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Truck Driver Tools: Google Maps Handy Tool Helps You Avoid Toll Roads

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Many smartphone users’ phones are equipped with Google Maps.  The handy navigation tool provides you with step-by-step instructions to guide you to your destination.

The app/program is not optimized to include truck routes, so you should always consult with your atlas to check that Google Map’s suggested route is truck friendly (no restricted roads, low overpasses, etc.).

Google Maps should only be used as a companion with your atlas! 

That being said, Google Maps can be a valuable asset to truck drivers.

Truckers can use Google Map’s Street View option to preview the area where they’ll be loading or unloading.  My dad has been a driver for many, many years. He said he uses Google Street View to look up houses where he’s delivering/loading determine if he’s going to need a shuttle or is going to have a long carry (he’s a furniture hauler).

If there’s a great restaurant that you’ve heard about, and you’re not sure if there’s available parking for trucks, look up the location on Street View! You’ll be able to see if there is truck parking or if somewhere nearby offers truck parking.

*If you’re using the app, you may have to download Google Earth in order to see satellite, arial photos of the area.

The second, and arguably, most useful tool that Google Maps offers is the ability to easily route around toll roads.

Here’s a step-by-step on how to route around tolls via Google Maps: 

 1. Enter your destination. 

Avoid Toll Roads
Image Credit: Google Maps

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. Click “Options” 

 

Avoid Toll Roads
Image Credit: Google Maps

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. Click Avoid Tolls:

Avoid Tolls
Image Credit: Google Maps

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. Consult with your atlas to check that Google Map’s suggested route is truck friendly (no restricted roads, low overpasses, etc.).

Avoid Tolls
Image Credit: Google Maps

 

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