If you've ever searched "Google Maps truck mode" or "Google Maps for truckers," you've probably discovered the frustrating truth: Google Maps does not have a truck mode. And honestly, it probably never will.
The Short Answer
No, there is no Google Maps for trucks. Google Maps doesn't know your truck's height, weight, or cargo type. It will route you under low bridges, onto weight-restricted roads, and through areas where trucks are prohibited. Using Google Maps for trucking is dangerous.
Can Google Maps Show Truck Routes?
While Google Maps offers multiple navigation modes—driving, walking, cycling, and public transit—it does not support a truck option. And here's the hard truth: we don't see this changing anytime soon.
Why? Google Maps' primary customer base isn't truckers. It's everyday commuters driving to work, tourists finding restaurants, and families on road trips. The trucking industry, while essential, represents a small fraction of Google Maps users.
Building a true "truck mode" would require Google to:
- Map every low bridge clearance in the country
- Track weight restrictions on thousands of roads and bridges
- Identify HazMat-prohibited routes for all 9 hazmat classes
- Catalog no-truck zones in residential areas
- Account for different vehicle dimensions and weights
This would be a massive investment, and Google would be competing against apps that have already been doing this for years. The ROI simply isn't there for them.
Why Using Google Maps for Trucking is Dangerous
Every year, thousands of trucks hit low bridges in the United States. The famous "11foot8" bridge in Durham, NC has its own YouTube channel with millions of views—all showing trucks that got "can-openered" by drivers following consumer GPS apps.
Bridge strikes per year in the US
Average cost per bridge strike
Preventable with truck GPS
Beyond low bridges, Google Maps will also:
- • Route you onto weight-restricted roads that can't handle your load
- • Send you through residential areas with truck bans
- • Take you down roads with tight turns your trailer can't navigate
- • Ignore HazMat routing requirements entirely
Best Truck GPS Apps (Google Maps Alternatives)
The good news is there are excellent truck-specific GPS apps that solve all of these problems. Here are the best options for 2025:
Argus Nav
AI-powered navigation with the fastest crash detection in the industry
Pros:
- Detects crashes in under 10 seconds (AI-powered)
- Real-time low bridge and clearance warnings
- Weight restriction routing
- HazMat compliant routing for all 9 classes
- Truck stop and rest area information
Cons:
- Currently in early access (join waitlist)
Trucker Path
Popular app with large trucker community and truck stop database
Pros:
- Large database of truck stops
- Weigh station information
- Community-driven updates
- Free tier available
Cons:
- No real-time crash alerts
- Ads in free version
- Interface feels dated
CoPilot Truck GPS
Professional truck navigation with offline maps
Pros:
- Offline maps (no data needed)
- Custom vehicle profiles
- One-time purchase
- Truck-specific POIs
Cons:
- Expensive upfront cost
- No real-time traffic intelligence
- Map updates cost extra
Sygic Truck GPS
European-focused truck navigation with 3D maps
Pros:
- 3D map view
- Speed limit warnings
- Lane guidance
- Good European coverage
Cons:
- Annual subscription required
- Limited US truck stop data
- No AI-powered alerts
What Makes Argus Nav Different?
While other truck GPS apps focus on the basics—low bridges, weight restrictions, truck stops—Argus Nav goes a step further with AI-powered crash detection.
Here's the problem with traditional navigation apps: they rely on crowdsourced reports for traffic incidents. Someone has to see a crash, pull out their phone, and report it. By the time that report reaches other drivers, 10-15 minutes have passed and traffic is already backed up for miles.
Crash Detection Speed Comparison
Argus uses AI to analyze 10,000+ DOT traffic cameras in real-time, detecting crashes in under 10 seconds.
At 65 mph, you travel 1 mile every 55 seconds. If an app alerts you 10 minutes late, you're already 11 miles into the backup. With Argus Nav's 10-second alerts, you have time to reroute before traffic even starts building up.
Features to Look for in a Truck GPS App
When choosing a truck GPS app, make sure it includes these essential features:
Low Bridge Warnings
Alerts you before you reach bridges that are too low for your truck height.
Weight Restrictions
Routes you around roads and bridges with weight limits below your load.
HazMat Routing
Compliant routing for hazardous materials, avoiding tunnels and restricted areas.
Real-Time Crash Alerts
Instant notifications about accidents ahead so you can reroute early.
Truck Stops & Rest Areas
Find fuel, food, and parking designed for commercial trucks.
Custom Vehicle Profiles
Enter your specific truck dimensions, weight, and cargo type.
The Bottom Line
Google Maps is an excellent app—for cars. But it was never built for commercial trucking and likely never will be. The risks of using consumer GPS for trucking are too high: bridge strikes, weight violations, and getting stuck on roads your truck can't handle.
Invest in a proper truck GPS app. Whether it's Argus Nav, Trucker Path, CoPilot, or another dedicated trucking app, the cost is nothing compared to one bridge strike or one hour sitting in traffic you could have avoided.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a Google Maps for trucks?
No, Google Maps does not have a truck mode. It doesn't account for vehicle height, weight, or cargo restrictions. Truckers need specialized GPS apps like Argus Nav, Trucker Path, or CoPilot that understand truck dimensions and provide low bridge warnings, weight restrictions, and HazMat routing.
Can Google Maps show truck routes?
No, Google Maps cannot show truck-specific routes. It offers driving, walking, cycling, and public transit modes, but no commercial truck option. Using Google Maps for trucking is dangerous because it will route you under low bridges and onto weight-restricted roads without warning.
What is the best free truck GPS app?
Trucker Path offers a solid free tier with truck stop information and basic truck routing. However, free apps typically lack real-time crash alerts. For professional drivers, paid apps like Argus Nav ($7/month) provide AI-powered crash detection that can save hours of sitting in traffic.
Why doesn't Google Maps have a truck mode?
Google Maps' primary user base is everyday commuters, not commercial truckers. Adding truck-specific features would require significant investment to map bridge heights, weight restrictions, HazMat routes, and truck-prohibited roads. The trucking market is too small for Google to prioritize over general consumer features.
What features should I look for in a truck GPS app?
Essential features include: low bridge and clearance warnings, weight restriction routing, HazMat-compliant routing, truck stop and rest area locations, real-time crash and traffic alerts, and the ability to enter your specific truck dimensions. Apps like Argus Nav also offer AI-powered crash detection that alerts you in under 10 seconds.
How much does a truck GPS app cost?
Truck GPS apps range from free (Trucker Path basic) to $149.99 one-time (CoPilot). Monthly subscriptions like Argus Nav ($7/month) or Trucker Path Pro ($9.99/month) offer a good balance of features and affordability. The cost is minimal compared to one bridge strike or hour of lost time in traffic.