GPS, Atlas, map software??

GPS isnt as bad as most of you claim it is, yes its got issues with accuracy of destinations, and the trucker GPS units will need to be set up with the correct rig information. The accuracy of an atlas is always in question as well. If a bridge has suffered some serious structural integrity since that atlas was printed, then the atlas isnt going to tell you the correct information if that bridge has had its weight limits reduced, same with the GPS. Both have their faults, and cons. Everyone has their choices to make, neither is the end all be all best option. I think its best to cover your ### from all angles then to rely on just one thing. I will have my atlas, GPS, and I will utilize software on my laptop to me there, and on that last leg ill call the receiver/shipper to get clarifications on directions. Even if you do everything you can possibly do to cover yourself, you are still going to have issues getting places. There is just no possible way to plan for each and every aspect youll be faced with. You plan to the best of your abilities, then then read the signs as you go.

 

I use Google maps satellite images to look up the receiver and consignee so I know what entrance I'm coming into, where the docks are, if its tight, and what not. Great tool.

 

Paper maps may be out of date. They may of been printed a year or longer ago in China or who knows where by the time you get them. Most professional drivers use a truckers GPS, the directions the trucking company gives you and a little common sense, and once in a while they may pull out their old fashioned paper map too. With google maps on a tablet you have all the info on an old fashioned paper map plus you can look at the actuall place you are going to with satellite photos to tell where you can go or park. But don't tell that to MR. Supertrucker stuck in 1990 who only uses his cb and a pay phone.

 

PC miller makes software for your laptop, its the same software a lot of companies use for preplanning. You can use that to assist in trip planning. Rand Mcnally makes a PC GPS software, you throw in a $30 GPS receiver that you can get off of Amazon, and you effectively have a stand alone GPS without the need of another GPS.

 

Just remember....the GPS will route you to the address....which may not be your desired entry point.

Company-provided directions, maps, GPS, compass, slide rule, sextant...all tools. But worthless without some common sense thrown in.

 

Whatever you use to plan your route, a GPS is very handy in telling you when your next turn/street/highway is approaching.

Mikeeee

 

I get tickled at the veteran truckers that refuse to use "them new fangledy gadgets". I know, it's worked for you for years etc etc. Well freight used to be delivered by mule powered covered wagons too, but you aren't driving one of those.

Personally I use a rand mcnally tnd 720 and Google maps on my smartphone. Do I own an atlas? No. Computer based maps are updated more frequently than the trucker atlas that comes out once a year. Even if you buy it the day it's released, it's probably 6-12 months out dated. Do I plug the address into my gps and take the first turn it tells me, then follow it blindly to my destination? Of course not. I look at alternate routes. I run it through Google maps and compare. I look at satellite pics of my destination. I trace the route to make sure it makes sense. Once I'm on the road, I still make sure everything is correct when it tells me to exit. You still have to be an observant driver and use common sense.

Yes, the old school way still works, but I was always taught, work smarter, not harder.

 

We use our Atlas everyday to help visualize our route. The Atlas will tell you where all the rest areas, truck parking areas, weigh stations, mile markers and so much more are. After a while you know it by heart.

We recently bought a Rand McNally GPS but don't use it other than as an aid. Google Maps is a great tool for local directions. Always use the Satellite feature to give you an idea how the area looks. The Street View feature can also help you find the truck entrance.


Remember.... your paid only when those wheels are moving. Know where your going so you have more time on your 14 Hour clock.

 

Maps are still great for basic hwy numbers and such, but I would think GPS is much faster at giving directions turn by turn when finding the exact address and street numbers than looking on a city map. I have a Garmin Montana that I use for hiking, hunting and all that, it is great, even has the northwest property boundaries on it, too bad I couldn't get a truckers atlas for it.