Happy #TruckTechTuesday, Trucking Nation! GPS is obviously an invaluable tool for truckers. Today’s GPS units can give you even more specialized, extremely useful information besides just your geographical position and the time. With a GPS unit designed for trucking, you can plan routes based on several factors such as height or other restrictions, useful amenities along the way, and much more. We’ve come a long way since the days of paper maps.
Keeping You Informed
A huge advantage of truck-specific GPS units is the ability to plan trips around road restrictions, including HAZMAT restrictions, so that you know ahead of time the best route to take. It takes a lot of the guesswork out of projecting routes. Being able to know where restricted stretches of road are can save you a lot of time deciding which route to take, as well as money from having to backtrack and find an alternate route. Time and diesel wasted really cuts into the bottom line.
In addition to restricted routes, GPS units designed for trucks can also help you identify which roads are toll roads, so you can plan for tolls or totally avoid them altogether. No one likes a surprise toll booth!
You can also find and identify trucking points of interest (POI’s). A few examples of these are truck services, truck stops, rest areas, weigh stations, restaurants, motels, and even fuel costs by location. Truck-specific GPS units can even let you know what the weather is in a certain area, as well as the forecast for that area.
Additionally, you can schedule maintenance reminders so you never forget to take care of your rig. And fleet managers are able to keep track of their trucks and drivers with a variety of data, including driver on duty and drive times. They can track the exact location of a specific truck, and analyze driver performance over time.
Helping with Taxes
Not only can these units tell you about existing conditions and POI’s, they can record your mileage on a state-by-state or province basis, which will help you when filing quarterly IFTA returns. ExpressIFTA allows you to upload this information into your account quickly and easily using the GPS upload option.
ExpressTruckTax gives you the ability to prepare your HVUT as well as your IFTA return. We’re the leading truck tax solution, and available in English or Spanish to answer your questions and concerns over the phone at 704.234.6005 or by email at support@expresstrucktax.com.
Let us know on Twitter or Facebook how GPS makes your work and life easier. And let all your family and friends know about how ExpressTruckTax has helped with your HVUT needs. We built our business on word of mouth referrals and hope you can help us continue that tradition.