Trucker's Atlas, Headsets, etc recommendations?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by steve-in-kville, Sep 27, 2025.

  1. blairandgretchen

    blairandgretchen Road Train Member

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    I use mine less and less now - almost all planning is Google Maps and street view. They're a good tool to have, and learn to use though.

    Blue parrot for the win - nothing worse than trying to have a conversation with terrible audio quality. I only wear it whilst yakking.
     
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  3. Tb0n3

    Tb0n3 Road Train Member

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    I have never once in 12 years actually opened an atlas.
     
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  4. Big Road Skateboard

    Big Road Skateboard Road Train Member

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    No surprises. It's not a pop up book
     
  5. BrothaTrucka513

    BrothaTrucka513 Medium Load Member

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    That would be awesome if it was
     
  6. Big Road Skateboard

    Big Road Skateboard Road Train Member

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    I do like the 3d views on my gps. But, I only see them in big cities, which I'm never really in.

    I delivered some rock to the Temple in SLC, and happened to have my GPS on. Otherwise I'd have never known.
     
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  7. DannyB

    DannyB Medium Load Member

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    The electronic mapping software, satellite view etc is great for each end of the route. But for route planning, I found the RM atlas to be much better. The GPS is going to route you along the major routes by default. Usually creating a longer route, right through cities and conjested areas you don't need to deal with.
    It's a beautiful country and choosing US and / or State highways usually provides for a shorter, less stressful, and more scenic route.
    Just an opinion from an old school driver. YMMV.
     
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  8. MACK E-6

    MACK E-6 Moderator Staff Member

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    Oh, come on now boomer.

    It’s not 1973 anymore. We have no need to even have to spell words as long as “atlas”. Everybody today knows the right thing to do is just push one button and watch the screen. You don’t even have to watch the road anymore with all our “driver assist” technology. Just follow the line on the screen straight under the 11’6” bridge. :rolleyes:
     
  9. tscottme

    tscottme Road Train Member

    Rand McNally Motor Carrier Road Atlas is the only atlas to buy. If it doesn't say Rand McNally Motor Carrier it's not for trucking. It costs about $30 & it's sold in almost every truckstop. It is often cheaper in a truck stop than online. End of year they are on sale.
     
  10. TripleSix

    TripleSix God of Roads

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    Being able to read and comprehend road signs while driving is a dying art form.
     
  11. Tb0n3

    Tb0n3 Road Train Member

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    Why would I need to open the atlas when I've never gotten into a situation that would require it? Modern tools far eclipse an atlas for usefulness.
     
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