Why do trainers swear by maps?

They push maps cause the company requires them too. At least that is what my trainer told me. I don't trust gps in a semi. For my personal vehicle it ia fine cause I can turn around just about anywhere and don't have to worry about getting somewhere where I don't fit.

I drove otr about 500k miles and 42 states with just a map and calling the customers for directions and it worked for me. I would also use google maps, but didn't keep it pulled up. I have a bit of a photographic memory when it comes to maps.

Learning to read a map is essential, for no other reason then if both gpses go down. Also, some areas I have been don't have street signs.

 

From my experience, some of the old hands are just straight-up technophobes. ELD's, GPS - it doesn't matter; if it's got a microchip then it doesn't belong in a truck. Someone should tell those guys that it's not 1978 anymore.

On the other hand, some other old-timers are trying to get across (in my opinion) a very, very valid point: what happens when your GPS hasn't been updated, loses a signal (I've seen it happen) or otherwise goes belly-up when you need it most? None of that is any excuse for not getting a load where it needs to be on time. Cats were able to deliver on time before GPS was ever invented, and all they ever had was their Rand-McNally, access to a payphone, and a pen and pad (and some common sense).

If any driver's going to last in this business then he needs to be able to do his thing with or without GPS. My Garmin makes my job easier but, if I threw it out of the window tomorrow, I guarantee you I can still do my job. Too many newer drivers are lost without that gadget, and the old-timers are simply trying to get them to step up their map-reading game. You never know when you might need to go "Old School".

 

You still have to use common horse sense. Use the paper maps. Electronics are great. You gave a nice example. But they can also goof you up. Get to where you use, but don't depend on anything. You can do whatever you need, to find your way.
Do you realize that even on ships. They have to do a Sextant check everyday. I don't know if it's more than once a day. But with all those electronics. They still use a Sextant.
For that matter, you could too. (I always thought those things interesting)
Also, you realize that morse code is the only thing that got out an SOS on the Exxon Valdez? All the electronic gizmos went down. But the radio operator knew morse code. Used the old ships station to get an SOS out. Yes, before that, the FCC officially decided they didn't need morse code anymore.
Don't be a slave to technology. It will let you down.

 

Every driver should have a motor carriers atlas. Unless your using the satellite view dont use google maps. Its for cars not trucks. I only use Google maps if i have not been some place and want an ariel view to see how tight it is. Relying on it in a truck will get you into trouble. When i trained i always preached to use all available tools to get you somewhere safely. Atlas, route solution, truck gps ( rand McNally) makes the best in my opinion. Omni tracks, and google maps arial view. Your just starting a new career dont mess it up.

 

You can call consignee for directions or get them from your carrier... If you must use a GPS invest in a trucking gps

 

I'm young and not afraid of technology, and I don't even own a truck gps. I just strongly prefer to use the the mapbook and Google maps. I use the mapbook for most of the trip and Google maps for the last part of the trip when I have to get off the highways--I just pick the big streets and check them on satellite view (I don't use the navigation feature of G maps). I write my route down on a pad and reference it whenever I need to.

I used to use the Qualcomm Navigo (last company had it enabled on the Qualcomm, this company doesn't) and it worked well. I think it distracted me though. I wasn't paying as much attention to my route because I needed the qualcomm to tell me where to go and I didn't rely as much on street signs. I've noticed since I rely on written directions now, I know the roads and routes way better. I like technology as much as the next guy, but I think it's best to write down your route and rely on your directions. Go ahead and use your gps to help plan your route if you want, but still write it down and check your atlas to make sure it's legal.

 

I always believed if you drove it in you can drive it out! Lol unless you hit something or run out of fuel. I use maps on my phone but never the navigation. I started driving before all the tech and am glad not to have a stack of maps and atlases piled 2' high on the passenger seat!