Navigation Units
Did You Know that Truckers Save Fuel with GPS Units?
It is a known fact that gas prices are soaring higher and higher all the time. As a result, we’ve seen various factions of the automotive industry – as well as the airline industry – shut down, resulting in thousands of people losing their jobs. As a person involved in the trucking industry, gas prices have been no less harmful as you rely largely on it to help you transport goods from one location to another. Unfortunately however, gas prices may not be decreasing anytime soon. So how can you lowering the cost when the prices are not lowering at the pump? Many companies and individuals are finding that truckers save fuel with GPS units. Sounds impossible? Well, before you reject the idea, read on to learn more.
Features That Can Help You Save
So when was the last time that you had an all-knowing companion sitting right by your side who could guide you turn by turn to any location in the country, whether you were in the largest city, or the smallest farm town? Who do you know that could predetermine which routes to take to avoid truck restrictions? And who could help you find any public point of interest in the United States, no matter what city you were in? If you knew this person, you would be definitely reducing the cost of gas for yourself, but since this person doesn’t exist (that we know of, at least), you can at least benefit from a navigation system to be able to confirm from your own experiences that truckers save fuel with GPS units. Let’s look more closely at these gas-reducing features.
Turn-by-Turn Voice Navigation – While this is a feature that is offered with many navigation units, it is still a great price saving in regards to gas. Imagine traveling to multiple locations for deliveries with either a paper map or printed directions to each one. Of course, this is the way many people handle their travel, but sometimes street signs can be hidden behind a tree or exits or not very obvious, still leaving you with tons of work to do in determining exactly how to get to your destination. However, with a navigation system with turn-by-turn instruction, the system itself determines when you’re close to the street then tells you exactly when to turn, eliminating a large portion of the work. Of course, with perfect guidance to your location, you never get lost. And with not getting lost, you never have to burn extra gas. In short, you can see that turn-by-turn voice navigation is a major reason that truckers save fuel with GPS units.
Truck Restriction Routing – Another cost saver for the trucking industry is a navigation system with truck restriction routing. This feature was specifically created for large vehicles as it takes into consideration routes that cannot be taken due to height or weight limitations. In order take advantage of this feature, you would simply type the truck’s dimensions into the system to have it calculate the perfect route that will help you avoid clearances, bridge heights, one-way road designations, allowances, load limits, tolls and much more.
POI Databases – A third reason that truckers save fuel with GPS units is that many systems offer point of interest (POI) databases with listings of millions of ATMs, restaurants, fuel stops and much more right at your fingertips. So instead of having to pull over to call a location for directions, burning gas while you wait – or even worse, getting lost looking for a place on your own – you can use the database to find the type of POI you want in the city you’re in then have the navigation system guide you to that location. This feature for many is very time and cost friendly.
Units You May Like
A couple of units that can help truckers save fuel with GPS units are the Teletype Worldnav 710060 Truck Navigation and CoPilot Truck Laptop systems. Teletype Worldnav 710060 Truck Navigation is a very popular award-winning unit with a large 7-inch screen, truck restriction routing, turn-by-turn voice navigation instruction, over 12 million POIs, as well as an MP3/video player for entertainment. Or if you don’t want to buy a whole new unit, you can purchase the CoPilot Truck Laptop system which offers full-featured navigation features, digital street maps, a multiple stop itinerary and a trip optimizer.
After reading this article, I’m sure you can see how truckers save fuel with GPS units. So maybe you would like to learn for yourself how cost saving one of this devices can be. If you purchase one, you’ll be able to tell others why truckers save fuel with GPS units.
Choosing Personal GPS Systems Is Easier Than You Think
Are you scratching your head at the tough decision you have to make regarding a GPS purchase? If you have never been introduced to the world of global positioning systems, then it may be a bit perplexing at first. But don’t worry! Companies make their units very user friendly, so as long as you are open to learning the differences between types of devices, and you know what you like in optional features, then you won’t have any problems choosing personal GPS systems that suit your needs.
What Are The Differences?
The first thing you will want to do is determine whether you are looking for a system that is primarily used for mapping, navigation or tracking. While there will be many units available that combine the features, you will need know what you are mainly trying to accomplish before choosing personal GPS systems.
Mapping – If your primary goal is to have directions handed to you when traveling between destinations – and you’re good at following maps – then you will want to consider a mapping device. They are usually a little less expensive than the other types and still offer other great options like photo sharing, MP3 players, and maybe even Bluetooth capabilities. The maps may be 2D or 3D and look similar to those of online mapping services. And many even offer directories in the device so that you don’t need to know an address to a business before mapping the directions.
Navigation – Navigation devices are the slightly more advanced version of the mapping system. Whereas the mapping system will give you instructions and a map to view, navigation units actually give you turn-by-turn directions to a location, and even alert you as to whether you’re about to miss a turn or exit. Some mapping systems come with complimentary navigation services, but many do not, meaning you will have to pay more for the navigation feature. So when choosing personal GPS systems, definitely keep in mind whether you are fine with just viewing a virtual map, or whether you want to have turn-by-turn instructions. This will make a huge difference in the unit you purchase.
Tracking – Tracking devices are great for those who want to keep tabs on their cars, pets, or even family members more easily. Usually there are two parts to these units, one that goes for the ride and tracks where it is going, and the other that displays where the first device is traveling. These systems are ideal for those who have teens who drive the car and want to keep track of where they are traveling.
Determining which one of these systems meets your needs is the first step in choosing personal GPS systems. Now we will look at other uses of the units in helping you choose.
In-Dash, Portable or Handheld
Choosing personal GPS systems usually also relies on how you plan to use the device. For example, if you are primarily planning to use the device to get around town in your car, then you might want to consider getting an in-dash system that cannot be removed unless done professionally. However, if you have more than one car and you would like to utilize the services in both cars without having to buy two separate units you can take advantage of a portable device that can easily go from one car to the next.
Then there is the world of the handheld device. Handheld devices can be used in cars, or they can usually be used outside of the vehicle also. For example, if you want to go on a hiking expedition with your friends and family, you can utilize the handheld unit to get you to the area in which you plan to hike. Then, when you get out of the car, it can lead you through trails with the promise that you won’t get lost.
Usually the mapping and navigation devices are those that are either portable or in-dash, while the tracking units are typically handheld. However, there are exceptions to every rule, so don’t expect these devices to suddenly have no exceptions.
Choosing personal GPS systems is not a difficult task if you have a basic idea of who you are and what you like in general. After you make those determinations, you can figure out the rest. There may be technical terms to get in the way that have the ability to intimidate you, or even let you allow a salesperson to sell you on a system that has way more than you actually need. But if you do your research and assert yourself during the process then chosing personal GPS systems will be a piece of cake for you.
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