Trip planning software

Perhaps someone could make some software that can calculate all of the following once the truck leaves shipper:
-Hours of service left for driver (also since we are now robots, you must sleep and drive when the computer says, to stay "LEGAL" - another topic altogether)
-Time lost in traffic, weather, etc. (what if you get sick?)
-Where you have to shut down legally, and a place to do so
-Status of available parking at that truck stop when you will arrive


I use my GPS for a suggested route or more to just let me know exactly where I am when going somewhere new. It will save you some miles here and there but the SMARTER way to go may be longer and easier on your truck. Only experience will teach you this.

 

Let me share a couple of stories with you, and you tell me what the common denominator is:

52 yr old driver, with 30 yrs exp. slammed a 13'6 tall semi into a 11'6 underpass Friday night, not using GPS, only using a handwritten map from the truckers atlas. Oh, and the underpass has been 11'6 for more than 50 yrs, there are 4 signs on each of the roads leading up to it. BTW, this underpass get's hit weekly, sometimes multiple times in a week.

10 yrs ago, I hate 9'6" tall container chained to a standard height flatbed. Loaded in Idaho Falls, Id, was heading out of town. Didn't have a GPS yet, routed solely by atlas. Suddenly, ahead of me loomed an underpass that said 14'0". No problem, I'm only 13'6" tall, I'll fit....BOOOOOOM....as I slammed into the underpass and screeched to a halt. Thankfully, all I did was knock some concrete chips off the bridge, and added another color to the myriad of other colors already present. The cops came, stopped traffic so I could back up and they retouted me, but not until they gave me a lovely warning ticket. Guess what, it was my fault, I failed to measure how tall I was, as a result I screwed up.

Guess what, the common denominator in both these instances, HUMAN ERROR, not electronic error, human error. In the first one, he ignored the signs and failed to pay attention. In the second one, I failed to check my height before heading out. So in both these cases, technology wouldn't have mattered one tinkers ####.

 

I use my GPS, several old flip/fold maps, my truckers atlas and my phone. Since 80% of my work is in one state, I rely on my GPS all the time. But, when I go out of state, I route via my GPS, check the route against my atlas for restrictions and low clearance. If all else fails, I use my phone to call the customer for localized directions.

Also, most truckers GPS units, require when entering your routing info, your weight, height, length and factor this in. I drove from Colorado Springs to Homestead AFB relying on a truck GPS and a non-truck GPS. The truck GPS rerouted me in Atl. and one other time, the regular one did not.

 

Worse is when there is no bridge height posted and it's low enough you know you won't make it. Ran into 2 so far (not ran into them) but luckily I found a way to turn around. All company generated routing to (they are based off the rand McNally from my understanding)

 

Condo,you are right.Alhough I probaply would have stayed on 40 to 65 myself since I am not familiar with that road.
Next time I go that way I might have to try it.

But, any road that bypasses Nashville is likely a better option.
Butike you said it is a Computer, I doubt there is any Software that will always get it right.

 

apparently i get the impression that street and trips program is very useful for trip planning which is most important

 

Here is a screenshot of Streets and Trips notice on the upper right screen
has the time the mile the directions the mile counter. you can set the amount of drive hours the breaks ever nth hour
it gives you an idea of where you are at what time so you can plan where to shutdown what are the available facilities in the area when you have to stop driving
you can also add change the route.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5kPulFNrMAE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=THev2Xu51sc

Here is Streets and Trips with the POI MEGAFILE loaded where you can show pushpins of where truck stops are located and cat scales as well so you can head to the nearest facility you need at a glance

 

If doing this job is to stressful that you feel you need a computer software, this might not be the industry for you

 

Not saying you don't know how to read a map, but There are many times there's been drivers relying on GPS's, computer software's only to find themselves under a low bridge trying to explain "this is the route my computer told me to go" being new to this industry, you asked a question and many have told you the BEST route to take, Map book and truck stop guide, You don't like the responses? fine, Don't ask questions that you might not like the answer you get, OR? maybe follow the advise from some that have been out here a while, then try something more 21st century