Q: What are HGV navigation systems?

HGV navigation systems are specialised GPS and route planning tools for heavy goods vehicles. They use truck-specific details such as height, weight, number of axles and cargo type to calculate routes that are safe, legal and suitable for lorries, rather than using standard car routes.

Q: How do HGV navigation systems work?

HGV navigation systems combine digital maps with vehicle parameters (height, weight, axles, hazardous goods) and road restrictions (bridge heights, weight limits, HGV bans, time windows). Using this data, the software calculates an optimised route and guides the driver turn-by-turn, often with live traffic updates and recalculation if the driver leaves the planned route.

Q: Why shouldn’t truck drivers use normal car navigation?

Standard car navigation does not consider the size or weight of an HGV and may send a truck under a low bridge, through weight-restricted roads or narrow residential streets. HGV-specific navigation helps avoid unsafe or illegal routes, reducing the risk of accidents, fines and delays.

Q: What information do HGV navigation systems use to plan routes?

HGV navigation systems use a mix of vehicle data (height, weight, number of axles, cargo/hazard class), road attributes (speed limits, bridge heights, tunnel restrictions, HGV bans, toll roads) and sometimes real-time traffic or road works. This allows them to choose routes that match both legal requirements and operational needs.

Question 1

What are HGV navigation systems?

Accepted Answer

HGV navigation systems are specialised GPS and route planning tools for heavy goods vehicles. They use truck-specific details such as height, weight, number of axles and cargo type to calculate routes that are safe, legal and suitable for lorries, rather than using standard car routes.

Question 2

How do HGV navigation systems work?

Accepted Answer

HGV navigation systems combine digital maps with vehicle parameters (height, weight, axles, hazardous goods) and road restrictions (bridge heights, weight limits, HGV bans, time windows). Using this data, the software calculates an optimised route and guides the driver turn-by-turn, often with live traffic updates and recalculation if the driver leaves the planned route.

Question 3

Why shouldn’t truck drivers use normal car navigation?

Accepted Answer

Standard car navigation does not consider the size or weight of an HGV and may send a truck under a low bridge, through weight-restricted roads or narrow residential streets. HGV-specific navigation helps avoid unsafe or illegal routes, reducing the risk of accidents, fines and delays.

Question 4

What information do HGV navigation systems use to plan routes?

Accepted Answer

HGV navigation systems use a mix of vehicle data (height, weight, number of axles, cargo/hazard class), road attributes (speed limits, bridge heights, tunnel restrictions, HGV bans, toll roads) and sometimes real-time traffic or road works. This allows them to choose routes that match both legal requirements and operational needs.

Question 5

How do HGV navigation systems benefit fleets and logistics?

Accepted Answer

For fleets and logistics companies, HGV navigation systems help improve on-time delivery, reduce mileage and fuel consumption, and cut the risk of route violations. When connected to fleet management or telematics platforms, they also provide better visibility of trucks, ETAs and driver behaviour, supporting more efficient transport planning.

HGV Navigation Systems & Truck GPS

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