Jul 14, 2020 • Carriers

GPS Devices for Trucks

GPS Devices for Trucks

Truck GPS navigation devices are different than the one you might use in your everyday car or truck. The screens are usually larger, sturdier for everyday use, and offer more advanced, but necessary, features truck drivers need to safely and efficiently make it to their destination. Here are some of the most common GPS devices that Truckers use in this day and age.

1. Garmin dezl 770LMT

Cost: Approximately $450-$500

Description: 7” HD screen with glass display.

Features: This trucking GPS navigation unit features a truck and trailers services directory, customized trucking routes, lifetime map updates, weigh station alerts, traffic and weather information, backup camera compatibility, and Bluetooth capabilities for hands-free use.

2. Rand McNally TND 520

Cost: Approximately $400

Description: 5” display screen.

Features: This trucking GPS navigation unit features updates on weather, fuel pricing, traffic, and travel centers along with assistance tracking fuel and mileage logs.

3. TruckWayGPS – Model 720

Cost: Approx $150

Description: large 7” touch screen display, with 800×400 pixels.

Features: This trucking GPS navigation unit provides drivers with current and up-to-date maps, 3D maps, as well as free maps for the US and Canada. You can even enter the weight and directions for your truck so you can get the best route for the type of load you’re hauling.

For many drivers, a GPS unit on its own isn’t enough to give them the information they want or need. Many drivers like to use supplementary apps to ensure they have their location and approach nailed down. Apps like Trucker Path offer additional information and features that GPS units simply don’t have (for only $9.99 a month),such as more information on truck stops, best places for truckers to get food, best places to stay the night, updates on whether stops are open, and even ratings from other truck drivers on what these places are like.

By Aldous Aldwin

TagsTruck Truck Driver truck drivers Owner Operator trucking GPS truck GPS Trucker Path Trucking Industry truck stops Truck driver tips Owner Operators Technology Trucking Tips

