Best GPS for truckers (2025)

In the transportation industry, time is money. Having a reliable GPS for truckers helps ensure that you’re where you need, safely, and on time.

Unlike standard GPS devices, truck-specific options provide tailored features like route planning for oversized vehicles, driver behavior monitoring, and telematics reporting. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best GPS devices on the market to help you choose the perfect equipment for your needs.

Quicklook: Best GPS for truckers

• Best for fleet route optimization: Trimble CoPilot
• Best for affordability: Konexial My20 ELD
• Best for regulatory compliance: Motive
• Best for driver safety and behavior monitoring: Azuga GPS Fleet Tracking
• Best for ease of use: Garmin dezl OTR800
• Best for overall efficiency: Verizon Connect
• Best for fast data: Samsara GPS Fleet Tracking

How does a truck GPS navigation work?

GPS units rely on satellite technology to pinpoint your exact location. This satellite data is then reflected on your screen and integrated into mapping software to help you navigate the roads. 

Trucking GPS devices offer advanced features that include traffic reports and trucking points of interest (POIs). All of these features give drivers an edge while they’re on the road.

What’s the best GPS for truckers?

Here are seven of the top GPS devices that are specifically tailored for truck drivers

Trimble CoPilot

Trimble CoPilot stands out for its exceptional ability in fleet route optimization. The software leverages a powerful PC*MILER routing algorithm, widely recognized as an industry-standard, to provide precise, truck-specific routes. These routes are meticulously calculated based on comprehensive truck-specific map data, effectively eliminating unnecessary miles and saving significant fuel costs. This feature alone can be a game-changer for fleets operating in a time- and cost-sensitive industry. 

Furthermore, the system accommodates unique truck and driver profiles, offering a degree of customization rarely seen in other solutions. This allows fleets to receive the specific information they need, enabling them to operate at their highest potential. The addition of optional real-time traffic alerts and anticipated delay times helps fleets to maintain schedules and avoid traffic-related delays, further streamlining operations.

Best for: Fleet route optimization

Special features:

• Lane assist and CoPilot ClearTurn™ offers clear guidance for safe lane changing and navigation of complex intersections.
• Truck-specific map data automatically calculates routes based on parameters specific to each truck, avoiding truck-prohibited routes and low bridges.
• Real-time traffic alerts
• PC*MILER truck- and load-specific, voice-guided routing with automated rerouting capabilities enhances safety, legal compliance, and efficiency.
• In-cab speed warnings

Benefits:

• Customers have experienced an average reduction of 38% in accidents by utilizing Azuga’s semi truck GPS system.
• The system helps businesses reduce citations by an average of 57% by promoting safe driving behaviors.

Disadvantages:

• May take time for drivers to adjust to this commercial-grade system
• Optimal use of CoPilot involves integration with PC*MILER, requiring an additional system for those not already using it

Pricing: Varies on fleet size and requirements; contact Trimble for a customized quote

Konexial My20 ELD

Konexial’s My20 ELD is a simple, cost-effective GPS solution tailored for owner-operators and small fleets. Built to be user-friendly, the My20 ELD combines GPS tracking with regulatory compliance features to offer a seamless solution for trucking businesses. The system’s no-frills approach makes it accessible to smaller operations, while still delivering reliable route optimization and location tracking.

Best for: Affordability

Special features:

• FMCSA-certified ELD functionality
• Integrated GPS tracking and routing
• My20 Tower dashboard for fleet management
• No monthly fees (after hardware purchase for basic plan)

Benefits:

• Extremely cost-effective for smaller businesses or owner-operators
• Straightforward installation and usage reduce learning curves
• Provides essential GPS tracking without unnecessary features

Disadvantages:

• Limited advanced features compared to other high-end solutions
• No dedicated hardware for additional insights like vehicle diagnostics
• Not as robust for large fleets requiring deep analytics

Pricing: 

• My20 ELD round 9-Pin hardware: $149.99
• My20 cellular ELD hardware: $219.99
• Subscriptions start at $300 per year

Motive

Motive’s GPS fleet tracking system offers comprehensive navigation solutions designed for trucking fleets. By integrating real-time GPS tracking with advanced telematics, Motive provides tools that assist drivers in navigating routes effectively while enabling fleet managers to monitor and optimize fleet performance.

Motive stands out for its ability to combine real-time GPS navigation with regulatory compliance tools, making it an ideal choice for fleets seeking a balance between operational efficiency and adherence to transportation regulations. Its FMCSA-compliant ELD solutions streamline logging and reporting for drivers and fleet managers.

Best for: Regulatory compliance

Special features:

• Delivers continuous location updates, allowing for precise monitoring of vehicle positions
• Analyzes traffic conditions and road restrictions to suggest optimal routes, helping to reduce travel time and fuel consumption
• Geofencing can be set to send alerts when vehicles enter or exit specific areas
• Provides clear, step-by-step directions tailored to vehicle specifications so drivers can avoid restricted routes
• Offers AI-powered dashcams and driver coaching to ensure safe driving practices

Benefits:

• Minimizes delays and improves delivery times
• Reduces fuel consumption and vehicle wear
• Helps drivers avoid hazardous routes and comply with road restrictions

Pricing:

• Vehicle gateway devices are approximately $150 each
• Subscriptions start at $25 per vehicle per month

Azuga GPS Fleet Tracking

Azuga’s GPS system is the best option for driver safety and behavior monitoring in fleet management. Its user-friendly installation, real-time tracking, and diagnostic data capture provide instant insights for enhanced visibility and accountability. With the ability to monitor driver behavior and reduce wasteful habits, Azuga significantly improves transit time and reduces accidents and citations. The FleetMobile feature engages drivers through rewards and leaderboards, fostering a safety-oriented culture. Integrated dashcams, like the SafetyCam, capture vital road events, ensuring clear evidence in case of accidents. 

