As a truck driver, your goal is to deliver the load on time and to the right place.

But for an 18 wheeler, this is not always an easy task to do.

A lot of things may happen on the road that may affect the delivery time. The truck may lose time due to bad weather, hitting bumper to bumper traffic, low bridges, weight restrictions roads, going onto a wrong road, finding a truck stop, a gas station or looking where to park for the night, etc.

Professional drivers use tools that help them avoid most of these issues while being on the road. One of these tools is the GPS navigation system.

What features are important for truckers?

There are plenty of GPS devices from various manufacturers created with truck drivers in mind. Some are built by premium brands that are a long time on the market, and there less known brands that also built decent GPS units for truckers.

To find the best GPS for you, as a truck driver, you need to compare their features just like we did in this Rand McNally vs Garmin truck GPS comparison.

See below useful features a GPS navigation system for truck drivers should include. 

1. Detailed Mapping

The most important thing is to buy a GPS unit that comes with lifetime map updates that provides you with the most up-to-date map versions.

The GPS provides the most suitable, fast, and safest route for the specifications you gave it. It also gives you information about the points of interest such as nearby restaurants, hotels, truck stops, gas stations, etc.

It also includes street names, speed limits, and turn by turn directions.

Modern truck GPS may have the option to zoom into the roadway and look into it from a 3d point of view. 

2. Connectivity

Many GPS units come with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, microphones, speakers, hands-free voice control, and backup cameras. 

All these options can work together with the GPS device so that you can delivery the load as efficiently as possible.  

For example, this allows the GPS device to be paired with your smartphone to make hands-free free calls without taking your eyes from the road.  

Some GPS devices come with a backup and built-in dash cameras, which enhances driving safety.

3. Live Traffic and Weather Alerts 

Today, almost every GPS navigation system can access live traffic and real-time weather reports.

The GPS could alert you of live traffic conditions, accident hotspots, constructions, narrow roads, steep inclines, sharp curves, and other causes of delay.

As for the weather updates, you should get the current weather conditions, forecast, and emergency alerts, including precipitation and wind speed.

4. Approved Roadways

A good GPS for truck drivers plans the routes choosing the approved roads based on the semi-truck characteristics. For that, set the truck’s information such as height, weight, length, and cargo, and the GPS unit will create the safest route for trucks.

The best GPS for truck drivers can handle multiple truck profiles, which allows switching between a big and a smaller truck.

5. Drive Assist Features

A GPS for trucks comes stored with information that only truck drivers are interested in knowing. Helpful information for drivers includes information on repair services, tow services, truck stops, weigh stations, rest stops, and more. Additionally, you may get information on curves, steep inclines, and narrow roads.

A good GPS for truck drivers provides lane assist to help you choose the correct lane to exit the highway.

Today, to keep your attention on the road, some GPSs for trucks give you voice instructions through their speakers about how to proceed at an intersection, for example.

The driver assisting feature avoids you getting distracted by checking the GPS every time you drive into crossroads or road split since the voice assistant will tell you what to do. 

6. Conserving Fuel

Fuel is one of the most significant expenses that a trucker faces while being on the road.

That is why some GPS for truck drivers provide fuel stop locations such as its cost making sure that you aren’t spending too much. These units let you know in advance where to stop to fill up with the most cost-effective fuel.

7. Trip Logging

Some GPS units are compatible with electronic logging devices that are connected to your truck’s engine

Your ELD has to be synchronized with the truck’s engine to comply with the FMCSA’s ELD Mandate.

This means that your GPS cannot be used as your approved ELD. However, the data that your GPS keeps can be used to verify that the numbers from your ELD are accurate. GPS units today can monitor your hours of service, driving status, hours of sleep, mileage, and IFTA fuel data.

This feature enables you to monitor fuel data, mileage, hours of service, hours of idle status, and driving status.

The majority of truck GPS devices are automated, which means the data from multiple trucks is sent to one server. This allows fleet managers to keep track of the drivers and troubleshoot any issues.

Accessories and physical characteristics for better driving experience

1. Screen Size

GPS navigation systems for trucks come in several sizes. But, for easy readability, a trucker GPS tablet should be 5 inches or larger. If the GPS’s unit screen is too small, the truck driver may have a hard time seeing and touching the touchscreen.

A larger screen on the GPS unit is acceptable because the truck’s windshield is larger than the one on a car. Even a GPS screen size of 8 inches is not blocking the truck driver’s view.

2. Dash cam availability

Dash-cams offer truck drivers more control over their truck safety. They are designed to increase visibility, reduce accidents, and lower collision costs.

A truck camera serves as an indisputable eyewitness when accidents and other driving hazards happen. The advantage is that you can see by whose fault the accident had taken place.

3. Mounting options

Best GPS for truck drivers

Now that you know what features to look for in a GPS for semi-trucks, check out the below list of navigation systems on the market. 

Look for these features in the below list of GPS devices and find the navigation system that suits your needs and budget.

The list begins with some of the best Garmin GPS for semi-truck drivers.

1. Garmin dezl 770LMTHD

This GPS system is a top rated choice among truck drivers. 

2. Garmin dezl 570LMT 

If you’re looking for a cheaper alternative to the Garmin dezl 770LMTHD, then take a look at the Garmin dezl 570LMT.  It has almost the same specifications while the only difference being is the smaller display size. 

3. Garmin dezl 580 LMT-S

If driving is your business, trust Garmin navigation for the long haul. The dēzl™ 580 LMT-S truck navigator is designed for the professional trucker with customized truck routing³ with predictive route warnings and a Truck & Trailer Services directory plus easy break planning with timely notifications.

4. Garmin dēzl 780 LMT-S 

Dezl 780 LMT-S is designed for big rig drivers who want a GPS system navigator with a big screen. In addition to that it includes premium mapping, voice-controlled navigation, and advanced connectivity features.Wit Dezl 780 LMT you can stay alert and on track for the long haul. 

5. Garmin dēzlCam 785 LMT-S 

DezlCAM 785 LMT-S is designed for big rig drivers who want a GPS system navigator with a big screen. In addition to that it includes premium mapping, voice-controlled navigation, and advanced connectivity features. With DezlCAM 785 LMT you can stay alert and on track for the long haul. Also, it comes with a built-in dash cam to automatically record your drive and save video of incidents. 

6. Rand McNally TND 740

This is the fifth-generation truck navigation device that delivers the essential features and performance that professional drivers need. 

7. Rand McNally OverDryve 8 Pro 

With features like robust truck navigation, built-in SiriusXM® radio, voice assistance, and hands-free calling and texting, OverDryve 8 Pro is equipped with essential business tools and in-cab entertainment to keep you connected for the long haul.

This unit is one of the best GPS the TomTom brand manufactured for truck drivers. 

9. TomTom Go 52

The TomTom GO 52 plans intelligent routes that help you to escape traffic in real-time. Enjoy hands-free calling, Connect to your smartphone through Bluetooth to enjoy real-time services such as free maps and live traffic.

10. TomTom Trucker 520 

TomTom TRUCKER GPS works in any type of vehicle. Easily switch the profile from truck to car, bus, or van to plan routes with the right type of navigation, whatever you are driving.

Honorable mentions

11. SIXGO GPS Navigation for Car

12. Xgody GPS Navigation System

You only need to set your truck’s profile, it will customize personalized navigation routes according to the height length and weight of the truck, intelligently avoid the risk routes which may have route limit, speed limit, height limit, width limit, weight limit, etc.

13. CARRVAS GPS SYSTEM FOR CAR AND TRUCK

14. TruckWay GPS 720 

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