GPS systems are being developed for trucking industry

Global positioning systems (GPS) have become popular among motorists in the past decade. Many cars now come equipped with these devices, which have evolved to now show current gas prices and the speed at which the operator is cruising at.

However, these devices have long been absent in the trucking world because many routes operators are required to traverse are not the fastest possible way. Furthermore, these systems also do not account for low bridges, vehicle length, weight restrictions, and environmental considerations such as bans on hazardous cargoes.

Now, companies are offering these systems through an iPod and Android phone app, called CoPilot. This software calculates a route based on vehicle size and cargo type, which takes into account low bridges, height, weight and length limits.

Furthermore, the program also gives spoken directions and allows drivers to access real-time traffic, weather and fuel prices if they are connected to the internet, which may promote trucking safety.

Operators may wish to enroll in online truck driver training courses can help individuals stay up-to-date with industry news that can affect them.

According to the the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, nearly 93,000 injuries were attributed to large trucks and buses in 2009.

By Mark Priest

GPS systems are being developed for trucking industry

Tuesday, March 22nd, 2011