When you drive for a living, reaching your destination as safely, economically, and quickly as possible is your top priority. The right truck GPS app can help you to achieve all of those goals.

Why not use a general-purpose GPS app or unit geared toward regular consumers? While those products can be helpful, they were designed with different vehicles and drivers in mind. If trucking is your business, you need professional software.

As such, they may not always recommend routes which are safe and passable for your truck, and may not point you toward stops which are ideal for your needs.

Following are some recommended trucker GPS apps you can download onto your mobile device. Some of these apps are free, while others cost money.

While features are similar across the board in many respects, there are some distinctions, so it is worth reading in-depth about each of these before you make a purchase decision.

CoPilot Truck

This truck GPS lets you identify routes which are tailored to your vehicle. You can input information on the dimensions of your truck as well as its load and axle, and the GPS will steer you along routes which are legal and safe.

Alerts from the app are kept to a minimum so you can concentrate on the road without unnecessary distractions. While the app is free to download and install, some services carry fees (which can be paid from within the app).

Trucker Path

The Trucker Path GPS app is extremely popular; it has more than 30,000 ratings on the App Store. As of the time of this writing, it has 4.8 stars on average. Created by Trucker Path Inc., it allows you to not only navigate with ease, but also find what you need. Save money on diesel, waste less time hunting for open parking, and check the scales status at weigh stations. You can download this app for free.

Smart Truck Route

This app was designed to help you navigate if you drive a box truck, 18-wheeler or coach of any variety. You can choose between street or satellite view, and can set your destination using your voice while keeping your hands on the wheel.

Additional features include instructions as you drive, real-time free traffic, and route customization based on your load, weight and truck size. While there is an initial fee to buy the app, you receive updates for free.

DAT Trucker

This is a free GPS app which you can use to plan your trip with real-time data on diesel costs, Walmarts, open parking spaces, scale status, truck stops, and hotels. If you like DAT Trucker, you will also want to check out the company’s other apps, DAT On Time and DAT Load Board for Truckers.

Truck GPS Navigation by Aponia

Like other trucker GPS apps, Truck GPS Navigation by Aponia can take your vehicle’s load and dimensions into account when planning routes. The app was designed to be user-friendly and intuitive so that you can stay focused on driving. While it does carry a fee, a free trial is available, and Aponia sometimes offers substantial discounts.

Sygic Truck GPS Navigation

This GPS app lets you store your maps right on your mobile device. That way if you get disconnected, you can still navigate with the most recent data. You can personalize your routes based on your vehicle’s characteristics, and you can set up loading and unloading waypoints.

Real-time traffic data helps you get to your destination on time. 3D street views help you match up what you see on the road in front of you with what your maps are showing, facilitating lane changes and turns.

This product has a one-time fee, after which you have a lifetime license. There are never charges for the map updates, so a one-time expense provides you with ongoing value.

Looking for Even More Functionality? Consider a Dedicated GPS Unit for Trucking

While a GPS app can be a big help on the road, as a professional trucker, you should seriously consider making the step up to a top-of-the-line dedicated trucking GPS unit.

This is especially important if you require a high degree of accuracy and reliability while driving in remote areas. GPS units also tend to be faster with route recalculations. Plus, a dedicated unit frees up your phone’s data plan and battery life for other uses.

Whatever you decide to go with, hopefully our trucker GPS recommendations will help you find what you need in order to drive your routes safely, comfortably and swiftly!