As most of us know, GPS stands for Global Positioning System, a navigation innovation created by the military but made available to the public. At any given time at least twelve of the twenty-four GPS satellites are on our side of the globe, sending signals to the earth. A GPS receiver picks up these signals from at least four of the satellites and measures the distance to that satellite based on the time it takes the signal to arrive. From this, the GPS receiver is able to calculate its precise location, in some places to within a few inches!
GPS handheld and auto receivers have steadily increased in features while they have declined in cost. With some units, the owner can preplan complex trips, listen to MP3 music, make Blue Tooth phone calls, finds points of interest, restaurants, gas stations, tourist sites, parks, and a wide variety of other places. The unit not only shows you where you are, but tells your speed, the speed limit in the area, your elevation, and calculates when you will arrive, based on your present speed.
Truck GPS systems work on the same principle of GPS navigation. However, the GPS receiver for truckers includes additional features unique to their needs. For example, some of the truck GPS units have larger screens, up to seven inches since the unit could be further from the driver. This allows for more map detail as well. Some also include driving timers, maintenance reminders, calendars, and notepads.
Some allow the driver to enter the size and weight of his rig, as well as noting whether or not he is transporting hazardous materials. From this information the GPS warns of upcoming roads that will not permit his truck’s passage. Navigation avoiding truck-unfriendly roads such as sharp curves and steep grades is also standard for truck GPS units. Some link the driver to NTTS (the National Truck and Trailer Services) that is the most comprehensive guide to semi-truck repair facilities nationwide – including those offering 24-hour road service.
If you are in the market to purchase a truck GPS, look too for lane navigation as an important feature for truckers. This directs drivers as to which lane to be in while driving through complex interchanges. Also important is the voice navigation that tells the driver onto what road he will be turning next.
As with some auto units, truck GPS receivers now come with an integrated FM traffic receiver. Up-to-the-minute information is sent to the GPS units notifying them of construction areas, traffic tie-ups, even accidents. The GPS will, if possible, reroute the driver to avoid these problems.
Of course, the goal of the trucker is to get his cargo safely to the destination. Truck GPS units route the driver from loading dock to destination dock, avoiding city obstacles known only to those who have delivered to that facility before.
Perhaps more than any other type of driver, truckers are thankful for the invention of the GPS and the development of the GPS unit specifically designed for them. Do the research to be sure that the unit you purchase has all the features that are important to your trucking success.
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