Trucker Spotlight - Maggie Jessop <em>The Trucker Spotlight series explores the lives of truckers and their journey to make a difference in their industry. We interview different truck drivers to understand some life lessons that make them who they are today. We also learn more about their motivations, and the problems that they encounter on the job. We also tackle how Trucker Path's solutions helped them with what they do. The information that they provide helps inform other people who are looking to delve into the trucking world.</em> <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/07/maggie3.jpeg" alt=""] <h2></h2> Today we are putting the spotlight on <strong>Maggie</strong>, who's a trucker and a blogger. She's a mother of eight kids (six sons, two daughters). She taught high school language arts over 20 years time while simultaneously managing a sewing manufacturing company. When her children grew up, she felt the need to learn something new so she wouldn’t get too old too fast. Let's get to know more about Maggie and her colorful story. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>How long have you been trucking?</strong></h3> I got my CDL when I was 52 years old and have been driving for 3.5 years. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/07/maggie5.jpeg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What made you decide to be a trucker?</strong></h3> I went into trucking mainly to improve my circumstances financially. My previous work experience had been in school, office, and warehouse and I excelled in domestic skills like cooking, sewing, and child care. I got really tired of lady wages. It’s a struggle to make a living unless you’re a rock star, movie actor, or have a string of abbreviations following your name. Trucking was a whole new ballgame with strange new terminology and monster trucks and a terrifying and dangerous environment but it tripled my income. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/07/maggie2.jpeg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>Are there times of loneliness while driving? How do you deal with it?</strong></h3> Trucking can be boring and lonely if I let it be. I use my solitaire hours to think up ideas and write books in my head. During mandatory rest breaks, I write. So far, I have published two full size memoirs, two children’s books, and fifteen low content books like coloring books, notebooks, sketchbooks, and journals. Trucking and writing make a great team! Rest breaks are too long. I only need seven hours of sleep. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What made you start a blog? Any chance you'll start your Youtube channel soon? Any plans of being a CDL Instructor?</strong></h3> I keep busy driving 60+ hours per week driving over 3,000 miles. I keep a blog called <a href="https://teachertailortrucker.com/">Teacher Tailor Trucker</a>. I am getting ready to publish my third memoir called Stranger in a Strange Land. My fourth memoir comes next and is called Search for the Highroad. It tells the story of my trucking life. I also put out new children’s books every few months. I am also planning to create a YouTube channel. I invested in a home recording studio and plan to record songs, contract voiceover work, and record audiobooks. <h2></h2> I plan to keep trucking until I can match my income as an author and voiceover artist. Since I have teaching experience, I’m sure I could be a CDL instructor, but my other plans will likely take precedence. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/07/maggie4.jpeg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are your trucking pet peeves?</strong></h3> My pet peeve in trucking is when little car drivers get too close and then want to cuss out the big rig drivers. Car drivers don’t seem to understand that a semi truck and trailer is over 70’ long and weighs 80,000 pounds when loaded. They take much longer to slow down safely. Cars beware! I try to be patient because I was once a little car myself, but sometimes I have to slam breaks and lay on the train horn to get their attention. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>Could you identify the current pain points in the trucking industry? And maybe some suggestions on how to fix them?</strong></h3> When I went to CDL school, trucking seemed to be a male dominated industry. I got yelled at, cussed out, made fun of, and told I was waaay too ladylike and persnickety. “You don’t belong in this industry!” they said. <h2></h2> They said I would get run over because I’m too nice. They said I’d get taken advantage of by the rough characters in the industry. They said I’d never make it and would give up when I finally realized I was out of my element. <h2></h2> I replied that just because I work like a man doesn’t mean I have to look like a man or act like a man. I said there’s no law in the universe that says truck drivers have to be fat and filthy and foul mouthed and illiterate. I told the naysayers, “I’m not leaving the trucking industry until I make it better.” <h2></h2> I’m still here. I am a professional driver. I have never had serious trouble on the road. Other drivers treat me with respect. If I ever break down, it’s not hard to find a decent truck driver to help me out. I’ve been treated better by truck drivers than I have by professional office people. <h2></h2> As a solo driver, I can control my own environment. I can choose my hours, dress how I please, eat how I please, listen to what I please. I keep my truck clean and I exercise every morning. I work hard and wear a dress because I’m a lady. <h2></h2> I mentioned one pet peeve, but the most unsavory thing about trucking that I’ve ever known is the rudeness and indifference that truckers deal with at shippers and receivers. Office and warehouse workers often treat truckers like they’re on the bottom of the totem pole. I don’t think there should be a totem pole. I believe that all of us should treat the rest of us with respect. <h2></h2> Those who have never been a truck driver have no clue what truck drivers deal with. I sure wasn’t aware before I became a driver. My respect has grown by leaps and bounds. Think about it. Every single thing you eat, drink, wear, or use in your home or business came from a truck. The Good Lord provided and a Trucker delivered. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/07/maggie6.jpeg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>Where can we read some of your stories on the road?</strong></h3> Here are some of my blog posts where I share thoughts and experiences about life on the road. My writing is more on the light side with a humorous approach to life while informing my audience of real life experience. Mine are not the norm but hey, if I can get one smile, it’s worth it. <h2></h2> <a href="https://teachertailortrucker.com/blonde-moments/">https://teachertailortrucker.com/blonde-moments/</a> <h2></h2> <a href="https://teachertailortrucker.com/mama-truckers/">https://teachertailortrucker.com/mama-truckers/</a> <h2></h2> <a href="https://teachertailortrucker.com/triple-trucker-trouble/">https://teachertailortrucker.com/triple-trucker-trouble/</a> <h2></h2> <a href="https://teachertailortrucker.com/hug-a-trucker-day/">https://teachertailortrucker.com/hug-a-trucker-day/</a> <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <h4>By Aldous Aldwin</h4> <h3></h3> <h3></h3>

