Rand McNally Motor Carriers Atlas vs. The Rand McNally G.P.S.

That's exactly how I roll...

 

I buy a new paper atlas every year. the info in the front is valuable. axle weight limits, restricted roads,ect.

 

I keep a current Atlas and the RM Tablet 80. It’s got truck specific nav and it can check current fuel prices at each station which helps me as a O/O that’s independent. The Atlas Local Laws and Regs are quite Nice

 

Can anyone point to a situation where the paper atlas is better than the GPS from Rand McNally is better?

Rand McNally does not put more effort into making sure the paper atlas is better the electronic. They have an interest in making sure their info is correct, regardless of paper vs electronic.

THE DRIVER IS ALWAYS RESPONSIBLE FOR ROAD ROUTES. If a route is incorrect and the driver uses it, the DRIVER IS RESPONSIBLE, not the GPS or ATLAS. So, saying the ATLAS is better, is unwise, as the PAPER ATLAS cannot be updated in real time.

 

I rarely consult my paper atlas anymore, as I run in states where I am familiar with the rules and regulations. Sometimes I run oversize and or overweight loads, requiring me to stay on a permitted route. Often I run roads and bridges that don't allow trucks, because getting to or from oil rigs requires me to run a specific route.

My primary navigation is my Rand McNally GPS, with Google Maps backing that up. When the RM lists a route that is nonsense then Google will often have a better route. Frequently I will override one or both by inserting way points or "via points", but be aware that both programs will recalculate to the next way point after you arrive at a way point, often with unexpected results.

Always use the best GPS available, your noggin. Read road signs! Sometimes one or both GPS's will want you to exit right, when you need to exit left.

GPS is a tool. They are not perfect, but do make the overall job easier.

 

As I said, a atlas is easier to read. Your not looking at a little 4 inch screen trying to scroll around.
If I need to route myself from Malone Florida to Kirksville Missouri I can see the best routes.
It’s faster and easier.

 

Google maps.....it's free. It had satellite mode, you can see low clearances, or routes that look suspect

 

The Atlas is a good tool. Give you a quick big picture of things. You can quickly look up a small city, town, village in some remote location and get a good idea on what your getting into. Add a GPS unit, providing one or two routes, then doing a check against the atlas to look at overall route choices, terrain, and the like.

Again, tools to make the job easier. No one item is the end all to be all, and sometimes the Headsup GPS is not so good.