Truck GPS vs. Google Maps: Which to Trust?
As a truck driver, navigation is one of the most important parts of your job—and it’s not just about getting from A to B. You need to avoid low bridges, restricted roads, tight turns, and weight-limited routes that a car driver never has to think about.
So which navigation tool should you trust behind the wheel—Truck GPS or Google Maps?
Let’s break down the pros, cons, and when to use each.
🛰️ What Is a Truck GPS?
A Truck GPS is a navigation device specifically designed for commercial vehicles. Unlike standard apps, it takes into account:
Vehicle weight and height
Hazardous material restrictions
Bridge clearances
Truck-legal routes
Parking and weigh station locations
Popular Truck GPS Brands:
Garmin Dezl
Rand McNally TND
TomTom Trucker
SmartTruckRoute (App-based)
🌍 What Is Google Maps?
Google Maps is a consumer navigation app made for cars and local travel. It’s widely used because of:
Real-time traffic updates
Satellite and street view
Business locations, reviews, and fuel stops
Fast route recalculations
But it doesn’t account for commercial driving restrictions, which can be dangerous.
⚖️ Truck GPS vs. Google Maps: Feature Comparison
| Feature | Truck GPS | Google Maps |
|---|---|---|
| Truck Routes | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Height/Weight Limits | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Hazmat Routing | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Live Traffic | ⚠️ Limited | ✅ Real-time |
| Fuel & Parking Info | ✅ Truck-focused | ✅ Car-focused |
| Voice Navigation | ✅ Truck-specific | ✅ Car-friendly |
| Custom Profiles (Truck Size) | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Offline Functionality | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes (if pre-downloaded) |
🛑 Why You Should Never Trust Google Maps Alone
Google Maps may route you:
Under a 12’ bridge
Through a residential area
Over a road banned to trucks
Into narrow alleys with no turnaround room
These detours aren’t just frustrating—they’re dangerous and expensive. A wrong turn with a 53’ trailer could cost you a ticket, tow, or worse.
💡 Best Practice: Use Both Together
Smart truckers combine both tools:
Use Truck GPS for route planning and to stay compliant
Use Google Maps for traffic, reviews, and satellite imagery
This combo gives you the safety of truck routing and the real-time flexibility of Google Maps
Pro Tip: Use Trucker Path or SmartTruckRoute to layer both experiences.
🧰 Must-Have Truck Navigation Features
When choosing a truck GPS, look for:
Custom truck profile (height, weight, length)
Hazmat compatibility
Exit services (truck stops, scales, parking)
Live weather and road condition updates
Offline maps for rural zones
📌 Final Word
Google Maps is great for passengers—but it’s not made for Class A drivers. If you rely on it alone, you’re rolling the dice with your safety and your CDL.
Invest in a trusted Truck GPS, then use Google Maps as a backup for visibility and traffic insight. The road ahead is unpredictable—but your route doesn’t have to be.
