As a truck driver, you need reliable navigation to help you get to your destination quickly and safely. Two of the most popular map apps for drivers are Waze and Google Maps.
Both map apps offer features and benefits that can be helpful for truckers, but which one is best suited for your needs? In this article, we’ll compare and contrast the features and benefits of Waze vs Google Maps for truckers. You’ll learn how to determine which one is the best fit for your needs.
And when you finish, read more in our ‘Best navigation app for truckers’ article series:
- Waze vs Google Maps
- Waze vs Apple Maps
- Apple Maps vs Google Maps for truckers
- Garmin vs Google Maps for truckers
What is Waze?
Waze is a free, community-based navigation and traffic app available for iOS and Android. It helps drivers navigate in real time with live, crowdsourced information about traffic, road closures, accidents and other driving-related information. Waze was founded in 2008 and acquired by Google in 2013.
The Waze app includes features that some drivers feel qualifies it as the best trucker GPS. It allows users to add and edit information about road conditions, earn rewards and socialize with other drivers. It’s also one of the 6 best fuel finder apps.
Is Waze accurate?
The Waze truck route app uses several data points to accurately predict and suggest the fastest routes. These include:
- GPS information
- Machine learning algorithms
- Real-time traffic patterns
- User inputs
What is Google Maps?
Google Maps is a web-based service that provides maps, satellite images, street views and real-time traffic conditions. It also offers directions for various modes of transportation, such as driving, walking, biking or public transit.
Developed and operated by Google, the platform is accessible via browsers and mobile devices. Google Maps has become an important tool for navigation, exploration and local searches, both for individuals and businesses.
Google Maps has incredible features which some truckers feel make it the best truck GPS, like real-time traffic updates to determine traffic density and adjust routes accordingly. When a user searches for a location, Google Maps accesses its vast database of street maps and satellite images to locate the area. This info then helps to provide users with accurate geographic information.
Waze vs Google Maps for truckers
There are several key differences between Waze and Google Maps for truckers.
Commercial vehicle navigation
Both Waze and Google Maps provide turn-by-turn directions, real-time traffic updates, estimated time of arrival (ETA), and alternative route suggestions. However, Waze is known for its community-driven data, where users can report accidents, traffic jams, and other hazards in real-time. This can be helpful for commercial vehicle drivers as they can get up-to-date information about road conditions and avoid potential delays.
When it comes to commercial vehicle routing, Waze has some limitations. It doesn’t have specialized features for commercial vehicles, such as height and weight restrictions, low-clearance warnings or commercial vehicle-specific routes.
On the other hand, Google Maps has some additional features that can be useful for commercial vehicle drivers. For instance, users can input their vehicle’s height, weight and length to find suitable routes. Google Maps also provides information about low-clearance bridges and weight-restricted roads, which can be important for commercial vehicle drivers to avoid violations and delays.
Winner: Google Maps
Availability
Both Waze and Google Maps are readily available and can be downloaded for free on iOS and Android devices. They are also available for use on desktop computers.
Waze and Google Maps can be used on various systems including Android, iOS, and web browsers. They are also available as standalone apps on select car infotainment systems such as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Additionally, some car manufacturers such as Toyota, Ford, and BMW provide integration with these navigation apps in their cars’ built-in navigation systems.
Winner: Tie
Heavy traffic, accidents and inclement weather updates
Both Waze and Google Maps are owned by Alphabet (parent company of Google), so they have access to similar data.
They both offer real-time updates on traffic, accidents, and weather conditions. This is important for truckers when planning their delivery routes. It helps them save time, avoid potential dangers, mitigate rising fuel costs, etc.
Some users prefer Waze because it relies heavily on user-generated content, while others prefer Google Maps because of its integration with other Google products, such as Google Assistant and Google My Business.
Waze has a unique feature called the “Waze-edited map,” in which users can edit and add up-to-date information on road closures, accidents, and traffic conditions. Some truckers feel this makes Waze better than Google Maps.
Fans of Google Maps, on the other hand, enjoy that it provides detailed information on public transportation routes and schedules. This is useful for planning for rest stops and breaks during long trips.
Winner: Waze
User interface
Waze and Google Maps are both excellent navigation apps, and their interfaces are user-friendly and efficient. So, is Waze or Google Maps better?
Waze has a more vibrant interface and displays a lot of user-generated road information, like accidents, traffic jams, and police traps. It also offers various voices to guide you to your destination.
In contrast, Google Maps has a cleaner and more minimalist interface, with a focus on navigation directions and nearby places. It also integrates well with other Google services, such as Google Assistant and Google Earth.
Winner: Depends on personal preference and intended use
Waze and Google Maps both have strengths and weaknesses
In terms of navigation, Waze for trucks is known for its interactive and user-friendly interface, with clear voice directions and dynamic rerouting capabilities. Waze is a more community-driven app.
Google Maps, however, offers more advanced features such as lane guidance and predictive traffic alerts. Google Maps is a more reliable routing app that takes into account vehicle specifics and road conditions.
So is there a clear winner for the best GPS app for truckers? Which is better, Waze or Google Maps?
Overall, the Google Maps vs Waze question comes down to personal preference and specific needs. Combining both apps can provide a more comprehensive and reliable navigation experience for truckers.
FAQ
Yes, there are several map apps for truck routes that offer features for commercial truck drivers, like weight restrictions, bridge heights, and hazardous materials regulations. Read our five recommendations for the best truck GPS app in this article.
Yes, semitruck drivers can download and use the Waze for Truckers app. However, it is recommended that truck drivers also use a specialized GPS navigation system designed for commercial vehicles. It should include information like bridge heights, weight restrictions and low clearance areas.
Some people prefer Waze to Google Maps for its real-time traffic updates, user-reported hazards, better route optimization, social features and customizable options.
Yes, Google Maps does use Waze traffic data, and vice-versa. In 2013, Google acquired Waze. Since then, Google Maps has incorporated some of Waze’s features, such as real-time traffic updates, incident reports, and other information provided by drivers on the road.
Google Maps does not show the location of law enforcement officers in real-time. However, it does show the location of police stations. It is always important to follow traffic rules and regulations and drive safely regardless of police presence.
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