Experienced drivers how do you do...????

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Google maps wasn't invented yesterday and you usually have a contact # so you should never be left in the dark.

 

Cut the guy a break. He has aspergers syndrome. Can't you freaking read?

 

My son has Aspbergers, so brother I can totally understand your questions. I'm not an OTR guy- heck I'm an active duty Marine that runs my own rig on the weekends til I retire- BUT, I can say that I use my GPS religiously, but also use a truckers atlas (can buy at any truckstop) because there are a lot of roads out there that a non-truck GPS will put you on. My stupid Tom-Tom doesn't realize I have another 60' behind my seat (old cab over, everything is behind me LOL). If I have time, I also use maps.google.com ahead of time to see what exactly my pick up and rops look like, i.e. any tight spots, visual markers etc. I love driving and just put on my phone songs and go, that fights off the lonelyness, and the days I am out overnight I look forward to being lucky enough to get a spot at Loves, a hot shower, and a decent fast food dinner.

 

How do you find the addresses without screwing up and getting in a pinch???

Make sure you have a reliable contact number for the customer. If dispatch doesn't have one, look 'em up on line. When you talk to the customer, make sure you get someone who actually knows how to give directions. If all else fails, ask a cop or a local. Don't rely totally on some guy on the CB...some folks will actually route you wrong just to be jerks. Confirm, confirm, confirm.

When all else fails and you do get lost--and you will--just remember that it happens to all of us now and again. Unless you stuffed your truck under an 11'0" overpass or something, it'll work out.

How do you deal with all the loneliness one gets out there??

By being a total misanthrope and loner type, but that's me. Music, the net and the Bible help a lot.

How do not get lost???

How do you defy gravity? It'll happen now and then. Just remember...if you got in, you can get out. Don't let it overwhelm you.

How do you not get all emotional when the times arise??

I just remember that all of us are going through our own trials on this planet, and that nothing we go through is permanent. Unless you die, in which case you've got bigger things to worry about.

How do you become self sufficent and learn to rely on yourself??

One step at a time. I started out terrified. Scared of screwing up, scared of looking stupid, you name it. But every time you get things done regardless of your fears, you grow a little bit. Remember those times, hang on to them, and realize that every day, you're learning more and getting better.

God be with you, my friend.

 

I use Google maps and streetview. Even still I screw up. Most important thing is to not get stressed when it happens. When you do, you can often end up making your situation worse than it was.

As for being lonely, I'll call my wife or friends. It's not perfect, but it's better than nothing. Think about guys 20 years ago before cell phones. They had to get to a pay phone and hope whoever they were calling was home.

I use my atlas and Google maps. After a while you get to know the general route to most places. It's usually the last bit to the customer that is aggravating.

Just remain calm. You're not the first person to do whatever you're doing and won't be the last. Unless you see trucks with skeletons in the driver's seats parked alongside the road, chances are you'll be fine.

Other people do it every day. If they can you can too.


I don't have aspergers but that can pretty much apply for anyone.

 

KH: I have an Autistic daughter (whom you may not date.... lol) and mild Aspergers myself. Back in my day, they really didn't have anything to call it. I understand where you are coming from, sir.

First, we have tons of tools to help us out here, if we just utilize them. As Dude so poorly stated, Google maps can be a big help. I carry a laptop with MS Streets and Trips with a GPS node. I also carry a Verizon wireless internet. That means I can look up the addresses via Google Earth and "know" what I'm walking into. This dramatically lowers the stress of the "last 5 minutes" of a run. I simply look at the company directions to the shipper/receiver and compare them to the overhead map/photo. I also take the company directions and put them directly into my MS maps, so I get turn by turn directions. You may want to get a cheap GPS that you can use for lane placement assistance. I believe you can export the map/directions from MS to most GPS units, but I haven't tried it.

Loneliness? That's where the phone, cb and again the web come in. I often text my wife, kids and friends, or chat with them online either in IM or webcam.

Emotional at times? Yeah, I get that problem. With me it's mostly anger or frustration that the "idiot" doesn't see things my way. I have a side kicker of PTSD due to a very abusive childhood, so my immediate inclination is to "fight or flight" (strong leanings toward Fight, lol). Deep breaths, calming mental images, soothing music, etc. Exercise helps a lot.

Self sufficient and learning to rely upon yourself will become easier as you gain more experience in the situations that cause you problems. You will also learn to apply what you learn in situation A to situation B. It takes time and reflection.

This is all meant in a supportive fashion. I'm not a JackWagon like some other Clowns who needs to tear someone down to make himself feel like a man.

Best of luck sir. Anytime I can help, let me know.

Palazon

 

you dont need to be rude...the OP is kindly asking for help...you seem to take things for granted....

we all arent perfect like you....

 

thank you to those that are being helpful....