FMCSA Urges Truckers to Use Proper GPS, Issues Recommendations for Picking Device

This story appears in the March. 18 print edition of Transport Topics.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration launched a campaign last week to warn truck drivers about the dangers of using navigation systems designed for smaller vehicles.

FMCSA Administrator Anne Ferro announced the project at a March 11 press conference in New York, where she and Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said the agency would begin to distribute “visor cards” to truckers about how to select a proper GPS device.

Using the wrong navigation devices can lead truckers to roads with low bridges or overpasses, weight restrictions or other dangers. Some companies make truck-specific devices that navigate to avoid such hazards, but not all truck drivers use those.

“Even one truck or bus striking an overpass is one too many, which is why we’re taking action to ensure professional truck and bus drivers know the importance of selecting the right navigation system,” Ferro said.

Schumer said FMCSA has agreed to require new truck drivers to be trained on how to select GPS devices as part of its forthcoming training standards for entry-level commercial drivers. FMCSA spokesman Duane DeBruyne said the agency was considering it, but declined to comment on what will be in the final rule.

“These education and training campaigns for commercial truck drivers will be the first major steps to thwarting life-threatening bridge strikes that have been causing massive delays and imposing significant costs on taxpayers with increasing frequency in recent years,” Schumer said.

Ferro and Schumer announced the developments in West Hempstead, N.Y., near where Eagle Avenue passes over the Southern State Parkway. That overpass has been hit by trucks at least 27 times in recent years, and a 2009 study by the New York Department of Transportation found that 90% of the state’s bridge strikes by trucks were caused by drivers using the wrong GPS devices.

New York’s parkways were built decades ago and do not have proper clearances for trucks. This prompted Schumer in September to write Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, requesting federal action on the issue.

FMCSA’s visor card warns truckers to only use devices that are marketed toward professional truck drivers. Such devices route trucks only on the roads on which they are allowed, the agency said.

“A typical system that a consumer might buy at an electronics or auto parts store may not have software programming to show low bridges, hazmat routes and other information relevant to commercial motor vehicle operators,” FMCSA said about the cards.

Companies that make truck-specific navigation hardware and software said they support FMCSA’s actions.

“We’ve been big supporters of the right tool for the job, as have others who manufacture these products,” said Amy Krouse, spokeswoman for Rand McNally. Educating the industry about the problems with consumer-grade navigation devices is extremely important, Krouse said.

Craig Fiander, vice president of marketing at ALK Technologies’ enterprise solutions group, said he is continually surprised to find that carriers still use consumer navigation devices.

“It is extremely dangerous and unsafe for truck drivers to be using this within the vehicle,” Fiander said.

ALK makes navigation software for in-cab communication devices, and sells a stand-alone smart-phone app for truck navigation.

Garmin Ltd. focuses on consumer navigation devices, but also produces truck-specific products.

“We strongly encourage the use of trucking-specific devices by commercial truck drivers,” said Johan-Till Broer, a Garmin spokesman. “Providing training on the differences between consumer and professional-grade navigation devices for truckers can be a step in the right direction to raise awareness of this issue and increase safety for truck drivers.”

American Trucking Associations said it has worked to educate the industry about GPS device issues.

“ATA fully supports the efforts of both Senator Schumer and FMCSA to promote the use of appropriate technology by professional truck drivers and further encourages all commercial drivers to use proper, commercial vehicle-specific GPS systems for their navigation needs,” ATA spokesman Sean McNally said.