About TruckMap
I’ve tried a few truck GPS apps over the years, and most felt like regular navigation apps with a truck sticker slapped on. TruckMap is different. I downloaded it on a recommendation from another driver at a rest stop in Iowa, and after using it for three months and roughly 12,000 miles, I can say it’s become my go-to co-pilot. It’s built by Tenstreet, who clearly have a handle on what we actually need out here on the road.
Features & Highlights
The core feature is the truck-specific routing. You input your rig’s details—height, weight, length, and even cargo type (like hazmat). I set mine for 13’6″ and 80,000 lbs. The first time it rerouted me off a state highway I’ve driven a hundred times, I was skeptical. But sure enough, a mile down the road there was a temporary sign for a 12’10” clearance I never would have seen coming. That alone sold me.
Beyond routing, the truck stop database is a lifesaver. I can filter for showers, specific brands of diesel, or places with overnight parking. The fuel price comparison isn’t always perfect, but it’s usually within a few cents and has helped me plan my fill-ups to save $20-30 on a long leg. I don’t use the real-time traffic as my primary source (I still have my CB on), but its accident and delay alerts have helped me decide to take a 30-minute break rather than sit in a dead stop.
User Experience
The interface is straightforward. It took me about 10 minutes to get comfortable. Typing in a destination with my big fingers is easier here than on some other apps. The turn-by-turn voice guidance is clear, and I appreciate that it gives you plenty of warning for upcoming turns—essential when you’re pulling a 53-footer.
My real test was a run from Denver to Portland. The app routed me on a different path than my old dedicated GPS unit. I was nervous, but I trusted it. It took me on roads that were better maintained and had fewer steep grades. I hit my delivery window with less fatigue. Another moment that stuck with me: I was looking for a place to shut down for the night near Columbus, OH. With one tap, I found a stop with parking, a 24-hour diner, and a shower, all verified by other driver reviews in the app. It took the guesswork out of a long day.
Pricing
The app is completely free to download and use for all the core routing and stop-finding features. There are no subscription tiers locking away basic safety functions, which I deeply respect. You will see banner ads, usually for trucking-related products or services, but they’re not intrusive or video-based that kill your data plan. For a free tool that reliably keeps me out of trouble, the value is outstanding. I haven’t felt the need to pay for a premium version because the free one does the job so well.
Updates & Support
I get an update notification every 3-4 weeks. The changelogs are actually useful, mentioning things like “updated bridge heights on I-40 in Tennessee” or “added 200 new truck stop listings.” It feels like they’re actively maintaining it. I had one issue where the app crashed on startup after a phone update. I emailed their support from the website and got a real, non-copy-paste reply within a day with a few troubleshooting steps. The problem was fixed in the next app update a week later. That’s decent support for a free product.
Security & Privacy
I downloaded TruckMap directly from the official Google Play Store. The app requires location permissions, obviously, to do its job. In its privacy policy, Tenstreet states they collect route and usage data to improve services, but they claim not to sell personal data to third-party advertisers. The ads in the app seem contextual (truck stops, truck insurance) rather than creepily personal. For peace of mind, I don’t use it for anything other than navigation and don’t input any personal info beyond my truck’s specs. It feels as secure as any other major navigation tool I’ve used.
How does TruckMap's truck-specific routing work?
You input your rig's height, weight, length, and cargo type (like hazmat), and the app adjusts your route to avoid low clearances, weight-restricted roads, and other hazards. For example, setting a 13'6" height helped one driver avoid a temporary 12'10" clearance sign they would have missed otherwise.
Can I filter truck stops for specific amenities like showers or diesel brands?
Yes, TruckMap has a detailed truck stop database that lets you filter by showers, overnight parking, and specific diesel brands. The fuel price comparison isn't always perfect but is usually within a few cents, helping you save $20-30 on a long haul.
What should I do if the app routes me on an unfamiliar road?
It's normal to feel skeptical, but the app uses your truck's specs to find better-maintained roads with fewer steep grades. One driver trusted it on a Denver-to-Portland run and found the alternate route was smoother and safer than their old GPS unit's path.
Does TruckMap work well for drivers with large fingers or who need clear voice guidance?
Absolutely. The interface is straightforward, and typing in destinations is easier than on many other apps thanks to larger touch targets. The turn-by-turn voice guidance is clear and gives plenty of warning for upcoming turns, which is critical when pulling a 53-foot trailer.
How does TruckMap compare to a dedicated truck GPS unit?
TruckMap often provides better routing than dedicated units because it uses real-time data and your exact truck specs. For example, one driver found it rerouted them onto roads that were better maintained and had fewer steep grades than their old GPS, making the trip smoother and less stressful.
