GPS or good old maps?

Why would you be asking for directions to get back out, if you just got in there?

My hubby has been out here for 7 years, the last four as a spud hauler mostly, and he manages to deliver on time every time without a GPS. I'm now back out here too (two weeks only), and running teams with him. I never needed a GPS when I first started driving, I sure don't need one now, and deliveries will still be on time every time . . . as will pick ups.

 

Actually, calling a business for directions should be your FIRST choice. Why???? Confirm open and close times, how early you can arrive, how far ahead of your appointment you NEED to arrive (Walmart is a prime example here) if there is parking on site, actual directions, and to confirm your actual appointment (because we all know that brokers are completely honest!).

Now this is probably more for those that don't work for a large company that sends all of your information over a qualcomm.

 

So what you say is that your GPS will tell you about what roads are restricted.. And will tell you of low clearances? Ok lets try your little theory. What highways in California are restricted to over 65 ft? Highway 50? 395? And 70? What highways can you go on over 65 ft. Now for clearance ..hwy 75 from Parkin Ar to highway 40 you are 14 1 high.. Can you do it? You said you can do it.. So here's your chance to show us, or go down in flames. Or if you come up to an overpass that says vertically impaired clearance and shows 13 7 can you make it. Without backing out?

 

Exactly.. Even with Qualcomm things can still get messed up, sometimes counting on old information.. Like winter hours changed from summer hours.

 

Have you ever been to Jamara brothers east of Bakersfield. They were mostly a winery, but did other things like potatoes . One time I was there the old man.. Must have been about 85 at that time rode his golf cart up to me.. He looked a little rough. Asked me if I wanted some wine? I thought he was going to pull a bottle from under his jacket.. But NOOO we went to his office and bought some of his families wine..

 

20 years or LESS? I don't know about that. Look how uptight insurance companies are now. The first time a driverless truck kills somebody (regardless of fault) that person's kin will OWN that trucking company. A jury will have zero compassion for a faceless company using faceless, driverless trucks on public roads out there killing people. I'm sure the day will come, but I don't know about less then 20 years to any large scale.

I mean think about it... Driverless freight trains aren't even the "norm" yet. If there was ever a transportation mode ripe for total automation, it would be trains. Doesn't it stand to reason that we will have automated trains DECADES before we have automated delivery trucks?

Anyway, drivers using GPS' right now aren't hastening any trend towards that direction. And it is funny that you are down on GPS' over maps. I respect your opinion, and choice to only use paper maps. But your attitude is very similar to what the debate must have been like when people were arguing over carriage vs. horse-less carriage.

And why are we all debating this on these new fangled computational devices? We should all be down at the town-square taking turns standing on the soap box!

 

Haven't been there. Our truck doesn't go to CA (because of CARB). That would have been sweet! We pretty much run a WI to Texas to Florida triangle with some Missouri and Illinois/Indiana stuff in the summer.

 

I've hauled some potatoes over the years.. The best tasting ones that I've ever have eaten are from Winemucca, Nv. I don't know why but they have a creamy texture. It's funny we had to have the refer at a certain temperature, and the guy next to you was loading a flat with a side kit. And just outside air. Lucky you don't go to California.. With 55 you can't get there from here.

 

We run reefer, so we have that running either to keep them cool or warm. Flats have better airflow, which is key. Haven't seen spuds loaded on a flat myself yet, but I know that flats haul onions too. Dry van has to have vents to get some airflow going for spuds. We usually haul bulk loose loaded to chip plants.

We actually have pallets of bagged potatoes right now, going to a grocery warehouse. Hopefully, we'll be loading bulk to Texas again next trip! Rio Grand Valley!

There is one type called the Kennebec that I grew in our garden a few years ago that were really good. Maybe they are what you are talking about. Much better than russets in my opinion. Reds are good too, as are the Yukon Golds.

 

I actually use two GPS's and if both are saying the same thing then all seems to be good. I use the Rand Mcnally TND 720 and I use my cell phone with the "CoPilot Truck" app loaded. The TN720 cost $400 and the CoPilot Truck cost $149.

Here are some things I do.

1. Go to Google Earth on my laptop and type in Address of where I am going.
2. Type in address in both GPS's (I bookmark them in case I have to go back at a later date)
3. Look at all three and make sure that they match, if they do't then I call the place.

I have an old fashion map somewhere in my truck, but never needed it. The big thing is that the Trucker Atlas only shows you how to get from city to city and gives you information about low bridges on truck routes. All of the trucker GPS's do this, but sometimes the data is not accurately enterned into GPS. A trucker atlas cannot tell you where the place is on a street. For instance if you wanted to find 303 W. 47th St., Chicago, IL... A trucker atlas would be worthless, but a GPS can take you right there.