always check google maps

Don't forget that you can view real-time traffic as an overlay. Very valuable when you're transiting major metro areas, and have multiple routing options.

 

You must be a Swift Trainer....

 

I've been to Chicago. I'll take that over cali any day. Except for the traffic. Which sucks just as bad.

 

not sure why I thought of it but I'll throw it out here, I met a driver that said he was a sea captain, claimed to have a captains license, he said he treated trucking the same.

 

I drove for about 25 years without having "Google Satellite" and later, "Google Street View". Can you get the job done without it? Yes. But I'm glad it's available today and you dam right I will make use of any available technology that makes my job easier and allows me to work smarter and with less opportunity to end up in a jam.

Satellite View and Street View both can be invaluable in some "unknown situations". I bet I don't call for directions but maybe once a year, if that. I don't like to bother the people there for 1. And I don't trust their directions and my shorthand for 2. I will place some stock in pre-recorded directions available as a phone system option.

 

Google maps helps out a lot, especially tight docks/whse entrances. if u deliver to a big city box store in a shopping plaza it can really make life easier. Also sometimes if there's no truck stop or "usual" overnight parking area, I'll check Google maps and see if I can spot a random lot with trucks parked in it. Very usefull tool as many have said

 

Google maps .. I love it. I typically Check for over night parking or unfamiliar routes to examine what they may look like. With this thechnology we have today no one should miss the right route. Worst thing for me is debating if the customer has a closed fence or not after hours

 

If you have an address that Rand won't pull up, I have used the directions from the shipper/receiver to locate the business hopefully, then find a cross street to coordinate a close address to it.

I also scroll streets that look questionable to see if they have weight restrictions on them, there are so many little towns which do now and it doesn't mean you will be routed right on Rand or Google maps. Also scroll on areas that have railroad tracks/overpass or even a road that has an overpass, esp good in areas like Chicago, PA, towns etc. Still hopefully you won't hit a snag.

Perhaps if that guy on other post today, who went through the Veterans Cemetery in Elwood, IL, would have had a better idea of where he should have been turning vs tearing down headstones.

Rand GPS is just a tool and so is Google maps. Google maps though is not a truckers route though, so should be watched to make sure where you are really routed. It does like Garden State Parkway when hubby is in that direction, but we know that won't work.

 

That's the problem with today's truckers. Most don't know how or refuse to use their brains.

 

Never drove for Swift, but if I found myself in the position the driver did in the OP original post, you bet your arsh I would have swing out wider to make the turn