route planning for dummies ?

Shortest route possible avoiding tolls. Try to stay on major highways.

 

Once you get experience you'll know the interstate system.

When I first started, I used to use the Rand McNally truckers USA map and lay my clear ruler down and identify the route closest to the ruler. I would also use the mileage guide in the back of the book and add up the city to city routes enroute to find which was the shortest way.

Now a days we have computer software and GPS to help us out. I still learn new little short cuts with the new technology. Evidently you have a laptop. Use Google Maps or MapQuest to compare to. You can break a route up in legs to see the different results.

 

I-75N, I-24W, I-57N, I-64W, I-70W, I-29N, I-90W...2360 miles

That's how I'd go.

 

....i-70w, i-435n, i-29n But that's correct route. Sometimes you might have to change routes for weather.

 

Yep, You're right. I forgot to include 435.