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Suggested Atlas software?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Ryum, Jan 25, 2011.

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  1. Jan 25, 2011 #1
    Ryum

    Ryum Bobtail Member

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    My school wants me to have a rand mcnally motor carriers road atlas book, but I carry a laptop so I wanted to find out what the software equivalent to that is. I'd rather just buy that and update it rather than buying a new book every year or so.
     
    Ryum, Jan 25, 2011
    Ryum, Jan 25, 2011
    #1
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  3. Jan 25, 2011 #2
    Flying Finn

    Flying Finn Heavy Load Member

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    Just buy the book. It is easier and safer than fiddling with a laptop.
     
    Flying Finn, Jan 25, 2011
    Flying Finn, Jan 25, 2011
    #2
  4. Jan 25, 2011 #3
    CallMeArty

    CallMeArty HaMMeRED DoWN

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    CallMeArty, Jan 25, 2011
    CallMeArty, Jan 25, 2011
    #3
  5. Jan 25, 2011 #4
    DedHedEd

    DedHedEd Light Load Member

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    Dec 20, 2010
    TulsaTown, OK.
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    I like to buy 'last years' atlas, which is always on sale a few bucks cheaper than the new year model. I don't care about 'new roads'. There isn't THAT many new roads that I can't figure out.
    I use Streets and Trips for my laptop. And a Truck Stop book too, is in the truck. Not like I don't know where 90% of 'em are anyway. :biggrin_25517:
     
    DedHedEd, Jan 25, 2011
    DedHedEd, Jan 25, 2011
    #4
  7. Jan 25, 2011 #5
    DedHedEd

    DedHedEd Light Load Member

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    You need a Motor Carriers Atlas tho, to see Road Restrictions for trucks. When you pre-plan your trip, you need to make sure roads you travel do not have a Low Clearance, and are indeed 'allowed' for Commercial Vehicles.
    Does your laptop tell you this? Well, maybe that $400 version of Atlas does,,,but the $11 map does, too. Many roads are two-lane and don't allow CMV's on them. The Eastern Seaboard states are the main ones that don't allow CMV's on many roads. Dang sure better know if you are allowed on a particular road or not, before you get there.
    Do you Weight Restrictions for axles for each State? It is in the Motor Carriers Atlas, too. How about do you know length of rear axle to Kingpin requirements for different States? Again,,,same map book has it.
    I hope this clears it up why you NEED a Motor Carriers Atlas. And the pages are fun to tear out and hold up and read while you are driving too... (just kidding) Good luck.
     
    DedHedEd, Jan 25, 2011
    DedHedEd, Jan 25, 2011
    #5
    Pmracing Thanks this.
  8. Jan 25, 2011 #6
    chompi

    chompi Road Train Member

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    Get yourself a motor carrier Atlas (up to date) and a cheap GPS. You are going to find that running your laptop in the passenger seat is a pain in the buttocks! Plus DOT doesn't look to kindly at your computer running while you are driving down the road. Once you have a GPS don't solely rely on it. Program your directions into it from the routing in the qualcomm and then double check for clearances and restrictions in your atlas. For back-up I used to take a dry erase marker and write my directions right on the windshield. Keeps you from taking your eyes off the road. Also good to put your fuel stops up there and phone numbers.

    Good luck to you and welcome to the forum!
     
    chompi, Jan 25, 2011
    chompi, Jan 25, 2011
    #6
    Ryum, AsphaltPilot and jeddomike Thank this.
  9. Jan 25, 2011 #7
    Ryum

    Ryum Bobtail Member

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    I like the windshield idea, but I don't see how looking at a book and any less more more safe than a laptop and I wouldn't plan to do either.

    That said I'll find the software and post back. I have GPS on my phone already, but it won't discriminate routes for low clearance and ect.
     
    Ryum, Jan 25, 2011
    Ryum, Jan 25, 2011
    #7
  10. Jan 25, 2011 #8
    chompi

    chompi Road Train Member

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    Deland, FL
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    Just giving you experienced advice. You can use whatever you want too.
     
    chompi, Jan 25, 2011
    chompi, Jan 25, 2011
    #8
  11. Jan 25, 2011 #9
    Ryum

    Ryum Bobtail Member

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    Nov 5, 2010
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    I appreciate it it, thanks. I am checking out "Delorme Street Atlas" and others to see what looks good and functional.

    Like I said I am just looking for the software equivalent, if there isn't one then I'll resign to just having the book.
     
    Ryum, Jan 25, 2011
    Ryum, Jan 25, 2011
    #9
  12. Jan 25, 2011 #10
    double_r

    double_r Heavy Load Member

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    Sep 6, 2008
    Pittsburgh,PA
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    double_r, Jan 25, 2011
    double_r, Jan 25, 2011
    #10
    Ryum Thanks this.
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