I'm going to try and get a job towing for a courier service this summer. If I like it for the 3 months I'm off from my reg. part time job I'm staying with that company and dropping my other two that I"m working for now. I'm looking for a good GPS that I can mount somewhere near me. Any of you can suggest one and how you mounted yours (w/ pics would be great). I'm looking on ebay and craigslist for one but there are so many out there I don't know what might be best.

 

I really like my droid 4 with the wase mapping app.

 

Maybe take a look at Microsoft Streets and Trips.
I tried it with an after market GPS receiver and a net book.
Worked great!

 

I have the Rand McNally trip Maker 7700 this seems to work will for RV users, a lot of good reviews. The newer models now offer a camera for backing up. You can input information for the type of vehicle that you are either driving or towing. The GPS will rout you away low under passes depending on camper height and also tunnels if propane bottles are not allowed.
Jim W.

 

If you want a good cheap GPS try the tom tom`s I have one for when Im towing my 5th wheel all over, the new ones have free updates for life, so far mine has been just fine, Used threw Arizona, California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and BC Canada, good luck

 

Tom Tom Go720 coast to coast and north to south, no issues. Love it

 

I'm going to try and get a job towing for a courier service this summer.

Need more specifics. GPS is okay for ETA and the like once underway, but does not always give best routing information. So,

1] Do you expect to be under more than one load daily?

2] Metroplex only, or regional?

You should always start with printed info. The MAPSCO of D/FW is the place to start. Know the best, biggest road first (freeway). The last piece is then the biggest road to the customer or consignee. GPS can take you down slow roads in comparison.

I drive for a living. And the drivers I work with using GPS exclusively lose time & money as a result.

If you know ahead of time that you'll be under more than one load (and what they are) use MAPQUEST "Best Order Routing" to see how it can work (even though it may not correspond with your needed order). UPS and FEDEX have big money in "best routing". Go back over the work you did one day and try this online tool.

For a non-fleet driver: maps first, then program GPS with the best route in re non-limited access, first, and fewest stops/left turns second. Plug in your fuel stops in advance as well. Plan as much as you can (if you expect to make money).

Most courier jobs will just wear out your vehicle. Your IRS deductible is only about 50-cpm, and your truck cost is likely 70-cpm. If you aren't making over $1/mile (all miles) it won't work. I wouldn't wear out my truck for under $1.50/mile, all miles (because you need both an income and a profit to replace your truck, not just higher maintenance/repair bills).

GPS is a crutch for dumb people. Don't be one of them. And be careful about towing for someone else without proper license, insurance and authority. A man can go broke with nothing else to show for it in the transportation business.

Plenty of businesses sub-contract delivery to others that those others will go broke. Bet on it.