Overdrive Magazine | Trucking Business News & Owner Operator Info
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/893962
80 | Overdrive | October 2017 5 APPS FOR THAT CoPilot The CoPilot Truck GPS app provides us- ers with voice-guided directions and offline map access. It's the only GPS app that uses PC Miler's truck routing software. The route plan- ning feature allows creation of multi- stop trips for up to 52 stops. It also in- corporates real-time traffic for accurate ETAs and automatic re-routing around delays. The app is avail- able for a 14-day free trial. After that, it costs $149.99. MyOne20 The free MyOne20 app requires no subscription fee and offers turn-by-turn directions with voice prompts. In addition to the common truck restrictions, it also notes left-hand or dangerous turns. Users can choose the shortest or most practical route, with options to avoid toll roads. ETA calcu- lations take into account traffic, speed and hours of service. Users can download maps to a mobile device for offline use. SmartTruck Route SmartTruck Route updates its maps and routes daily based on driver feedback for permanent and temporary truck restrictions. The app provides customized direc- tions, as well as guid- ance for the recom- mended lane when approaching a turn. A built-in odom- eter tracks state mileage for tax filing purposes. Subscription prices vary but start at $9.99 per month. The app and its updates are free. Sygic Truck GPS Sygic specializes in offline GPS naviga- tion. Maps are stored on your phone or tablet, so no internet connection is needed. For most roads, the app warns of upcoming speed limit changes. It gives the op- tion to partially or completely avoid toll roads when possible. After a 14-day free trial, a subscription is required at $9.99 a month or $27.99 for three months. TruckMap In addition to loca- tions of basic services such as fuel, rest ar- eas and parking, the TruckMap app also highlights truck washes, oil changes, tire service, mechan- ics, dealers, roadside assistance, towing and Walmart stores. The app is free and requires no subscription fee. It is available on the Apple App Store and is expected to become available soon on Google Play. Don't get delayed by bad directions F or years, owner-operators and fleets have had access to software that provides truck-friendly navi- gation. Now that same function is available through apps, though map- ping and routing leaders such as Rand McNally and ProMiles continue to offer widely used software services. All of these routing apps allow the user to establish a profile that includes a truck's height, weight, length and hazmat class. The apps provide optimal routes that avoid roads and bridges with truck limitations for weight or clearance. The following apps are available on Google Play and the Apple App Store unless otherwise noted. Some are free and have no subscription costs. The CoPilot app provides truck- specific warnings that vary based on the truck's size, weight and hazmat class. BY MATT COLE