Why do trainers swear by maps?

Perfect - I've done the same for years, before GPS and with maps. It's ALMOST fail safe.

 

I can't remember the last time I referred to the Mileage Directoy in the back of the atlas but I do recall a time when it was referred to almost daily before GPS and various map apps.

 

That area (roads) are not in the Map Database yet. I just checked the raw data.

 

I used to have one of those big paper maps of the entire US. I'd find where I was, and where I was going, and find the most direct route between the two. Cross reference that with my Motor Carrier Atlas, and give it a whirl. Spent A LOT of time on 2-lanes (which was fine by me...interstates bore the hell out of me) and I was averaging 2% OOR based upon the HHG miles I was being paid. I'd highlight the route once I drove it, and would try to select roads I'd never been on whenever practical. Needless to say, that map filled up pretty quickly.

These days, being home every night, my routing options are somewhat limited. On my typical runs, though, I've still got a dozen or so variations I can choose from depending upon my mood (or where the DOT has been particularly active). I've got a friend who'll run 1/2 day extra to avoid those 2-lanes. I'm the opposite...shortest route works for me, no matter how skinny, hilly, or curvey it might be. That's another reason I prefer day cabs...running on roads that don't see much truck traffic, "he's a local...he knows where he's going" is the assumption, whereas a road tractor might not get the benefit of the doubt and may be pulled over to see if he's lost & check him out.

 

I hear you about your "mood" along with the situation. I will try and change things up when/where practical by cutting through the woods and seeing something new.

 

Good point.

What did drivers do before cell phones? Stop at a phone booth?

 

Companies that train, like to hire from the brain dead masses in hopes they might find one just competent enough to handle a truck, the job, and still put up with the low pay and office BS. It is a tough market from which to harvest your workers. The potential mega driver must be able to take instructions, yet brain-dead enough to take the office BS and low pay.

What these companies have found, is the job applicant that will take instructions and yet not think for themselves, will also take instructions from a computer, (like a GPS) and not think for themselves. Funny how that works. Of course we have all seen the results.

In the ultimate wisdom of the desk jockey who has never driven a truck, the solution is clear; you must remove the computer (GPS) from the truck to eliminate the instructions interfering with your driver. That is the only way to handle the situation. Of course, you now must train your mental midget to navigate the country with just a map and a boy scout compass. Of course that will work.

 

As a trainer I force my guys to use the atlas because it makes them think. When theyve used the atlas (in conjunction with gps), they are more likelybto remember where they're going, what they're supposed to do, and in general are less reliant on me.

Using the atlas will start to build your mental map. It shows how things are connected much better then the GPS. You'll start to remember where truck stops are, what quality roads are, etc. I blew my trainees mind by being able to go thru an entire trip plan from Green Bay to some craphole in eastern Teaxs with only figuring out where in Texas I was going. I'm not that smart, but I've spent that much time with the atlas.

 

I still use my head. Most if the places I go are dealerships or ports so it's not as bad as looking for a random warehouse in Podunkville!

 

And always cleaned the ear and mouth piece before using it!! You could always tell which booths were used by drivers..the earpiece was mauled from the phone being slammed down!!!