All experienced drivers describe trucking not as a job but as a lifestyle. You have to be passionate. Spending weeks or even months away from your family, working at odd hours, basking in the nature of beauty in solitude and facing its wrath in solitude is not a life for all.
With advancements in technology, trucks have become better. The drive is more relaxing, the brakes actually work and modern gadgets help drivers in various ways. One of the greatest gifts of technology is GPS.
Here is a list best truck GPS for android:
1. Waze
You probably know Google Maps. Waze is better in every possible way if you are a driver. Waze works on the principle of crowd sourcing data.
This basically means users upload various details on the app and they are reflected in real-time.
With Waze, you can alert other drivers about traffic, dead animals, speed traps and even cop locations (yes, you can actually do that).
Waze not only shows you this information, it alters your route according to it. So, if your route is suddenly gets busy ahead, Waze will automatically direct you to another route.
- Nothing handles traffic like Waze
- It’s free!
- There are nagging ads
- No insights about locations.
2. SmartTruckRoute (S.T.R)
This is a trucker’s app through and through. It utilizes the GPS signal of your phone and live updates for you, the driver.
The difference between Waze and SmartTruckRoute is that STR is designed for truckers.
This means you will get updates on restrictions, limitations, and other rules for commercial trucks and decide the best route for you. It also has a voice activated UI meaning you can actually “tell” it where you want to go.
- Designed for a trucker
- Voice activated UI
- It does not interrupt other functions
- It costs almost $20 a month
3. TruckGPS Navigation by Aponia
Fuel efficiency is at the heart of TruckGPS Navigation by Aponia.
Based on the destination, the app will show you the most efficient way. You can add your load type, including hazardous materials and the app will scan your route for permissible routes.
Once your route is confirmed, you can “download” the map meaning you can turn off your mobile data.
The app also shows various Points Of Interests(POIs) along your route. You can also add your own POIs to the system.
- Fuel Efficient Routes
- Offline Maps
- It does not interrupt other functions
- Bad User Interface. Not easy or intuitive to use
- Interrupts often and will occasionally even close other apps
4.Co-pilot truck
This is one of the most adored truck GPS for android. If you don’t want to keep looking at the screen all the time, this is the app for you.
It has voice guidance. But, if you do decide to look at the screen, you will see 3D maps. It isn’t just about the gimmicks though.
You can enter the specifications of your truck and the app will direct you accordingly. Hazmat specific routing is also available.
The app can store maps offline as well making it a darling for quite a few truckers.
- Clean, simple User Interface
- Onetime payment of about $100. (No payment after this, ever)
- The map sometimes lags
- The map sometimes takes you to the wrong road and then…
They even have a YouTube channel.
5. Trucker Tools
This is perhaps the most comprehensive truck GPS for android. Developed by “Overdrive”, Trucker Tools is actually a collection of several small apps within.
The features are almost endless. On your route, the app will find gas stations with the cheapest diesel prices.
- It will also inform you of parking spaces in those stations.
- It will locate truck stops and rest areas.
- It will also find medical examiners, weigh scales and repair services.
Using Trucker Tools, you can even get loads from customers. Loads on your route are given preference and shown first.
You can also chat with other truckers on their chat-board. The best feature? It is FREE.
- One app for every trucking need
- Free
- The sheer number of options on this app can be confusing at times.
6. Trucker Path Pro
This app offers a whole host of features. Thousands of truck stops are pre – loaded in the app. So, wherever you are, there’s a stop to rest nearby.
It also shows parking locations. These are updated in real-time and safety is ensured as well.
The app will also show upcoming weigh station on your route.
Because these are updated in real-time as well, you can also see if they are opened or closed.
The same applies to truck scales as well. Fuel price updates are also available and cheaper ones are highlighted for you.
The app also shows only those stations that are truck-ready. If you’re looking for a quick truck wash, Trucker Path Pro has you covered. It will display blue beacon locations, independent wash stations and trailer washouts as well. Of course, a GPS navigation is also available.
- Comprehensive to the extreme
- Extremely well laid-out interface
- Is not free
- Cannot install from the Play Store. Downloads only from the website
7. Maps.Me
While this isn’t designed exclusively for truckers, it is helpful. If your data tariff is going through the roof, Maps.Me is for you.
The entire app is offline. You only require internet once.
To download the app and the maps for your region.
Once this is done, it works like any other mapping app except it needs no data. You can search for places even when you’re offline and there is no compromise on details either.
Everything that you can see in any other map, you can see in Maps.Me.
- Offline mapping
- Free
- Offline mapping is the only advantage
Conclusion
Whatever your needs might be from a truck GPS for android, these apps will cover it.
From weather updates to traffic updates, these apps help you to focus on the road.
Trucking heavy loads is difficult enough. Let these apps help you with the other mundane parts of the job. Truck away!
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