Global positioning systems (GPS) are in many ways a dispatcher’s best friend. They enable truck drivers and dispatchers to seamlessly communicate and get loads delivered faster, more efficiently, and without the headaches of getting lost or driving through a restricted residential area. Often, dispatchers can create routes for drivers and upload them directly into a driver’s GPS unit. As is the case with all technology, though, finding a GPS device that is the right balance of affordability and functionality can be tough. The following guide can steer your GPS hunt in the right direction once you begin your career in dispatching.
1. Students in Dispatch Training May Want to Look to Garmin for GPS Support
Garmin GPS units like the Garmin Dezl 760LMT are beautifully designed and are some of the top-rated GPSs on the market today. The Dezl 760LMT has a multitude of features that will make the task of keeping your drivers on route much easier, including traffic alerts and constant map updates. It also features a touch screen and a very loud speaker to ensure that directions are being heard properly when behind the wheel—dispatch school teaches students just how important clear directional instructions can be!
Garmin also has its own fleet management system that is compatible with Garmin GPS. This system allows for dispatchers to communicate with drivers and make route adjustments in real-time.
2. The Garmin DezlCam LMTHD is the Top of the Line for Dispatch Training Grads
Once you graduate from dispatch training you may become a fleet manager, and if you want your drivers to have the best equipment, the Garmin DezlCam LMTHD is one of the best GPS units available on the market. The DezlCam LMTHD is the flagship GPS unit for Garmin, and has the same ability to hook up to Garmin’s fleet management system, making the logistics of dispatching much easier for drivers and dispatchers alike. The primary difference between the DezlCam LMTHD and the 760 is that the DezlCam features a built-in dash cam that can capture continuous HD video, or, if off, can actually sense the impact of an accident and will begin recording for legal purposes.
3. Dispatch Course Students May Like Rand McNally GPS/Tablet Units
GPS systems are evolving and becoming more versatile every year. Rand McNally just released their new model of GPS devices that are all-in-one tablets, which can be used to navigate the road or navigate emails when drivers are at a rest stop. Since it can be connected to WiFi it can receive real-time updates on traffic and it can also calculate fuel logs for your drivers.
4. Magellan GPS Devices Can Get Your Career Moving After Truck Dispatch Training
The Magellan RoadMate RC9485T-LMB is one of the best GPS units money can buy. It features an option that lets drivers customize their routes based on the dimensions of the truck so no bridges are hit or narrow roads are taken. It is also Bluetooth® compatible, meaning that drivers can take your calls as they continue driving, hands-free and safely.
There are clearly lots of options if you’re looking at purchasing well-made GPS units that can give you and your team the advantage it needs to make deliveries quick and easy.
Want to start the journey towards one day managing your very own fleet?
A dispatch course at ATC can get you going the right direction!
