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 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

Trucker Spotlight - Dakota Caldwell <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/2020/10/ts-dakota_caldwell-blog-3.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> Today we are putting the spotlight on <strong>Dakota Caldwell</strong>, a 26-year old trucker and YouTuber, who's been driving for around 2 & 1/2 years now. He used to be a mechanic prior to driving trucks. He always loved driving and knew he wanted a career in driving someday but for some reason, taxi driver always popped in his mind. Let's get to more about Dakota and how's life on the road. <h2></h2> <h3></h3> <h3><strong>What made you decide to be a trucker?</strong></h3> I have always loved big trucks and my high school girlfriend's dad is really the one that made it seem like it be a good idea and thought id like it. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>In the years that you have been driving, what are the significant changes that you've noticed in the trucking industry?</strong></h3> Honestly, since I've started driving, I haven't seen much change. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/10/ts-dakota_caldwell-blog-1.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What made you decide to put up your Youtube channel?</strong></h3> I wanted to show people what it was like out here - WHAT IT'S REALLY LIKE - and not what I used to watch on Youtube because that was always misleading. They never showed the things I wanted to see that I knew other people would want to see. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>Any times when you get lonely while driving? How do you deal with it?</strong></h3> The first thing you lose as a trucker is your sanity. Once thats out of the way, the real danger comes. You begin to love the solitude and everything really comes into perspective and you see the rest of the world from the outside in. But yes, there are lonely times but you get past it when you see that pay check. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/10/ts-dakota_caldwell-blog-2.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>As a trucker, what are the current struggles in this COVID19 pandemic?</strong></h3> I haven't had any. I really adapted well I think. Sometimes, no shower and no hot food but that happens anyway in trucking. And with the roads empty when everyone was home, I turned more miles than ever. Also when everyone came back out, I've seen more wrecks in one day than I have in my entire life. Everyone forgot how to drive. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What's your favorite Truck Brand / Model?</strong></h3> 389 Peterbilt all day. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/10/ts-dakota_caldwell-blog-4.jpg" alt=""] <h3><strong>Aside from being a trucker, any other things you dream of doing?</strong></h3> Being one of those tower climber. That looks fun and you still get to travel. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What's the best truck stop for you?</strong></h3> TA. I find them to be the best. Besides of course chrome shops lol. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are your pet peeves while driving/trucking?</strong></h3> 62 mph trucks in the center lane, drivers on their phone, and drivers doing a dirty 30 (30 min break on the fuel island). <h2></h2> <h3><strong>We're glad that you use the Trucker Path app on your day to day trucking. What features do you enjoy the most?</strong></h3> What I like most about <a href="http://www.truckerpath.com">Trucker Path</a> is finding truck stops and seeing the driver reviews. Helps find a good place to shut'er down for the night. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are some tips that you would like to share for aspiring truckers?</strong></h3> Look, listen, think, get out, and look. Take your time but never be late and use common sense. It will take you a long way out here. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>Where can people watch your videos on Youtube?</strong></h3> They can view my videos on my <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8vDkn66ecBiH0-Id70YXow">Youtube Channel, Life Behind The Wheel</a>. <h2></h2> <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4IcXV4KrDRg" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> <h2></h2> Hope you guys enjoy! <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <h4>By Aldous Aldwin</h4> <h3></h3> <h3></h3>

Oct 21, 2020 • Carriers

5 Most Common Mistakes for New Truck Drivers <h2></h2> <h3></h3> Many truckers try to get into the business every year and end up racking up violations and unnecessary expenses due to Rookie Mistakes. Dave of Smart Trucking shares some rookie mistakes for all the rookies entering the trucking world. <h2></h2> Here are the 5 of the most common mistakes new truck drivers make: <h2></h2> <strong>1. Misjudging a corner:</strong> You may be swinging too wide or not swinging wide enough. Always check your spacing and clearances. <h2></h2> <a href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/b30-1.jpeg"><img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/b30-1-300x156.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="156" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-5043" /></a> <h2></h2> <strong>2. Not getting clear directions to a delivery or pick up:</strong> Ensure good directions to avoid getting lost or in an awkward spot where it's impossible to get turned around. Plan your trips using a trip planner (check out <a href="http://vip.truckerpath.com/gold-member?utm_source=email&utm_medium=nurture-interest">Trucker Path</a> while you're at it). <h2></h2> <a href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/b31-1.jpeg"><img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/b31-1-300x156.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="156" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-5044" /></a> <h2></h2> <strong>3. Lack of focus when backing up:</strong> This is one of the greatest challenges as a professional truck driver. Get out of the vehicle and survey the vicinity first. Check for obstructions and clearance. Do it slowly and safely and always focus on your driver aids (side mirrors, cameras, etc). <h2></h2> <a href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/b32.jpeg"><img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/b32-300x156.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="156" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-5045" /></a> <h2></h2> <strong>4. Hurrying:</strong> Hurry for no one. Hurrying leads to mistakes. Mistakes as a professional truck driver can be fatal. Take all the time you need to get it right EVERY TIME. <h2></h2> <a href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/b33.jpeg"><img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/b33-300x156.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="156" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-5046" /></a> <h2></h2> <strong>5. Complacency:</strong> Experienced truck drivers as well as the new truck drivers can be guilty of being complacent and overconfident. Be thorough and 100% focused at all times and never ever take something for granted. Complacency can get any driver into serious trouble. <h2></h2> <a href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/b34.jpeg"><img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/b34-300x156.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="156" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-5047" /></a> <h2></h2> There are many more tips out there but in general it all leads to focus, and safety. Got some tips to share? Let us know down the comments section. <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <h4>By Aldous Aldwin</h4> <h3></h3> <h3></h3>

Jun 16, 2020 • Carriers