Google Maps for Trucks: Why We Wouldn’t Recommend It and Alternatives

When it comes to running a trucking or delivery business, route planning is a critical aspect that can make or break your operations. While many new truck drivers may consider using free route apps like Google Maps for trucks, it’s important to understand their limitations when it comes to commercial routes. We will delve into the complexities of truck routing and explore the alternatives to Google Maps that are specifically designed for businesses in the trucking and delivery industry.

The Limitations of Google Maps for Commercial and Truck Drivers

While Google Maps is a reliable tool for personal use, it falls short in meeting the unique demands of the trucking industry, delivery businesses and commercial vehicle drivers. Truck routing involves more than simply getting from point A to point B, which is what Google Maps excels in doing. Factors such as the size of the vehicle, height of overpasses, road widths, and other considerations specific to trucking businesses need to be taken into account.

One of the main inconveniences of using Google Maps for truck routes is the inability to meet estimated arrival times. Google Maps does not consider important factors such as the type of cargo, vehicle dimensions, road conditions, and real-time weather, all of which are crucial for the truck driver. Failing to consider these factors can result in missed delivery deadlines and unhappy customers.

Moreover, relying on Google Maps for commercial routes can lead to increased fuel expenses. Efficient routes allow you to make multiple deliveries while helping to decrease fuel costs. They also help reduce wasteful truck idling, leading to significant fuel savings. By integrating an efficient route optimizer into your business, you can maximize the number of deliveries per day, ultimately improving your bottom line.

Route Planning Apps That Optimize Commercial and Truck Routes

To overcome the limitations of Google Maps and optimize your commercial routes, several specialized truck gps apps are available. These apps are specifically designed to meet the unique needs of truck drivers. Let’s explore some of the top options:

1. Route4Trucks – Truck GPS App

Route4Trucks Truck GPS app & Navigation is a robust commercial routing and navigation software that allows truck drivers to optimize multi-stop routes based on your vehicle’s specific parameters and physical constraints. With Route4Trucks, truck drivers can create routes directly on their smartphone, ensuring a set-and-forget routing approach that keeps your eyes on the road. The app also provides voice-guided navigation and avoids obstacles like low bridges or tunnels.

Unlike Google Maps, Route4Trucks provides valuable information to help truck drivers respect local truck specific road restrictions, preventing unnecessary fines, as well as creating customized routes based on the chosen parameters.

2. RoadWarrior

RoadWarrior is another excellent option for businesses looking for efficient route planning. With RoadWarrior, you can optimize your routes to save time, fuel, and money. The app provides turn-by-turn directions, real-time traffic alerts, and the ability to import multiple stops from various sources. RoadWarrior also offers advanced features such as recurring routes, driver tracking, and customer notifications.

It is a user-friendly and reliable tool for businesses in need of fleet efficiency and makes route planning easy for fleet managers. In comparison with Google maps, using RoadWarrior for the exact same route saved the driver one hour of drive time and 67 miles of driving.

3. Onfleet

Onfleet is a comprehensive delivery management platform that streamlines delivery services for businesses of all sizes. In addition to route planning, Onfleet offers real-time route optimization, which can be invaluable in navigating unexpected traffic. One of the standout features of Onfleet is its client-friendly interface, allowing direct communication between businesses and customers. This enables quick problem resolution and enhances customer satisfaction.

4. SpeedyRoute

SpeedyRoute is an ideal choice for delivery drivers who make multiple deliveries daily, so it is not exclusively for truck drivers. The app rearranges all locations into the most optimal order, ensuring you have full driving directions. Whether you have a single vehicle or a fleet, SpeedyRoute considers all vehicles and produces the most efficient route possible. It intelligently balances the workload between vehicles to reach all destinations while minimizing the number of vehicles needed. This not only saves time and fuel but also increases overall efficiency.

5. RouteSavvy

RouteSavvy stands out with its user-friendly interface and powerful features. This software tracks and manages fuel mileage, drivers’ activities, and labor costs, providing valuable insights into your business operations. Like other machine learning-powered route planning apps, RouteSavvy allows you to plan multi-stop routes and communicate optimized routes to your drivers in real-time. It also offers a built-in GPS tracking system, allowing you to monitor your drivers’ real-time location and make necessary adjustments to optimize efficiency.

6. OptimoRoute

OptimoRoute is specifically designed for field and delivery services businesses, aiming to increase productivity and customer satisfaction while reducing costs and overtime. With OptimoRoute, you can plan optimal truck routes, balance workload among drivers, and provide accurate notifications to customers regarding their job orders. The software’s advanced algorithms consider factors such as delivery time windows, driver skills, and vehicle capacities, ensuring the most efficient routes are generated.

7. SmartTruckRoute Truck GPS App

SmartTruckRoute is a truck gps app that supports iPhone, Android and other smart devices. This gps system allows truck drivers to create routes with free map updates. This mobile app aims to improve driving performance by offering truck specific route guidance, a built-in odometer for tracking speed limits and more.

In addition to customizing vehicle specs and creating customized routes to reflect the truck’s specific dimensions, the app also has satellite images so drivers can educate themselves in advance where the truck entrance is located at their destination, which is something Google maps doesn’t offer.

Other special features the truck driver may appreciate includes finding the nearest weigh stations, truck stops, rest areas and gas stations to make your route as seamless as possible. For information on Smart TruckRoute truck GPS Apps, visit their site or Google Play or app store profiles.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Google Maps for Commercial Vehicles

1. Can Google Maps be set for commercial vehicles?
   • No, Google Maps cannot be set for commercial vehicles. While it can help you navigate from one location to another, it does not provide the level of customization and optimization required for commercial route planning.
2. Is Google Maps free for commercial use?
   • Yes, Google Maps is free for commercial use. However, it may not be the best choice for trucking or delivery service businesses due to its limitations in commercial and truck specific route planning.

Conclusion

While Google Maps is a valuable tool for personal use, it is not suitable for commercial route planning in the trucking and delivery industry. To optimize your routes, save time and fuel, and improve overall efficiency, it is essential to invest in specialized route planning apps. Apps like the ones we mentioned offer comprehensive solutions tailored to the unique needs of the truck driver and delivery driver. By leveraging the capabilities of these apps, you can streamline your operations, meet delivery deadlines, and ultimately enhance customer satisfaction. Choose the right route planning app for your business and experience the benefits of efficient commercial route optimization.

Remember, efficient route planning is a game-changer in the trucking and delivery industry. By investing in the right tools, you can stay ahead of the competition, save costs, and deliver exceptional service to your customers.

Start optimizing your commercial routes today and see the positive impact it can have on your business.