For truck drivers, the road is more than just a route. But not all roads are made equal, especially when you’re behind the wheel of a commercial vehicle. Low-clearance bridges, weight restrictions, and narrow turns can turn a routine delivery into a costly detour if you’re using the wrong navigation system. That’s why relying on standard car GPS apps simply isn’t enough. Truckers need navigation tools tailored to their unique needs, ones that account for height, weight, load type, and road restrictions. The right GPS app can help you avoid delays, reduce fuel costs, stay compliant, and make smarter driving decisions.
In this blog, we’ve rounded up the best GPS navigation apps designed specifically for truck drivers. Whether you’re an owner-operator or part of a larger fleet, these tools will help you stay on track, safe, and efficient, mile after mile.
Want to Avoid Low Bridge Crashes?
Top 10 low bridge strikes in New York –abc7ny
Low-clearance bridges in California, for example. Source: Coach-Net
The American Trucking Association (ATA) blames the crashes on many truck drivers not having accurate GPS for trucking or the best navigation app to help them know which routes to avoid when driving an over-height vehicle.
But using the best GPS routing apps for truckers can help you do more than solely avoid low clearance bridges in the U.S.
What are the benefits of using the best truck route GPS apps?
A dedicated truck route GPS app can help you:
- Avoid a fatal bridge strike, collapse, or other related injuries
- Include truck-specific updates and information to help you filter truck-friendly routes from the rest so you can make more successful, timely, and cost-effective deliveries
- Reduce fuel costs by taking the shortest, least congested routes on your path, as well as avoiding having to turn back to avoid a restricted bridge or road
- Avoid hefty fines and truck repair costs that come with hitting a low-clearance bridge or crashing down a low-weight overpass
- Save time by guiding you away from heavy traffic and congested or unnecessary toll stations
Those benefits are the very reason not to use a car GPS in a truck.
So, getting the right GPS navigation app for truckers is an investment you do not want to skimp.
We have made this guide a quick list of the best GPS truck route tools so that you can pick your favorite soonest. It includes tips on the factors to consider when choosing the best truck route GPS apps for truckers.
1. TruckBook
TruckBook is a complete platform for truckers, providing more than just navigation. It’s designed to support the trucking community in a variety of ways, making it an essential tool for drivers.
- Truck-Specific Route Guidance: TruckBook’s GPS navigation is optimised for trucks, helping drivers avoid low-clearance bridges, narrow roads, and other truck-restricted routes.
- Instant Job Matching:
TruckBook’s platform connects truck drivers instantly with local job opportunities, ensuring fast and easy access to the best CDL jobs in their area. - Efficient Load Management:
TruckBook’s platform allows drivers to easily manage and track their loads, ensuring accurate and timely deliveries. Drivers can view, update, and adjust load details on the go. - Seamless Document Management:
TruckBook offers a secure and convenient platform for managing essential documents, including load receipts, delivery confirmations, and driver logs, all in one place for easy access and compliance tracking. - Comprehensive Driver Dashboard:
TruckBook offers a user-friendly dashboard that provides drivers with real-time updates on their schedules, load status, and earnings, giving them a clear overview of their day-to-day operations. - Safety Insights:
TruckBook equips drivers with valuable safety insights, including alerts for hazardous road conditions, traffic updates, and reminders for vehicle maintenance, helping drivers stay safe and compliant on the road. - Job Listings & Services: Truckers can find job listings or other services related to trucking, making it easier to connect with new opportunities.
2. CoPilot GPS
- Turn-by-turn directions for trucks.
- Customizable truck profiles (height, weight, length).
- Route optimisation to avoid low-clearance areas.
- Offline maps.
CoPilot Truck GPS is known for offering personalised navigation tailored to the specific needs of truck drivers. It can optimize routes to help avoid low bridges or restricted roads, and it also works offline, which is ideal for areas with weak mobile signals.
3. MapFactor Truck Navigation
- Offline maps for trucks.
- Customizable routes based on vehicle size.
- Voice-guided navigation.
- Live traffic data.
MapFactor is an excellent app for truckers seeking offline functionality and custom route settings. It features voice-guided navigation and can help truck drivers avoid unnecessary detours by considering their vehicle dimensions.
4. TruckMap
- Truck-specific route planning.
- Over 50,000 truck-friendly stops and services.
- Fuel price tracking.
- Customizable GPS settings for height, weight, and load.
TruckMap is a great tool that offers real-time updates for parking and weigh stations. With a large database of truck-friendly services and stops, it’s perfect for drivers who need a reliable app to find amenities along their route.
5. Rand McNally Truck GPS
- Turn-by-turn truck-specific directions.
- Live traffic and weather updates.
- Trip planning with fuel cost estimates.
- Weigh station alerts.
Rand McNally’s Truck GPS app is designed to help drivers stay on course and avoid any unexpected obstacles. It provides truck-friendly directions and features like weather updates and fuel cost tracking, helping drivers save both time and money.
6. Sygic Truck GPS Navigation
- Offline navigation.
- Customizable routes based on vehicle size.
- Real-time traffic updates.
- Driver-friendly route planning.
Sygic Truck GPS Navigation offers reliable offline navigation, so even in remote areas with no signal, you can still follow your route. It allows you to adjust your route based on vehicle dimensions, ensuring you avoid low bridges or roads that are unsuitable for trucks.
7. Trucker Path
- Truck-specific route navigation.
- Real-time parking availability updates.
- Fuel price comparisons.
- Weigh station notifications.
Trucker Path is a popular choice for truckers, offering real-time information on truck stops, rest areas, and parking availability. It also includes a feature to help drivers find the cheapest fuel along their routes, making it a comprehensive tool for cost-effective and efficient trips.
8. Google Maps
Because Google Maps does not have a truck route function for truckers, avoid using it as your primary GPS truck routing app.
- Real-time traffic conditions.
- Lane guidance and turn-by-turn navigation.
- Street view and satellite imagery.
Although not specifically designed for trucks, Google Maps is a solid choice for drivers who need quick, reliable directions. With real-time traffic information and road condition updates, it’s a helpful app for urban navigation or when drivers need a quick fix on unfamiliar routes.
Conclusion
For truck drivers, having the right navigation app is crucial for safety, efficiency, and productivity on the road. Whether you’re looking for real-time traffic updates, offline capabilities, or customized routes for trucks, these 8 apps provide essential tools for a smoother journey. Additionally, TruckBook provides an all-in-one platform that helps truckers with everything from truck sales to job listings, connecting you with the community and services you need to succeed.
Choose the app that best suits your needs and make every mile count!
