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Do Any OTR Truckers Still Use Atlas's?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by ThunderDome, Aug 20, 2014.

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  1. Aug 20, 2014 #1
    ThunderDome

    ThunderDome Bobtail Member

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    Alright I'm trying to learn how to read a map of a Trucker Atlas and I bought one thats more recent for 2014-2015 at a Pilot J after trucking school. Right now I'm just kind of learning the interstates of a website called Interstate-Guide.com but what do I need to look for as far as not just Interstates but also knowing what to look in order to plan routes? I don't get how anyone can use these Atlas's.

    Thank you for your info and tips ahead of time.
     
    ThunderDome, Aug 20, 2014
    ThunderDome, Aug 20, 2014
    #1
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  3. Aug 20, 2014 #2
    PackRatTDI

    PackRatTDI Licensed to Ill

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    The motor carriers atlas shows highlighted routes that are designated truck routes.
     
    PackRatTDI, Aug 20, 2014
    PackRatTDI, Aug 20, 2014
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  4. Aug 20, 2014 #3
    Skydivedavec

    Skydivedavec Medium Load Member

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    I know I can't help you. I can't even find the tunnel in Cincinnati on the Atlas. I am a recent (8months)graduate of a shortened CDL school (160hrs), a brief training session with a mentor, and thrown out here like the baby in the bath water. Never had coaching on reading the Atlas. As far as I'm concerned I'd need a degree in cartography (I think it's called!) to navigate the thing!

    Subscribed!
     
    Skydivedavec, Aug 20, 2014
    Skydivedavec, Aug 20, 2014
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  5. Aug 20, 2014 #4
    Maineman

    Maineman Light Load Member

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    Only the good/smart ones. It is always a GREAT idea to carry one... I recommend getting the Rand McNally giant spiral notebook truck edition... It will provably cost you about $30-$40 but it is well worth it.
     
    Maineman, Aug 20, 2014
    Maineman, Aug 20, 2014
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  7. Aug 20, 2014 #5
    Skydivedavec

    Skydivedavec Medium Load Member

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    I think the 2015 version is 60 bucks!
     
    Skydivedavec, Aug 20, 2014
    Skydivedavec, Aug 20, 2014
    #5
  8. Aug 20, 2014 #6
    jsprocket

    jsprocket Heavy Load Member

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    Columbus, GA
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    I use it all the time. As my trainer said a gps is just a reminder but can be wrong. I check my Atlas, check the route planning they provide then see if gps matches.
     
    jsprocket, Aug 20, 2014
    jsprocket, Aug 20, 2014
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  9. Aug 20, 2014 #7
    SlowPoke44magnum

    SlowPoke44magnum Medium Load Member

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    Read the instructions for clues about what the colors and symbols mean. Other than that, it's just like reading a map, it's pretty easy. Of course a sense of direction and common sense helps too.
     
    SlowPoke44magnum, Aug 20, 2014
    SlowPoke44magnum, Aug 20, 2014
    #7
  10. Aug 20, 2014 #8
    ThunderDome

    ThunderDome Bobtail Member

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    Yeah the school I went to was great and I learned how to pre trip, park and drive but on their website they said they taught you how to read maps and plan routes. Ha yeah okay I never learned that cause the first week of the classroom was all about Commercial Drivers Manual and just passing the test which was exhausting by the end of the week. Mentally that is. I guess I should have known that 3 weeks wouldn't have covered everything needed to learn about map reading and planning routes cause the time they taught us the hours of service was very brief.

    My trainer whoever it may be with Werner Enterprise if I can ever get passed the medical process is going to have a lot to teach me about the Qualcom and Hours of Service as well as map reading and planning routes.
     
    ThunderDome, Aug 20, 2014
    ThunderDome, Aug 20, 2014
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  11. Aug 20, 2014 #9
    Starboyjim

    Starboyjim Road Train Member

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    Absolutely get a paper atlas. RM is the usual kind. Remember, when the electricity goes away, that paper will still be strong. The front sections about restricted highways, hazmat routing and regulations, scales, permits, lots of good stuff in there. I'd say start by reading that before you do anything else with it. Then get your GPS fired up with a realtime destination, turn to the state of origin, and track the trip through your atlas. One or two trips, you'll be an expert. Remember Grasshopper, perseverance is golden.
     
    Starboyjim, Aug 20, 2014
    Starboyjim, Aug 20, 2014
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  12. Aug 20, 2014 #10
    jeepnut_nh

    jeepnut_nh Medium Load Member

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    Jun 15, 2012
    Milford, NH
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    im ###-uming you have the rand McNally motor carriers road atlas. if you have something else, throw it away and get a rand. ;)

    you will find the map legend (list of symbols/items seen on maps) on page 1 of the map section

    pages A2-A25 contain a ton of useful info including things like state access policies on page A12

    pages A26-A50 are low clearance/weigh scales/restricted routes by state.
     
    jeepnut_nh, Aug 20, 2014
    jeepnut_nh, Aug 20, 2014
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