Trucker GPS Vs Smart Phone Apps

Anyone have any opinions on either ? There are a few options that make the GPS appealing like showing the closet truck stop but is it worth the $350 ? Can you get the same info with a smart phone app ? I'm new to the industry and I'm trying to save $ where I can. I don't mind spending the money if it will make life on the road a little less stressful but saving money also lessens ones stress. Any input will be appreciated.

Thanks and Happy Thanksgiving.

Good morning sir. Hope all is well for you and Happy Thanksgiving. I have looked at several and a lot of mixed reviews. Daniel B has a Rand McNally he showed me and he seems to like it very much, Bob up there was higher on the Garmin because of ease of rerouting from his experiences. I like the fact Rand also makes the motor carrier atlas we all carry. But with like any other electronic gadget I think it depends on personal preference more than anything else. I have used them for years, although car ones. I like the fact it shows your turns coming up giving you time for lane setup. Just my opinion.

Anyone have any opinions on either ? There are a few options that make the GPS appealing like showing the closet truck stop but is it worth the $350 ? Can you get the same info with a smart phone app ? I'm new to the industry and I'm trying to save $ where I can. I don't mind spending the money if it will make life on the road a little less stressful but saving money also lessens ones stress. Any input will be appreciated.

Thanks and Happy Thanksgiving.

The Company I am with don't allow any cell phone use at all. Most of our drivers use GPS on the windshield. Advantage's you set it once leave it alone it does the rest. GPS also has truck routing, although it is not always accurate. Cell phones on the other hand don't allow multiple stops and don't have Truck routing. Plus if you get a call right at the time you are make critical maneuvers to reach a customer you can become distracted and make a wrong turn or worse hit something. Do yourself a favor get a GPS and silence the phone and place it were it wont be a distraction. Many company's are instituting Cell phone bans while driving even with a Bluetooth. My company has done just that. When caught first offence write up second termination.

I ma new to trucking as well, but have used GPS systems for years and done some research on trucking units. I have used apps on my phone when in a pinch, but much prefer GPS systems. The screen on the phone is much smaller. This means not only can it be harder to see, there is not room for some other nice features. At least that was the case with the apps I have used.

A cheaper car unit would save money and be better than the phone. But you will lose one of the most important features of a trucking GPS IMO which is truck routing. Navigating around truck restricted areas and low bridges as an example. Keep in mind you always need to double check the route with a map as GPS units will sometimes choose out of the way or just plain wrong routes.

One feature I have on my car unit that I don't know if I could live without now is the posted speed limits and my traveling speed. I don't have to wait and search for signs to know what speed zone I am in. I rarely look at the speedometer on my personal truck now because I can look at the GPS.

It's also nice having points of interest on the GPS. You can do a search for what ever it is you want to find then just push a button to be routed there.

Woody

Each unit has its goods and others. I use the Rand McNally. As said, it corresponds with their atlas for easy reference. My company uses Rand for their routing and it almost never is the same as my unit so that can sometimes make for interesting driving. One of the really nice features is that once you have your destination in you can do a lot of enroute stuff with it. Need to hit Wally World, it gives you a couple. If you need to LCTC like I do, then rest areas are available in miles from you. Same goes for truck stops if you need a break or mother nature begins to call. Weigh stations, CAT scales , etc are there, too. No unit is perfect and you still have to read EVERY sign to make sure you don't get your self in trouble; just another tool in the tool box.

Happy Thanksgiving all.