I'm Rollin With Swift

Not a trucker just a wannabe. But I hate old timers saying they don't need a gps they can make due with a road map. Marco Polo never used one? Was that a quote? Did explorers not use the most advanced tools they could? I'm sure back then people said a compass? I'll use the stars? Before that, the stars? I'll let the gods tell me my fate. Marco polo prob didnt have AC or a heater when he was exploring. Wonder why truckers complain about idle if they dont need it? And why is pay so important? A house,car,food from a store? You don't need tht stuff. Marco Polo found it on his own. Marco Polo can stay a game you play in the pool. Technology and myself are watching American Trucker On Demand this fine morning. Sorry that's my rant for the day.

 

Marco Polo never traveled to this continent (North America) anyway...just sayin'.

 

I, a new driver, first learned to use the atlas. it is truly a truckers life line. I purchased a "trucker" gps. Not one of the cheapo units but a Rand McNally one. Now this tool is wonderful, But one warning... I have experienced some errors with the gps, try to running me through restricted areas, a couple of low clearance bridges and the such. I always verify what the gps course is with the map. It may be anal, but has kept me out of trouble.



Just my two cents

 

Good luck! When I started my road training I was wore out after 3 hours. I had to build my "stamina" to 11 a day.

 

When my wife worked there, the trucks did not have cb radios. I am not sure with the new swift trucks, but with the volvo there was a spot on top of the dash with terminal posts for the power connections. I be willing to guess this is true for most trucks. I know it is with our 9400i

 

The information you can find on the DOT website is pretty informative. Here are my top two contenders' safety-related stats:

SWIFT (16,216 PU):
On-Road Investigation # Status
Unsafe Driving 37.8%
Fatigued Driving (HOS) 43.1%
Driver Fitness 55.7%
Controlled Substances and Alcohol 20.8%
Vehicle Maintenance 50.6%


STEVENS (1,845 PU):
On-Road Investigation # Status
Unsafe Driving 32.7%
Fatigued Driving (HOS) 48.5%
Driver Fitness 50.2%
Controlled Substances and Alcohol 7.4%
Vehicle Maintenance 48.5%

High numbers are not good. Low numbers are.

By comparison, here is the information on FFE:


FFE (1,763 PU)
On-Road Investigation Status
Unsafe Driving 50.2%
Fatigued Driving (HOS) 63.6%
Driver Fitness 85.4%
Controlled Substances and Alcohol 68.7%
Vehicle Maintenance 70.8%

My guess is every single FFE rig pulls into each and every weigh station and gets stopped by local police all the time. These are pretty bad numbers.

 

The GPS is nice that it can confirm the map route you are taking and give you a heads up on upcoming exits and the lane to be in. And it gives you a ETA which is nice and pretty right dead on. Ever try to find a street sign in the dark on a unlit road? You will thank that GPS when the street shows up on the screen and that annoying voice tells you to "turn left you moron".

And thanks to my Daughter and Son-in-Law for getting me the Serius radio. Sure do like my 50's rock and blue grass.

 

If drivers were using GPS as merely another tool in the kit, it wouldn't be such an issue. Problem is, many (not all) begin to rely on it as if it's a crutch and can't function without it. I have even seen veteran drivers forget how to get to a place they have been dozens of times because they follow the GPS so faithfully. One person in this thread asked how can anybody get around without one. It's this kind of blind reliance that I am opposed to. There are places we go where a GPS does not have a signal. What are you going to do then?

I do not need GPS to get around. Call me old fashioned or whatever. But I find my way just fine. The key, I believe, is to first learn how to function without that tool. Learn to do your own thinking and how to get yourself out of a pickle if you wind up in one. Then, later, add this tool to your "kit."

Never blindly follow GPS directions. As mentioned above, even a GPS designed for trucks can lead you into trouble.troubled

 

I never, ever blindly follow my GPS. Like all things mechanical, mine broke. Now all I have to do is remember how to get from the office to my house...