I have a student that can not plan without GPS

9 out of my 12 trucks do not have GPS. Think that about says it all

 

Uh, you’re the trainer, not us.

 

The GPS has the map built in.
Need a detour? Simply zoom out the map a bit to see the routes available.
No need to stop and search for low clearances or restricted routes, as the trucker GPS has it built in and routes around it.
That famous paper Atlas, the RM, is updated less often than the RM GPS map.

That said, I agree that the GPS can make you lazy.
It is not perfect by any means.
It is a tool to use, but you still have to check what it is telling you.
But it does go down to the small local street level, which the atlas does not do.

 

And I might ask...
How many of us have the small local maps to each city and town we may go to?
Often times, we can not even stop to get one where we are at.

 

Local maps, like pay phones, aren't as easy to find as they used to be.

The best back up for technology is quickly becoming more technology.

 

I know!
But then what happens when that big CME hits us and it all gets fried?

It has happened before, and it will happen again.
And that is when the real fun starts.

 

In your opinion: I think concentrating on making sure the trainee can safely operate the truck and dock and back and drive his mirrors and make tight turns, etc... is the things that should be concentrated on.... How many trainers use their drivers for nothing more than steering wheel holders? ??? So that they can maximize their personal gain of paid miles? Maybe that should be the concern of all of us out here instead of focusing on how the trainee uses newer technologies to do this job as many of us older, longer drivers out here! This conversation is just rediculous..

 

Mine doesn’t either.. I have my own: my own camera: my own cell phone: my own backups....I haven’t owned an Atlas or worthless map in over 10 years

 

I was on a road recently in Illinois that had just passed a local ordinance that restricted it.. how did I know? Was it on the map? No.... it was listed as a recently changed weight and length restriction when I was tripplanning on the internet... yes; a lot of us old guys think the old ways need to be taught.. this is just being close minded...