Trucking-specific Apps/Navigational Aids

Just saw Rick's PBA about I-95 restriction around Philly...

I haven't started to google for this yet, but wondering if there are recommendable apps or navigational systems designed specifically in regards to tractor-trailer friendly routes and real-time road closures/detours updates that you guys use?

I use Truckers Path app. Great for quick trip planning and Truck Stops, rest areas, fuel, scales, Walmarts, etc. I also have the Rand Mcnally TD730 Truckers GPS unit. Although I have not used the feature yet, it has real time traffic capability. You need to use a hotspot, whether your phone or a stand alone hot spot device. I am planning on trying it out next week. Ill report back

Wow, that really sounds like a very usable app!!! I'm actually a bit impressed at how comprehensive it's been described already. Glad you guys do have usable apps like this. I was thinking if you guys didn't yet, boy... some programmer needs to get on it!

Call 511 to find about road closures. Another thing I use is Google Maps--not for navigation but to see current road closures and traffic. You can see Google's traffic data by tapping the traffic icon in Trucker Path, but it only shows the colors (green, orange, red) not actual road closures and accidents. I've tried Waze but I don't like it.

For navigation I use my Qualcomm and my road atlas for trip planning. I'm also beta testing a gps unit that I may buy once it comes out.

I've heard Qualcomm navigation cannot be viewed while in motion (just like messages cannot be read) and hence suggested to have own supplemental navigational system.

Chris, Qualcomm navigation is functional in motion, not the messaging though, for obvious reasons. I always enter my destination on the QC, then go thru the turn by turn screen, mark the route in my Motor Carriers Atlas with a dry erase marker,(I spent the extra $$ for the one with laminated pages). I put little dots on the route. Then I write down my final exit and ensuing turns to my destination in a note pad. GPS can go down! Some folks even write those final turns on the windshield or side window with a dry erase marker as well. NEVER completely trust your GPS. It is a great tool, my QC has not led me a stray ......YET! I'm an old fart that learned to use a map long before GPS existed. I think Errol still uses his Lewis and Clark maps from High School!

Speaking of Errol.... I learned this from one of his posts. I use it all of the time. Use Google Maps or Earth and get the satellite view of Shippers/Receivers. Lets you see the lay of the land so to speak, before you get there. Ingress/Egress, door and parking locations. INVALUABLE!

You can't change your destination, or search out anything while on your Qualcomm while in motion, but you shouldn't do that anyway. The navigation, once set, works just fine in motion.

That said, I also use a rand McNally gps in conjunction with my Qualcomm. The rm finds better routes for the main part of the drive, but the Qualcomm is better at the end of the trip as it usually directs you to the truck entrance of the place you are going whereas the 6th directs you to the street address you put in.

I also never rely on gps alone, I cross reference everything in my atlas.

I've heard Qualcomm navigation cannot be viewed while in motion (just like messages cannot be read) and hence suggested to have own supplemental navigational system.

I've heard Qualcomm navigation cannot be viewed while in motion (just like messages cannot be read) and hence suggested to have own supplemental navigational system.

Watch it! "I've heard ..." are dangerous words around here. ("Where did you hear that?" "Can you back that up?" and so on.)

What you can do on a QC while in motion: (do this stuff, get distracted from driving at your own risk!)

Get an overview of the whole route (the turn by turn screen that Tractor Man talks about, touch on the zig-zag in the upper right corner).

On that screen, anyplace you tap on goes to the center, then tap the + to zoom in. A way to get a closer look at the turns in your route.

BTW, I donated my L & C maps to the Bakersfield, CA, library.

Just a side note on Trucker Path. Be careful using it as a navigation tool as it is NOT optimized for trucks. They say they are working on it but I'm sure it's a huge undertaking!

I've noticed a few times where I have deviated from the route Trucker Path suggested. The first one coming to mind is I-70 across Indianapolis. While I could take that route as I am not over 13"6' it's a much safer option to just take I-465 around.