Rand-MacNally Motor Carrier’s Road Atlas

Mmmm... you'll probably be lamenting the lack of lamination loudly, after loosing a lather of liquid on it!

 

I have a gps, smartphone with google earth and mapquest plus a qualcomm but I never get into the truck without a rand mcnally truckers atlas. You can be out of cellphone range of a tower, the qualcomm can go down and the gps can stop workiing but the atlas just requires you to open it.

 

btw, I buy a new paper one every year. It's a tax deduction so it's free and I leave my old one in a truckstop lounge for someone to take with them.

 

One of the reasons I have a paper atlas in the truck. If I get directions over the qualcom and they look a little funny to me I can open up the atlas. I always cross reference the directions anyways because the dispatchers have never driven a truck into that customer so have no idea of a low bridge, extra tight corner etc. Also, if a phone number is provided I always call and get directions from the customer. I've found Google Earth invaluable in showing the customer and the streets leading up to it to get an idea of what I am doing. Helped me once at a customer in Mass that the directions sent me straight to but the road was tore up so I passed the turn and went around the block and came in from the other side without a problem

 

I use a combo of stuff. MS Streets and Trips to plan the route; Trucker Friend to find rest spots and low clearance ($14 at Diesel Boss); Google Earth to take a peek at strange shippers/recievers (gee, that turn looks tight) ; Atlas to check special rules (weight, spead etc) and backup the others. I'm rarely suprised.... .

 

Would u spill on your gps or smartphone? You just need to take care of it.

 

Oh, I typed lamented....my stupid smart phone is pretty dumb.

 

I just got the shiny 2013 one from pilot for 29.99. I normaly get the paper one, but my PA, NY, and NJ pages are worn out on my old one so I figured id spend 10 bucks.

 

I haven't bought one since 07 because i stay in the state...

 

I was talking to a buddy of mine tonight about this and he said he likes the paper version better as its lighter and easier to manipulate while driving. I can't say that doesn't make sense.