Question:
A week or so ago had load that took me into Florida, as most know, Florida got smart and changed the exit #'s to match mile markers (gee, makes sense to me!)
Well, my Atlas is a 2002 spiral bound, still in good shape, but nothing matched up while in Florida. So I decided to buy one of the cheaper paper Motor Carrier Atlas's for 10 bucks while in Florida (really wanting one of the 33% bigger ones, but 60 bucks?)
Anyway, I got to comparing the old to the new and couldn't believe the roads that are now "Big Truck" driveable! Georgia comes to mind, it looks like Texas, dang near every road in the '04 is ok, but in my '02 not nearly as much!
So what has changed in the 2-3 years that makes these roads ok to run?
Guess I've been pulling my hair out over some of the roads to run when I didn't have to!
My atlas is used daily (sometimes hourly) whenever I get dispatched, I take nothing for granted, and check out my whole route, if I have never ran that way!
So much info in the atlas, questioned a route out of Asheville N.C. into Kingsport TN., using the phone #'s in the front was finally connected with the Greenville(?) scale, and the Sargent told me that road was ok for a big truck!
So......how often do you replace your Atlas???

Answer:
Every 2 years. Gonna have to rethink that one.
I also buy the spiral bound from the truck stops, they are cheaper.
-JHappy Dwellers Society
Company Driver Division

Answer:
I replace my atlas every other year and my truckstop guide opposite years of the atlas.
I buy the nice laminated one. That way I can use dry markers to annotate where I need to be, routes to be taken, make quick notes, etc...............
Pretty easy to see at a glance.

Answer:

Do the same thing, plus write my directions on the windshield.
-JHappy Dwellers Society
Company Driver Division

Answer:
How much should I pay for my atlas? I know the list price for the laminated ones is $79.95, but I've seen them on sale in truck stops, 2004 laminated atlas, for between $19 and $39. Is it possible to find them cheaper than $19? Where?

Answer:
I buy a new $10 (non-laminated) atlas and a new $14 Exit Guide every year. I buy a Fuel Finder (red cover - only see them at the T/A) every other year and a Pocket Truck Stop Guide whenever it (a) starts to fall apart and (b) I can find one.

Answer:

The brand new laminated atlas sells for around $30 in many truck stops. However at the beginning of the year when the new ones come out it is possible to pick up last years edition for about 1/2 price. I have never paid over $30 for the spiral bound laminated edition.
Answer:
I've never paid more than $30 for the Laminated one.($20, is what I've paid the last few times I've purchased one.)
Frequent Fueler points is a good way to purchase a new Laminated atlas.(especially, if you pay more than $30 for one.)

Answer:
I am still on my original laminated atlas. Picked it up last year. I am planning on replacing it next year. Will probally use my fuel points to get it. But I am going to "splurge" and get the large print. Not that I NEED it, but I think it would make it easier to read. If you average out the cost difference over the 2 years, you are only talking pennies a day. If it makes my job easier, then I have no issue spending money. These things usually pay for themself in the long run when you consider the reduced stress factor.

Answer:
I replace mine about twice a year. I buy the paper ones, only the Rand McNally ones and replace when they wear out. Although with the company I'm with now, I go to the same places quite a bit, so the atlas doesn't get used as much. Might start making it a year with a paper one.

Answer:
It was the thrill of my career,the new atlas is out,the new atlas is out,I had to get one as soon as they came out
get a cover for them,they will last longer
Even if you have been driving 20 years,you still need a new one to keep up with the updated info on the regulations listed in the front
The money is well spent,save yourself time and avoid fines.
Answer:
When I first started this, I had a regular (laminated $19.90) size atlas. But found that the extra LARGE print atlas works much better for me (laminated $59.90)...
I carry both, plus the truck stop guide and pocket guide. As far as replacing them, when the new editions come out. That way I will be dealing with the most current information available.
I also maintain the most current street mapping software on my laptop. You can never have enough information or tools to get that information.
A little more costly but then I'm treating this as a business expense and keeping files of records.. I ride for those who can't! POW/MIA - You are NOT forgotten!!
Lead, Follow or get out of my way!!!

Answer:

I'm wth magicman. I used to buy the laminated plastic, but after losing a lot more money having to turn-around to avoid a newly "no trucks" two-lane, I started buying paper -- FREQUENTLY -- and expecially when the new ones come out. They're about $12 or $15 most of the time -- not much when you think about the whole picture and the hassle a two year old map can get you into.....
An Atlas is like a newspaper. It gets out of date pretty fast. Buy a paper one, abuse it, and buy another one, expecially if you're navigating "random dispatch" OTR.

Answer:
about once every 10 years. Current atlas is 11? years old

Answer:
Wuzzy, you need a new book. they have paved some of those trails now.