Why do trainers swear by maps?

I'm very "compass oriented" from having been on the road for so long. I only run my gps in "North Up Always" because the traditional mode is disorienting for me. And I'm sure for many new drivers, running gps in 3D and traditional mode will only keep them clueless longer.

Many young adult drivers could not point out the state of Nebraska on a map if they had to.

 

Basically,you need "a sense of direction" to be a driver.You need to know North from South,east etc.Now,I use google maps,paper maps etc.My favorite is Google Earth,because I can get a 3d aerial view and figure out how to get into these insane places.GPS can get you screwed up and in some "Remote places " go haywire". Example: Turn left in alley.When you call Rodney,and he says "drive in the east entrance and drop your trailer,bobtail to the lot". You need to know where east is.JMO

 

As long as it is sunny out, my internal compass works pretty good. But on a cloudy rainy day going on curvy roads, I need an gps compass to find north again.

 

Crst in both with a box van, in easily navigable roads with a bigger truck, source; stretched out kw with jobsite deliveries i routinely had to deal with worse than that, only time I've ever been towed was for a pull start

I'm not trying to put down old timers that stick to paper or newer guys that prefer fresh technology, I personally lean in favor of the gadgets with a healthy skepticism of how trustworthy ANY of it is.

 

The ability to use an Atlas is critical. Using the Atlas for every trip, is not as critical. There are many tools available nowadays. I can pick my Atlas up and plan my trip with it, and I've been driving for 11 months. I have had to do it when my Qualcomm went down.

A key piece of advice I picked up from my trainer, is using a dry erase marker to note your route on your windshield. Note highway numbers, exit numbers, cities, mileage. Whatever you need as a reminder for where you're going.

For me personally, my company sends a qc message with their preferred route (I know this will spur the 'do they tell you when to crap too?' comments). Contrary to popular belief, you do have leighway in what route you take, even as a mega carrier driver. There have been many times I've gone a different route to avoid congestive areas or mountainous areas in bad weather, and never heard a peep from anyone. I get the freight there on time and safely. But that's all a little off topic.

My personal way of trip planning, is I use Google maps first, to get a general idea of what I think is the best route to take, regarding interstates and major highways. Then, I take a look at the company's route information, and compare. Once I've got the major routes planned, I check my Atlas for restricted roads if I'm going somewhere I'm not familiar with. Next, I search the location of my pickup, fueling locations, and delivery location, and mark each one with a star on Google maps. I look at the satellite view, and determine what looks to be the best route in from the nearest major highway that I will be on. I also look at the customer to see where the truck entrance is, as well as get a general feel for the layout of their yard. If the customer is in an area with alot of small roads, or any landmarks or railroad overpasses that look like they can give me an issue, I will call the customer for local directions. Many times, there is an automated answering system, with an option for delivery directions to the facility. Finally, I use my Qualcomm navigation to find my next stop, and compare that to the route that I've decided upon. I look at the turn by turn directions, following along on Google maps, to see if anything stands out, or if the route follows my original route. If it matches up, I feel confident that I can follow the GPS. But, I still know my route, and I will not follow the Qualcomm if the street signs do not match up for whatever reason.

I definitely understand that there are a lot of brain dead steering wheel holders that will blindly follow the GPS, and I can say 100% that there have been times that I would have ended up in a bad situation, had I followed it blindly. But as with anything technology related, it will only get you in a bad situation if you let it. If you use your brain and know what you're doing BEFORE YOUR WHEELS EVER MOVE, you can keep yourself out of those mistakes.

 

This Truckin' sounds like a lot of work! I thought all a driver did was sit on his donkey! Dang! What am I going to do with this track suit and flip flops?!

 

For us dyslexics, having north point up while we're facing south is problematic, to say the least. Then again I had a guy draw me a map where south was up and I had such trouble figuring it out smoke started coming out my ears.

Why would they want to?

 

I work for climate express and they send directions messages with each dispatch they are highly accurate. Last company I did flatbed to alot of jobsites I was able to get directions to addresses Google didn't even know existed yet by calling my contact (usually the GC or general contractor)

 

I became a great driver because of learning my mapbook. Plus great for referencing at other times. You can Keep your GPS but I Never needed one.

 

They just don't understand us old dogs.
Old dogs are old for a reason.
Our muscles are tough and knotty.. we're hard headed.. we're usually pretty quiet.. we do things the old fashioned way, and they get done correctly.
Technology is great and has it's place, but fundamentals are the foundation of your career. Someday you'll need it.