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.
Do Any OTR Truckers Still Use Atlas's?
Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by ThunderDome, Aug 20, 2014.
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The motor carriers atlas shows highlighted routes that are designated truck routes.
Skydivedavec and paul_4lp Thank this. -
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!
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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.
Emulsified, Skydivedavec, dutchieinquebec and 10 others Thank this. -
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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.
BrenYoda883, Maineman, GWIZ2260 and 1 other person Thank this. -
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.
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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.Skydivedavec Thanks this. -
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.
Skydivedavec, loose_leafs and blairandgretchen Thank this. -
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.GWIZ2260, blairandgretchen, 48Packard and 2 others Thank this.
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