“How do I get there?” That’s what drivers ask. In a well-run fleet they get answers. Savvy routing and good directions add to the efficiency of any fleet.

But providing directions takes valuable time and, depending on the scope of operations, a substantial body of knowledge. So, as Technology Editor John Bendel reports in the June issue of Heavy Duty Trucking, fleets and drivers are turning to digital routing technology.
Bendel explains that digital routing comes in two basic forms: on-board and off-board. On-board is where there’s a DVD or CD-ROM device with the data. Off-board is where the database is sitting on a server somewhere and you access it only when you need it via a wireless hookup in your vehicle.
Bendel talks with Paul Drysch, vice president North America for WirelesCar, who explains the promise of off-board navigation systems, which Drysch says is where on-board navigation is headed.
In the meantime, on-board navigation remains an economical, state-of-the-art option, such as Rand McNally’s RouteTools, Delorme’s EarthMate and ALK’s CoPilot.
In addition, Bendel looks at websites offering free routing directions, including www.promiles.com, www.mile.com, www.mapquest.com, www.freetrips.com, www.mapblast.com and www.expedia.com.
Each month, HDT’s “IT Solutions” section looks at the latest in information technology. See if you qualify for a free subscription to HDT at www.heavydutytrucking.com/subscribe.asp.