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Google Maps’ regular phone and tablet app does not have a documented truck-routing switch for entering a vehicle’s height, weight, length, or cargo restrictions. You can use it for ordinary directions, but those directions are not configured for a truck. Google offers a separate large-vehicle routing capability for provisioned fleet and developer customers; it is not a setting in the consumer app.
How to get ordinary directions in Google Maps
For a standard destination, Google’s Android instructions are:
- Open Google Maps on an Android phone or tablet.
- Search for a place or tap it on the map.
- Tap Directions.
- Choose a transportation mode.
- If alternate routes appear in gray, tap the route you want to follow.
- Tap Start to begin navigation.
These steps provide ordinary directions, not truck-specific routing. Google notes that navigation and lane information are not available in every country, region, or language. Its navigation instructions are not intended for oversized vehicles. Google Maps Help: Use navigation in Google Maps
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Not in the standard consumer app. The documented directions flow does not let a driver enter truck dimensions or restrictions for cargo such as hazardous goods. Choosing a driving route or an alternate route does not make it suitable for a truck.
#1 Best Overall
- 6” touchscreen truck navigator offers a bright, crisp high-resolution display
- Get custom truck routing (Not available in all areas. Vehicle characteristics may not be accounted for in all route suggestions. Defer to posted signs and road conditions.) based on the size and weight of your truck, and see alerts for upcoming bridge heights, weight limits, sharp curves, steep grades and more
- Leading-edge arrival planning with BirdsEye Satellite Imagery provides high-resolution aerial views of loading docks, truck entrances and security gates
- The route planner feature helps drivers review their complete routes and determine the best places for fuel stops, comfort breaks and overnight stays
- Truck & Trailer Services directory allows drivers to filter truck stops by brand or amenity, such as “Love’s” or “Showers”
Google’s separate large-vehicle routing service
Google Maps Platform has a Large Vehicle Routing capability for applications serving fleets and large vehicles. Its Routes API supports a truck travel mode and vehicle details including height, width, length, weight, axle count, and hazardous-goods classifications. A route token can be passed to the Navigation SDK for turn-by-turn guidance. Access requires provisioning, so this is a developer or fleet workflow—not a truck mode that an individual can enable in the regular Maps app.
According to Google’s documentation checked on October 7, 2026, the feature is generally available in the contiguous 48 U.S. states and experimental in Japan; it is unavailable in Alaska, Hawaii, and U.S. territories. Coverage can change, so check Google’s Large Vehicle Routing overview for current availability and access requirements.
Rank #2
- Extra-large 10” truck navigator touchscreen offers a bright, crisp, high-resolution display in landscape or portrait view
- Get custom truck routing (not available in all areas) based on the size and weight of your truck, and see alerts for upcoming bridge heights, weight limits, sharp curves, steep grades and more
- View truck-friendly parking information along your route
- Preloaded Truck & Trailer Services directory allows you to filter truck stops by brand or amenities
- Industry-best load-to-dock guidance shows potential loading zones or storage lots when approaching your destination
Why a truck route still needs checking
Even Google’s large-vehicle routing may not produce a fully compliant route. If the service cannot find one, it may return a best-effort route that crosses restricted segments, flagged by routeRestrictionsPartiallyIgnored. Google warns drivers not to rely solely on the result to decide whether a route is safe or legal. Low clearances and roads prohibiting commercial trucks remain concerns; follow posted signs and local rules. The Navigation SDK guidance for large-vehicle routes describes callouts for height, weight, commercial-truck prohibitions, and hazardous-goods restrictions.
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A U.S. Department of Transportation report on commercial vehicle operations describes carriers using Google Street View to inspect posted height and weight signs. It also notes that consumer maps could help locate customer addresses but did not generate truck routes in the operations studied. Street View can help you look for signs; imagery is not proof that a route is suitable or legal for your specific vehicle. U.S. DOT/FHWA, Traveler Information for the Commercial Vehicle Operations Community
Rank #3
- Bundle Includes: Garmin Dezl OTR620 GPS Truck Navigator For Commercial Truck Drivers Navigation system (6-inch- Large Display Screen) + Diginerds LCD Screen Cleaning Kit + Sandisk Micro SDHC Ultra 32GB Memory Card With Sd Adapter
- Community-Driven Insights: Benefit from valuable insights shared by the Garmin Truck GPS Dezl OTR620 Truck navigation, where fellow drivers rate parking, loading docks, and truck-friendly locations. This feature empowers truckers to make informed decisions about the best places to stop, enhancing convenience and safety on long hauls. Ratings and shared experiences create a network of information that helps drivers optimize their routes and stops, creating a more efficient driving experience.
- Comprehensive Navigation and Alerts: With Garmin GPS Commercial Truck Navigation Dezl OTR620 system, drivers receive real-time alerts for sharp curves, steep grades, and speed changes, helping to maintain safety and awareness. The built-in PrePass notifications save time by alerting drivers to upcoming U.S. weigh stations and bypass decisions. Additionally, wind speed weather alerts provide critical information on hazardous conditions, keeping truckers informed and prepared on their routes.
- Smart Connectivity and Efficiency: Dezl OTR620 Gps Navigation For Truck Drivers integrates seamlessly with smartphones via the Dezl app, allowing for hands-free calling, smart notifications, access to live traffic & weather updates. The Dezl GPS navigator built-in Wi-Fi ensures maps and software are always up to date without needing a computer. For drivers prioritizing efficiency and connectivity, additionally access traveler ratings for hotels, restaurants and attractions.
- Trusted by Professional Truckers: The Garmin Dezl OTR620 GPS Truck navigator offers a 6" high-resolution touchscreen designed for clarity and ease of use, making it an essential tool for professional truck drivers seeking simplicity on the road. Its custom truck routing accounts for vehicle size and load, offering routes tailored to height, weight, and hazardous materials, ensuring a smoother journey and helping drivers avoid unsuitable roads and potential hazards.
What to check when choosing truck navigation
For a commercial operation, assess a dedicated routing tool against the vehicle and trip you actually run. Check:
- Whether it accepts the truck’s actual dimensions and cargo class.
- Which road restrictions and geographic regions its data covers, and how current that data is.
- How it handles rerouting and communicates restrictions or warnings.
- Whether its workflow suits the driver and fleet.
Verify a candidate’s current specifications and availability before relying on it. A historical federal report names examples of truck-specific navigation and telematics options, but it is not a current product comparison or endorsement.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- No One Knows The Roads Better Than Rand McNally. Tailored truck navigation powered by Rand Road IQ to Keep Your Truck and Your Unique Load on the Right Roads.
- New Rand Navigation 2.0 software with 2025-edition maps, customize your route based on truck dimensions, real-time traffic, weather, fuel price and speed camara alerts.
- Warnings and POIs: Weigh Stations, Curves, Hills, Engine Brake restrictions, Narrow roads, Construction Zones, Speed Limit changes, Red Light & Speed cameras, Scales, Truck Services, Parking, Restaurants, Financial Services, Medical Services, etc.
- Load Specifics: Customizable Weight, Height, Width, & all HazMat types including Gases, Explosives, Flammables, Oxidizers, etc. Trailer types including Straight, 48', 53' Double, & Triple and Axles: 2-15.
- Stay-cool, large, easy-to-read 8" touchscreen offers crisp, bright, and high-resolution display, powerful magnetic mount and pro-grade/reinforced power (USB-C and barrel) and built-in camera for image capture.
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