OTR Truck Drivers, which PC GPS mapping software to use?

Hello, I am an OTR truck driver and I was wondering is there a specific thread that has info or tips for professional drivers. I currently have Microsoft Streets and Trips and I think it will help me a lot, but I was also thinking about ALK CoPilot, I'm not sure if I need both or not. I would like some help from other drivers out there. Thanks

I've been using Streets & Trips 2009 for the past few weeks and have no issues with the routing it suggests. I have CoPilot 9, but my new laptop is a 64bit, so ALK CoPilot is out of the question.

Just make sure you verify your route before traveling down roads you're not 100% sure you can take your truck, though.

I run ALK CoPilot 11. I am for the most part happy with 11 I like 9 better and if i could find my reg numbers i probably would reinstall it and trash 11,but 11 is very trustworthy with routing. here is a thread on this site that will give you alot of opinions on routing software. ALK Technologies Launches CoPilot Truck 11

I can't comment on the truck-specific software but if you elect to use S&T, DeLorme or CoPilot, go to http://www.discoveryowners.com/cginfolinks.htm

There overlays regarding height restrictions, Pilot Stations, Flying J stations, Wal Marts, and much more. The site is part of the Discovery Motorhome web site and the information is designed for large vehicles and/or RVers.

I purchased ALK copilot for truck 7 for handhelds, their support says the maps are newer than version 11 for laptop, and I find the program to be utterly useless. The maps are horribly outdated.

Streets & Trips with the paper Rand McNally is the way to go for now, although I would like to get more info about the Rand McNally tnd 500.

I just wish I could return this useless (to me)software package from ALK.

Joe

Here's a user's review on the TND 500:
Problems with the rand mcnally tnd500 - Truck Driving Message Board - ClassADrivers

Jamelia,

You might give S&T 2010 a try if you haven't already. Using S&T 2010 with the POI Megafile is helpful for planning for truck stops and low bridge heights rest areas with turnouts etc.

~ Larry

Joe, ALK uses it's own map data for its North American version of CoPilot. These days it is not easy to try to compete on quality with the big map data providers such as Navteq and Teleatlas. Quite a few truck drivers use Microsoft Streets and Trips in USA/Canada, and Microsoft AutoRoute in Europe. Microsoft licenses map data from Navteq.

Yea, I use Streets and Trips, but would prefer a truck route only, which is why I paid so much for ALK CoPilot. It is pure junk, the more I use it, the more I dislike it.

I will use Streets & Trips for routing, and will switch back to the TomTom software for following along in the GPS.

Sick of folks taking advantage of truck drivers. ALK, shame on you.

I've been using Garmin Mobile PC as my main routing software for the past few months. I really like the ease of use when using the touchscreen (except that it lacks an onscreen keyboard). You can "shape" the route for it to match exactly what you need it to be so that it matches your company routing as well as the exact directions given by the shipper/receivers.

I use google maps. I have only ran into one problem with it. Other than that it is free to use and you do not have the thing saying recalulating. Which is a definate plus.

Old post, but I've since switched to CoPilot v8 Truck. So far, I've had very little issue with it as far as my truck routing.

I am a over the road Charter Bus Driver and I have used MS Streets and Trips for years along with my Garmin 264wt. But the 2011 MS S&T does not allow me to download POI's to my Garmin as it has in the past years. A feature they deleted this year. I am very unhappy with this. Have talked with MS about this and they said that the 2012 might have that feature back??!!! I would will not hold my breath on this.

Hi Fbjnail - One of the methods of transfering POI was removed due to the shutting down of the MSN Direct service.

The good news is that you can still transfer POI data to your Garmin in S&T 2011 by using the export to GPX method and dropping that GPX file on to your Garmin device.

More details on how this is done here: How to send route points to your Garmin Nuvi | Streets & Trips Team Blog and Send Data to your Personal Navigation Device | Streets & Trips Team Blog