Atlas question/trip planning

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by DDlighttruck, Apr 1, 2016.

  1. DDlighttruck

    DDlighttruck Road Train Member

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    I'm trying to get away from GPS dependance. With that said, thank you. However, I don't know how to make a GPS follow the route I want to go.

    Either way is a learning curve, learn to use a trucker atlas, or learn to manipulate a GPS.

    Thanks!
     
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  3. PackRatTDI

    PackRatTDI Licensed to Ill

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    El Chuco, Tejas
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    US209 goes through the Delaware River Gap National Recreation Area. All US/State routes through any national park are restricted to commercial traffic.
     
  4. DDlighttruck

    DDlighttruck Road Train Member

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    I actually had thhis argument with dispatch on the same Friday I posted this. I argued if they gave me more info ahead of time, the time spent loading/unloading could be spent trip planning. I took the advice in the thread I linked and that's how I've been trying to do it. Google maps, figure out how you want to go. Atlas, look at the roads, look for restrictions, write down directions. The only thing I've been trying ot use GPS for is for actual hours, or for final in city routing.

    My dispatch thinks I'm dumb for trying to use an atlas/maps.

    It's all tools. Use the tools how you want, but I really really believe relying on a GPS is NOT the way to go.

    Thanks, pattyj
     
    pattyj Thanks this.
  5. Jubal3

    Jubal3 Heavy Load Member

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    Apr 2, 2015
    Central WA
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    You can alter your route choice on most decent GPS systems by using the "VIA" function, selecting the highway you want.A GPS is a GUIDE, just like an Atlas. They can both be wrong. And using both minimizes your chances of getting in trouble. But it's up to YOU to be looking at signs. I was in Louisville for the first time in a truck a while back. The GPS routed me down a road with a 13' 6" bridge. I saw the sign. I kept going and looked for an alternate, because the area is old and poorly paved and no, I don't trust that 13-6 is still good, after God only knows how many re-pavings.

    I can get along without my GPS and Did the first couple months I was driving. It's your choice, but I can plan a trip in 5 minutes using a GPS and Road Atlas. The Atlas alone it's more like 20, and with the useless or non-existent directions to half my stops, it's saving me a lot more than 15 minutes a trip, trust me.
     
  6. pattyj

    pattyj Road Train Member

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    Sioux City,ia
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    I agree,i don't know why people solely depends on GPS to get anywhere especially truck drivers.I have always used map quest compare it to an atlas double checked my routing and only time I used GPS is when u was close to the customer so I wouldn't miss the street.
     
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