With higher fuel prices and more stringent shipping demands, more and more truckers are looking to GPS for assistance. In the past, truckers used GPS navigation devices to track loads and map out routes. These days they are also using GPS technology for its turn-by-turn navigation.

While there is no official survey to chart just how many more truckers are using GPS devices to find their way around, their popularity is evident by the increasing presence of GPS devices on the shelves on the trucker stops around the country. Not only are truckers trying to get ahead by buying their own GPS devices, some of their bosses are also looking to get into the act. Trucking companies are buying large quantities of GPS devices and having them installed in all of their vehicles.

Even the Federal Highway Administration has taken notice and issued reminders to truckers and all drivers that they need to program their GPS navigation devices prior to starting a trip. That way, they will not need to try to program the device and drive at the same time.

When used properly, GPS navigation devices can make the roads safer for everyone. Truckers and others can drive confident that they know where they are going. There is no need to look away to consult a paper map.
Truckers who use GPS devices can avoid making sudden lane changes that can endanger passenger cars. And with a GPS device like the Garmin StreetPilot C550 GPS Automotive Navigation System that gives traffic updates, truckers can avoid problem areas and road closures. The FM TMC traffic receiver notifies drivers of upcoming traffic delays. By just touching the screen, a driver can view traffic details or recalculate a route to avoid traffic.  The StreetPilot also come equipped for hands-free calling and an MP3 player to make long trips a little less tedious. The StreetPilot C550 and similar GPA navigation devices are available at ActionGPS.com.