Having a reliable GPS device is of the utmost importance for truckers, especially if they have ever experienced being lost on the road. In the transportation industry time is money, a reliable GPS device can be an invaluable tool to get you where you need to go and in the most timely manner.
GPS devices provide advanced route planning and specialized services specific to the trucking industry. But how do you find the best GPS for truckers? That’s what we’re here to help you with! In this guide, we’ll take a look at six of the best GPS devices currently available.
Quicklook: Best GPS for Truckers
- Best For Overall Efficiency: Verizon Connect
- Best For Fast Data: Samsara GPS Fleet Tracking
- Best For Driver Safety and Behavior Monitoring: Azuga GPS Fleet Tracking
- Best For Fleet Route Optimization: CoPilot Truck by Trimble MAPS
- Best For Regulatory Compliance: Motive Electronic Logbook
Best GPS for Truckers Options
The following options are five of the top GPS devices that are specifically tailored for truck drivers!
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: Verizon Connect’s monthly rate starts at $45 per month. They do not offer a free trial, however, they offer flexible services and rates when you speak directly with a company representative.
| Technical Specifications | |
| Dimensions | 30 x 51 x 3.15mm |
| Resolution | None. Connects to phone or optional ELD or dash cam. |
| Display Type | None. Connects to phone or optional ELD or dash cam. |
| Mounting Type | OBD-II port mount |
| Voice Command | No |
| Camera | No – optional additional dash cams |
| Storage | Automatically uploads to a server via cellular connection. |
| Lane Assistance | No |
| Speed Limit Indicator | No |
| Traffic Services | Yes |
Samsara GPS Fleet Tracking
Best For: Fast Data
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.
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: Samsara does not provide price quotes to the general public. Customers will need to purchase the unit as well as pay for a subscription to the service. Prices will vary depending on fleet size and the length of commitment chosen, so reaching out to Samsara and inquiring about their prices is the best way to acquire a quote.
| Technical Specifications | |
| Dimensions | 4.6” x 2.7” x 1.0” |
| Resolution | N/A |
| Display Type | N/A |
| Mounting Type | Unspecified |
| Voice Command | N/A |
| Camera | No |
| Storage | Unspecified |
| Lane Assistance | N/A |
| Speed Limit Indicator | N/A |
| Traffic Services | N/A |
Azuga GPS Fleet Tracking
Best For: Driver Safety and Behavior Monitoring
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.
Special Features:
- Real-time Tracking
- Diagnostic Data Capture
- Customizable Dashboard
- Driver Behavior Monitoring
- Dashcam Integration
- Versatile Vehicle Compatibility
Benefits:
- Accident Reduction: Customers have experienced an average reduction of 38% in accidents by utilizing Azuga’s GPS system.
- Citation Reduction: The system helps businesses reduce citations by an average of 57% by promoting safe driving behaviors.
- FleetMobile Engagement: Azuga FleetMobile engages drivers with rewards, scores, leaderboards, and push notifications, fostering a safety-oriented culture and motivating positive driver behavior.
Disadvantages:
- Limited hardware options: Azuga’s GPS system primarily relies on the Azuga Tracker, which is a plug-in device. This may limit customization options or compatibility with certain vehicle models that lack an OBDII port.
- Reliance on cellular network
- Subscription-based cost model
CoPilot Truck by Trimble MAPS
Best For: Fleet Route Optimization:
CoPilot Truck by Trimble MAPS 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.
Special Features:
- PC*MILER Truck-Specific Routing
- 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
- Truck-Legal Spoken Turn-By-Turn Navigation: Provides voice guidance on legal routes for trucks, preventing legal issues.
- Load-Specific Routing
- Automatic Re-Route Calculation
- Commercial Truck Routing: Enhances route safety, compliance, and efficiency.
- In-Cab Speeding Alerts
Benefits:
- Accident Reduction: Customers have experienced an average reduction of 38% in accidents by utilizing Azuga’s GPS system.
- Citation Reduction: The system helps businesses reduce citations by an average of 57% by promoting safe driving behaviors.
Disadvantages:
- Cost: CoPilot is not free, which may discourage cost-sensitive businesses.
- Learning Curve: It might take time for drivers to adjust to this commercial-grade system.
- Over-reliance: Drivers might rely too much on provided routes, possibly leading to issues if the system fails or can’t account for sudden road changes.
- PC*MILER Dependency: Optimal use of CoPilot involves integration with PC*MILER, requiring an additional system for those not already using it.
Motive Electronic Logbook
Best For: Regulatory Compliance
Motive’s electronic logbook app stands out as a premier tool for fleet management, specifically designed to ease the task of logging driver hours of service while reinforcing regulatory compliance. Its integral feature, the GPS service, delivers consistent real-time tracking of fleet vehicles, recording all journey specifics for comprehensive reporting. This detail-oriented tracking facilitates fleet managers in route optimization, thus boosting overall efficiency. But where the Motive Electronic Logbook truly shines is in its ability to assist with regulatory compliance. By maintaining precise and consistent records of all necessary data points, it ensures that fleets are always ready to meet and demonstrate their adherence to industry standards and regulations. In essence, Motive’s Electronic Logbook not only simplifies fleet management but also acts as a robust tool for maintaining regulatory compliance, providing a solution that expertly balances productivity with adherence to industry rules.
Special Features:
- Integrated Vehicle Telematics
- Real-Time Fleet Management
- Automated Hours of Service (HOS) Recording
- Setup guides and step-by-step instructions for installation
- 24/7 customer support available via many communication types
Benefits:
- Easy-to-read dashboard
- Optional dashcams to capture footage even when vehicle is off
- Driver safety leaderboards to motivate safety
- IFTA fuel reports
- Compliance logs for hours of service (HOS)
Disadvantages:
- No free trial
- Requires 12-month contract
How Does a Trucking GPS 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.
Things to Consider with GPS for Truckers
The best GPS for truckers 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 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 are looking for as a trucker!
FAQ
The Garmin models offer advanced features, many of which are specific to the trucking industry. Drivers who are looking for a good value can take advantage of the no-frills option offered by SixGo.
Truckers use many apps, including the following:
– Waze
– Google Maps
– Trucker Path
– SmartTruckRoute
– Copilot GPS
The advanced features of these GPS units can also provide real-time traffic data and lane assistance features.
Some GPS units, such as the Garmin DEZL OTR700, might integrate well with an ELD device. However, not all GPS units offer this capability, so it’s important to check the manufacturing specs before you make a purchase.
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