I just got a couple new Garmin GPS Navigation device models which are both very cool but neither does everything:
2 new Garmin models
One knows all about Truck Restrictions:
Garmin Nuvi 465 T knows about trucking restrictions
And the Garmin Nuvi 1490 T has “EcoRoute” which helps you know how “Green” you (or your drivers) are driving:
Garmin Nuvi 1490 T tells you how "green" you are driving
So both are cool, and both work with GPS Insight to allow you to send and receive messages, as well as send destinations and routes wirelessly to your drivers.
Both have real time Traffic to help you decide which is the quickest route to your destination (although to make Traffic work with GPS Insight, you should buy the Traffic AND Fleet Management cable from GPS Insight, and buy the “non-T” version of these devices).
If I was a truck driver (I’ll pretend I am for now) I would like the 465 since it allows you to set truck-specific attributes such as width, length, height, hazardous material status, weight, and number of trailers. Then it keeps you from taking incompatible routes where you won’t make it under a bridge, or somewhere you’ll be fined for driving a commercial vehicle:
Truck Friendly Routes
It also helps you to optimize your route for the day (although so does GPS Insight with its Garmin integration):
Optimize your Route using your Garmin
Optimize your Route using your Garmin
As far as saving fuel the Garmin 1490 with EcoRoute (many other models support EcoRoute) will tell you when you are accelerating, braking, and speeding in a way which either wastes or saves fuel — it does this in real time. You can even purchase a module which plugs into your OBD-II and gives the Garmin real time data about speed, RPM, acceleration, and fuel consumption. I haven’t gotten this yet, but it looks very accurate.
You can pull mileage reports and fuel consumption reports from the Garmin (although again, you can do this with GPS Insight as well without needing to use this Garmin for it).
The “Green” leaf turns yellow and ultimately red if you don’t drive “Green”:
Garmin "Red" leaf shows you're not driving efficiently
If you’re a truck driver, the 465 is a MUST. If you’re worried about fuel consumption and proper driving, the 1490 is ideal.
I like the bigger screen on the 1490 but it’s good to know that the 465 is around for our trucking customers’ drivers – it’s an absolute must have.
Best of all — they both integrate with GPS Insight:
GPS Insight / Garmin integration
You can dispatch your drivers using GPS Insight, and monitor their status in real time, with the assistance of Garmin Personal Navigation Devices (PND’s):
GPS Insight / Garmin integration
Great products — thanks Garmin!
Rob.
