation system. If you purchase a regular car GPS, you might find yourself stuck somewhere you shouldn’t be as a truck driver. This could greatly hinder a job when it comes down to the wire. A commercial trucking GPS can cost anywhere from $60.00 to $1,000.00. You don’t need the fanciest gadget on the market today. But you also want to buy a GPS that will benefit you on the job. This is why we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of the best trucker GPS systems.
The Best GPS for Commercial Vehicles
Garmin Dezl 580 LMT-S GPS Navigator
Garmin is a company well-known for putting out quality GPS systems. This specific model was built with truckers in mind. It lets you find the best route by inputting your vehicle’s specifications and the cargo you’re hauling. It also comes with a break planning feature, which can appeal to many drivers. You can plan your breaks on the route by putting them into the system before you even start. Plus, this GPS comes with lifetime updates. This means you won’t ever worry about your system becoming outdated. Additionally, you can find this navigator for a reasonable price if you do a little bit of searching online. The only drawback of this navigation system is that it has a smaller screen, which can be a dealbreaker for some.
Rand McNally TND 750 7-Inch GPS Navigator
Rand McNally is yet another big-name brand regarding navigation and GPS systems. And once again, the brand proves the reason why. This truck-specific navigator has an enhanced display with 3D structures and junction views. Those who drive better when they can visualize the route might find this specific GPS more appealing than others. In addition, this GPS comes with everything you need to install it right on your dashboard. The biggest drawback of this model is that it’s on the more expensive side.
Xgody 9-Inch GPS
For those who are looking for a cheaper option when it comes to their GPS, we recommend this model. The Xgody 9-inch GPS is still trucker-oriented and less pricey than other navigation systems. It also has a massive 9-inch display, as the name suggests. Other GPS models tend to have 5- to 7-inch displays, making it difficult to see where you’re going. This model also gives you lane guidance, so you won’t have to worry about missing turns or exits. The only drawback to this GPS is that it has to stay plugged in to work.
More Information About Commercial Trucks
Now that you know about some of the best GPS systems for commercial vehicles, it’s time to get on the road. If you are in the market for commercial vehicles, check us out at Handshake Fleet in Chicago. If you want to learn more about trucking news and topics, check out our other blog posts. And if you have any questions regarding commercial vehicles, get in touch with us today.