Suitable for various vehicle types and backed by award-winning support, Azuga’s GPS system is the top choice for businesses seeking to prioritize driver safety and optimize fleet operations.

Best for: Driver safety and behavior monitoring

Special features:

• Real-time tracking
• Diagnostic data capture
• Customizable dashboard
• Driver behavior monitoring
• Dashcam integration
• Versatile vehicle compatibility

Benefits:

• Customers have experienced an average reduction of 38% in accidents.
• The system helps businesses reduce citations by an average of 57% by promoting safe driving behaviors.
• Azuga FleetMobile engages drivers with rewards, scores, leaderboards, and push notifications.

Disadvantages:

• Primarily relies on its plug-in Azuga Tracker device, which may limit compatibility with vehicles lacking an OBDII port.
• Reliance on cellular network
• Subscription-based cost model

Pricing: Basic plan starts at $25 per month

Garmin dezl OTR800

Garmin’s dezl OTR800 is a feature-rich GPS for truck drivers offers easy navigation and a seamless user experience. The device includes an 8-inch touchscreen, offering a clear and responsive interface. Garmin’s proprietary routing technology ensures truck-specific navigation by factoring in vehicle size, weight, and cargo type. With preloaded maps, real-time traffic updates, and voice-activated navigation, the dezl OTR800 is an excellent choice for drivers focused on staying on the best route without distractions.

Best for: User-friendly navigation

Special features:

• 8-inch high-resolution touchscreen display
• Truck-specific navigation with customizable truck profiles
• Preloaded maps with free updates
• Live traffic and weather updates
• Voice-activated navigation

Benefits:

• Intuitive interface makes it easy for drivers to use on the go.
• Real-time traffic and weather features help avoid delays.
• Dedicated truck routing ensures legal and safe navigation.
• Doesn’t require subscription for basic navigation functionality.

Disadvantages:

• Higher upfront cost compared to app-based solutions.
• Limited fleet management capabilities.
• Requires smartphone pairing for live features.

Pricing: $599.99 for hardware; no ongoing subscription required for basic functionality

Verizon Connect

Verizon Connect is an innovative fleet tracking software that allows you to monitor and manage your entire fleet seamlessly. Verizon is a trusted leader in the telematics industry providing high-tech software to give you easy access to the data you need to effectively manage your company.

Best for: Overall efficiency

Special features:

• Hard wired and plug-and-play installation
• Monitors vehicle performance
• Tracking software

Benefits:

• Plans are flexible and easily scalable 
• Customized reports and logs
• Best telematics platforms and solutions in the industry
• Help you comply with laws and regulations

Disadvantages:

• Longer learning curve
• Typically requires a 36-month contract

Pricing: Starts at $45 per month

Samsara GPS Fleet Tracking

Samsara’s GPS fleet tracking system isn’t a GPS unit in the traditional sense. This GPS tracking platform allows administrators to monitor fleet performance in real-time, delivering solutions that can optimize the entire fleet collectively.

Best for: Fast data

Special features:

• Tracks fleets in real-time
• Wi-Fi hotspot
• Monitors vehicle performance

Benefits:

• Plug-and-play installation
• Integrates with other Samsara products
• Customized reports and logs

Disadvantages:

• Not a traditional GPS unit
• Not ideal for owner-operators

Pricing: Contact Samsara for a quote

Things to consider with GPS for trucks

The best trucker GPS will have a wide array of advanced features. Here are some of the things to consider when shopping for a GPS as a trucker. 

Storage

While most GPS units are wireless-compatible, internal storage allows the unit to store maps and additional navigation data. Many of today’s GPS units also feature a slot for an external memory card, allowing you to expand the memory up to 32 GB.

Map updates and traffic alerts

Truckers rely on the latest data to plan their routes. The best GPS unit will automatically update maps and provide real-time traffic updates, which successfully alerts drivers to accidents, congestion, school zones, and more. 

Voice command navigation

No truck driver should have to mess with a touchscreen GPS when they’re behind the wheel. Your GPS unit should offer voice command navigation so that you can make course corrections or request updates without taking your eyes off the road.

Speed monitoring

Not all GPS models will offer this feature, but truckers may appreciate units that monitor their speed and alert them to any speed violations to avoid being pulled over or getting a ticket.

Lane assistance

Advanced GPS models offer lane assist and other advanced features to help truckers stay safe. This makes it possible for drivers to navigate even the most complex lane changes with ease.

A truck GPS to last you miles

The best GPS for truckers is simply the one that best suits your needs on the road. Whether you’re looking for a feature-rich GPS with advanced technology or a simple GPS to help you get where you need to go. The list above is full of great options to match exactly what you need.

FAQ