Best Truck GPS Navigation: Optimize Your Driving

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If juggling HOS planning, mapping multi-point trips, and tracking down relevant POIs is more taxing than the actual driving, it’s time to consider buying a dedicated GPS navigation system for your truck. Years ago GPS units were fairly basic: put in the destination and follow the directions. That’s why many drivers have ditched the traditional GPS device for simple phone apps like Google or Apple Maps. 

But, if you’re a professional truck driver, a modern GPS device can help you with everything from truck-specific routes to real-time weather and traffic updates. The issue now is figuring out which one is worth your money. Drivers need a device that’s smart, reliable, and straightforward, but with the field of options available today picking a particular GPS device is anything but simple. If you’re needing some guidance in the GPS buying process, we have the guide for you.

In a world of Google and Apple Maps, buying a separate GPS unit might seem unnecessary, if not counterproductive. While standard navigation apps do a good job for the average car or SUV, semi-trucks are a different matter. Truckers need to be able to customize their navigation based on cargo, height, weight, and more. I started the search by reading through forum posts of professional truck drivers talking about their experiences and preferences when it comes to navigation options. 

Beyond that, I employed The Drive’s review methodology to evaluate an array of other features including things like real-time traffic updates, hardware durability, mapping updates, and cost. For my primary picks, I included the best GPS units on the market today, but I also included two of the most popular trucker navigation apps that more and more drivers are using in place of a separate unit.

High-resolution BirdsEye satellite imagery creates easy docking

Durable, high-quality hardware and bright display

App connectivity provides on-screen weigh station and bypass notifications

On-screen truck and trailer services directory

High price point compared to other options

Some features buried in complicated