Google Maps is one of the most popular and reliable navigation apps out there, and if you’re reading this you are likely a truck driver wondering if you can use Google Maps to plan your route. Our answer is likely to disappoint you because currently you cannot. There is some good news though, while Google might not have what you are looking for there are some great options out there for truckers.
Can Google Maps Show Truck Routes
While Google Maps comes with multiple navigation modes, it currently does not support a truck option for its navigation. While having a quick solution such as “truck mode” would be amazing, we don’t see it becoming a reality any time soon, and here’s why.
Unfortunately, the customer base of Google Maps is not primarily related to trucking. It's simply not a truck GPS app. There are many conditions that are crucial to planning a trucker’s route, vs your everyday commute through the suburbs. Various types of hazmat loads, and permit loads that require specific route regulations, for example. Because Google Maps is run by algorithms that provide the majority of its GPS information, it would take a large investment of time and money for Google to modify its current program. The target audience for a truck specific navigation mode would simply be too small to justify such an investment. They’d also face new challenges as well. After all, they’d be going up against competitors that are already established in the market. There are truck GPS apps currently that already cater to trucking routes. Many of which have a good reputation built, promoting how reliable they are. So what are the alternatives to Google Maps that provide truck GPS route tracking?
Truck Driver GPS Apps
1. Waze
Waze is one of the best free truck gps apps available. It is available on both iOS and Android. Waze is a crowd-sourced app, which gives up-to-date information for routes and traffic. It also has added features such as gas prices, road closures, traffic accident updates and automatic rerouting to keep you following the most accurate path to your destination.
2. CoPilot GPS/CoPilot Mobile Navigation
If you're looking for a little more bang for your buck, CoPilot is a more in depth app that is available for purchase on both iOS and Android devices for a one time fee of $9.99. When it comes to getting what you pay for, that couldn't be more true with this app. CoPilot has the added feature to customize routes before you begin a trip. Granting you the ability to enter your truck’s specific dimensions. It also gives the truck driver specific directions, shows rest stops, weight stations, CAT scales as well as points of interest along a specific route. If you’re willing to spend a little money this is by far one of the best truck GPS apps out there.
This is one of the best truck GPS apps around. Especially considering it was made with the intention of helping everyday truckers navigate their routes. It also provides suggestions to the driver, again based on the truck's dimensions and the restrictions of the vehicle. It can even help you keep your ELD up to date because it tracks your mileage as you drive. However, it finds itself at the bottom of our list for two reasons. It is a bit pricier at $26.99 and unfortunately it is only available to Android users for the time being.
How to Find Truck Parking
You’re set on course, following your truck GPS app on the fastest route. When you find yourself ready to set up camp for the night. You pull up to the nearest rest stop just to find that there’s no room for you to stay there. This occurrence is more common than people realize! A survey conducted on Interstate 5, a California highway, found that 70% of drivers who stopped at a truck stop found that they were full and had to keep going.
Another app you might download in tandem with your new truck GPS app is an app called RoadBreakers. RoadBreakers is like a secret weapon in the trucking community. It is an app that was created by truckers, for truckers. Its main focus is to highlight safe parking for truckers to stop and rest. RoadBreakers is available on both iOS and Android. The app is primarily driven by users who are able to update and delete locations based on their experiences. This gives you an up-to-date view of what safe places you can rest for a full nights sleep when the options are limited. This app protects the trucking community! Especially when in the past they’ve had to fall back on unsafe places such as behind grocery stores, abandoned gas stations, isolated parking lots, and freeway ramps where they could potentially be in danger.
With today's technology such issues can become a thing of the past.
Thank you for reading this article. If you are interested in working for a trucking company with your best interest at heart ABL Trucking is the place for you. We do our best to give you time with your family and happiness in your workspace. To apply for a job you can call us at (385) 722-7331 or contact us online.
