GPS routing through Ponca, AR

Discussion in 'US Xpress' started by kwilli77, Mar 15, 2017.

  1. kwilli77

    kwilli77 Bobtail Member

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    Just watched a very interesting news clip on Vice News about GPS routing issues regarding the route between Springfield. MO and the Walmart DC in Clarksville. AR. The Ponca. AR fire chief specifically named USX drivers (among other companies) as the frequent victims to poorly represented Ozark mountain topography on GPS programs. I am posting this for 3 reasons; 1 - create awareness of potential road hazards, 2 - to hear input based on first hand experiences, and 3 - thoughts on pro-active procedures to help reduce frequency of dependence on reactionary skills alone.
     
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  3. pattyj

    pattyj Road Train Member

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    I never was a fan of GPS routing and I think USX has GPS in all their trucks.SoI blame companies as well as drivers..If USX doesn't enforce trip planning from an Atlas they will always have these type of drivers who get into binds.Does companies even have a map reading class anymore.
     
  4. kwilli77

    kwilli77 Bobtail Member

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    yet another issue with company offered training courses... quantity over quality never works in the little guys favor. I was lucky enough to be raised and trained by old school. I tend to forget not that many 9 year olds were planning and navigating trips via hard copy atlas, truckers friend, and CB chatter during summer ride alongs with their dad.
     
  5. pattyj

    pattyj Road Train Member

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    You are SO RIGHT quantity over quality companies don't care.
     
  6. strollinruss

    strollinruss Road Train Member

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    That is the case in several instances, not just this one.
     
  7. HalpinUout

    HalpinUout Road Train Member

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    Companies really had Map reading classes at one point in time? Hmmm. I would think that someone wanting to drive a truck would know how to read a map. How hard is it really?
     
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  8. pattyj

    pattyj Road Train Member

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    I know that mainly all the starter comapanies that have wreck after wreck can't read signs hit low bridges the list goes on and on.
     
  9. pattyj

    pattyj Road Train Member

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    I totally agree but they either don't know how or just plain lazy.Lets face it GPS and all the latest technology took over all the old school stuff.Companies are just as lazy if not more then the drivers are and the sad thing is they dont care.They just chalk it up as another accident on the road.
     
  10. freebeertomorrow

    freebeertomorrow Heavy Load Member

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    it seems to me that those who WANT to drive is far less than those who see it as a last resort. much like the military, imho. it used to be - if you couldn't do anything else - you enlist. the influx of dumb has forced the military to screen further, i think truck driving is on the same course. as technology and operating costs increase, so does required knowledge of operation. i feel like the govt imposing so many rules is a prime example of such. given enough time the conundrum will sort itself out. right now they are having to put ridiculous rules in place in order to regain some control. eventually these rules will weed out more than they will invite. only once the practice is difficult to enter and more difficult to retain will we see positive results...a long time from now.
     
  11. UsualSuspect

    UsualSuspect Road Train Member

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    I am a bit old school when it comes to maps. I remember anytime I drove into LA and was looking for how to get there we used Thomas Brothers Maps to plan out the day. Personally I would never trust any GPS 100%, I would still use a Road Atlas to verify it is somewhat correct, and if I had not been there before, Google Street View. No excuse to end up where you should not be.
     
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