Routing for Dummies

A good supply of common sense, supplimented by Microsoft Streets and Trips loaded on a laptop.

 

Or the old tech way, a good road atlas, along with (like Roadkill mentioned) some common sense. I especially like looking at the front layout of all the interstates (in the atlas) to get a better idea of ways to get where I need to, to find any possible shorter ways than I might be thinking of.

 

yeah, have a topological map as well. Knowing the ups and downs of the roads up ahead can be handy, reallllll handy.

Oh, and always remember, shortest isn't necessarily quickest.

 

I buy the old Truckers Atlas at the end of every other year (tax deductible) and pretty much route myself.
maps dot google dot com is handy for reference if I'm curious about whether an alternate route might be shorter or not
***chicago to bakersfield : run I-80 across to Sacramento and south on 99, or run down I-78 to 70 to 15 into Cali and then go north? they look pretty even if you dont spend time figuring the miles of each leg ***
And of course weather makes a play as well, I-70 into Utah might be shorter, but a storm may make you want to consider running across I-80 instead. With Wi-fi and access to an internet connection at the start of the route, I haven't missed having mapping software like streets USA at all.
Google has every address that the cd/s do and is quicker to reference (again, IF you have convenient internet access).
I LOVE the satelite views of maps.google to look at the address where I am headed, how many streets between the exit and the address? is it industrial? is there a landmark like a school or a hospital to look for when making a turn? Are there trucks along the street letting me know I might be able to park overnight? Is it industrial, residential, rural, city? The satelite image if available can really help ease stress at the end point.

And Bikerdad is right, but unfortunately knowing which longer routes are quicker than the shorter routes is usually learned from experience unless you talk to another driver and feel comfortable he isn't bs'ing you. And beware, there are plenty out there who get their jollies out of flat out lying to you, on the radio and in person.

The other good thing about the atlas is its listing of low clearances and restricted routes - ALWAYS double check when running a route new to you, especially if it involves state and county roads. Following a google routing to the letter blind is not a good idea since that may put you on a path to a low bridge, a winding mountain road, or a one way street!

 

Using the "large" map located in the front of your atlas, you can use a ruler to check lines of travel between point A and B. Picking the ones closest to the ruler.

It's not 100%, I doubt its even 70% in some cases. But, it can save you some headache in most.

Many times, listening to people who have driven thease routes will get you even shorter routing than can be provided by PC Miler and a host of other programs.

Many of the "short-cuts" I use, were handed down to me by other drivers over the years.

Don't be afraid to ask, use that CB.

 

GREAT POINT Danc, I cannot even count how many times drivers have helped me via the CB, even if that means putting up with the boatloads of garbage on channel 19. And it can help, when you have found a prospective route, that you haven't run before, to warn you of anything that you need to know.

 

To the top!

 

A Motor Carriers Atlas is THE most important purchase a new driver should make. A normal atlas will not list locations of scale houses, low bridge locations and heights, and restricted routes. A Motor Carriers Atlas will have a guide in the back showing distances between major cities as well. A Motor Carriers Atlas will have all the "approved" truck routes highlited upon the state map as well.
Do not buy a walmart special for 4.99 spend the 20.00 to 30.00 for the real MOTOR CARRIERS ATLAS. This will also give you a list of all the phone numbers for each states road conditions hotline as well.
Should you decide to go high tech and buy a gps routing system do not buy a tom-tom or any other auto oriented system. The system will not give you the correct " Approved Truck Route" you will need. Look at Alk Technologies PC Miler Routing software. I believe there is a system put out by Rand McNally now too but cannot say if it is as good as PC Milers.
As for CB info beware. You never know who is giving you directions and you may find yourself being hijacked when you turn into a dead end street because "a voice on the CB gave you directions."
Be Smart dont be a chump! Buy yourself a cell phone with a hands free wireless headset and CALL the customer directly. They will give you the correct directions and let you know wether the area is safe to park in overnight or if there is no room available to park due to a closed gated security fence.
I have hauled many high dollar loads in excess of a million dollars in value. Such as cigarettes, hard liquor, exotic cars, and computer systems. One of the major reasons I have never been hijacked is I do no ask for directions over a cb. I also never discuss what I am hauling, where it came from, or where I am going to. YOU NEVER KNOW WHO IS LISTENING.
So for all you "experienced drivers" getting directions via the cb and advocating the newbies to do the same KNOCK IT OFF!
You are setting yourselves and others up for a mighty fall that may cost them their lives as well as their cargo and careers.

 

I wouldn't trust the Directions over a CB myself for maybe a mile or so but thats about it for me...I go with Paper map as a Back up to my Laptop software
I'm running ALk Co-pilot Live laptop 9 and Mircosoft Streets & Trips ..i can also use Goolge Earth to look down on the Shipper and check it out before i even arrive...with the Co-pilot you get everything from Weight stations to McDonalds...Just double check with Paper Map before you start out...

I also use Weather guide with laptop ...i get more stuff from the laptop and quicker then using the paper map ...but there is always a hiccup with software so don't rely on it 100% ...still learn to use the Paper map....cuz if laptop breaks down...well you can figure that out...