Jul 17, 2020 • Carriers

Industry Update - April 5, 2019 <h5>By Jeremy Feucht</h5> <h3><strong><u>Did you Know?</u></strong></h3> On April 3, 1974, the worst series of tornadoes ever recorded hit the US and southern Canada. With over 50,000 people affected in total and six states declaring a State of Emergency, many big rigs were sent in to do the cleanup. Xenia, Ohio was the first hit and it would need three months and over 200 trucks to finally cleanup the disaster. <h3><strong><u>Trucking tip of the Week</u></strong></h3> Its that time of the year again. Spring is here which means warmer weather and concern about your tires needs to be at the front of your mind. As the weather warms, the amount of air pressure in your tires and the tread remaining on them will really start to show. Lower air pressure means more friction on your tires. More friction that your tires create, the more stress that is placed on them. Be careful out there. <h3><strong><u>Toll Road Fight</u></strong></h3> OOIDA and the National Motorist Association, for now, have lost its bid against the state of Pennsylvania <a href="https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/04/04/Pennsylvania-Turnpike-federal-lawsuit-dismissed-tolls-truckers-organization-Port-Authority/stories/201904040090">to remove the tolls</a> on the Pennsylvania Turnpike. On April 4, 2019, US District Judge Yvette Kane approved a motion by lawyers for the turnpike and the state of Pennsylvania to dismiss the charges that claimed over $6 billion in tolls had been collected illegally since 2007. <h3><strong><u>Truckers to the Rescue</u></strong></h3> As I have long stated, this country would fold without the work of truckers. Here is some more proof of that. With the flooding and devastation that has occurred across the Midwest, farmers and ranchers are having a difficult time keeping their heads above water, let alone that of their cattle. Knowing their plight, <a href="https://www.freightwaves.com/news/trucking/truckers-step-up-to-help-farmers">truckers have come to their rescue</a> with hay to help get them through. Where would we be without the American trucker? <h3><strong><u>Regulations</u></strong></h3> With so many regulations, and general vagueness that the personal conveyance rule is written, it is no wonder FMCSA’s <a href="https://www.ttnews.com/articles/fmcsa-drivers-dont-overthink-personal-conveyance-time">Joe DeLorenzo had to field so many questions at MATS</a> surrounding the issue. His message was simple: “Don’t over think it.” He basically stated that if what you are doing is for personal reasons, looking for food, parking, etc. then it is personal. If it is not personal, then it falls under hours of service. It does not matter if you are hooked to your trailer or not.

Apr 05, 2019 • Carriers

Trucker Path App Update Version 4.1.4: Improved GPS and Navigation <h2></h2> <h3></h3> Good morning Trucker Path users! <h2></h2> <a href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/07/up2.jpeg"><img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/07/up2-300x300.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="300" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-5133" /></a> <h2></h2> We’re excited to rollout the latest version 4.1.4 of Trucker Path in the App Stores (<a href="http://bit.ly/truckerpathdroid">Play Store</a> and <a href="http://bit.ly/truckerpathios">Apple</a>). We’ve focused our attention on the GPS/navigation aspect. <h2></h2> <strong>1. Place of Interest Search Ability</strong> <h2></h2> We've added the ability to search for a place-of-interest along your trip, and avoid going out of route when finding stops/rest areas. <a href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/07/up4.jpeg"><img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/07/up4-300x300.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="300" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-5135" /></a> <h2></h2> <strong>2. Added Information on Places-of-Interest during Navigation</strong> <h2></h2> During navigation, you can check detailed information on places-of-interest, and route to them. Previously you were only able to see the card-style preview of places. <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <strong>3. Improved “Last Mile” Destination Accuracy.</strong> <h2></h2> Sometimes the geolocation of the destination waypoint is marked at the center of a place. There have been issues where the routing will take you on a loop/veer off track. We’ve updated the algorithm so it will route you to the primary entrance for trucks, for improved accuracy. <h2></h2> <a href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/07/up1.jpeg"><img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/07/up1-300x300.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="300" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-5132" /></a> <h2></h2> <strong>4. Truck Restricted Roads</strong> <h2></h2> Navigation screen will show truck restricted roads <a href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/07/up3.jpeg"><img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/07/up3-300x300.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="300" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-5134" /></a> <h2></h2> <strong>5. Remove Stopovers</strong> <h2></h2> Added the ability to easily remove stopovers during an active trip <h2></h2> <h2></h2> We thank you for your continued support! More feature updates in the pipeline for the next release cycle! If you have any suggestions please let our team know at community@truckerpath.com, we're actively looking for user suggestions! <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <h4>By The Trucker Path Team</h4> <h3></h3> <h3></h3>

Jul 13, 2020 • Carriers