Question:
Hi all,
As a newbie I was wondering if one could learn
routing and trip planning skills before going into training? (otr training) maybe someone here,
could teach us newbies these skills through email
or somthing, even on a post.. pick a starting point
and an ending point and the newbies could map and plan the trip and the poster could tell us the way they would do it and why. I think this would be a
great learning experience. the more knowledge you gain the better things will go once your on your own I would think. just an idea.
thanx.

Answer:
Good idea Tiny Tim.....Just know the important things first in trip planning (lot of which depend on your specific company) such as:
1) Fuel Stops on route.
2) Road Construction zones.
3) Toll Roads (some companies don't pay all these so they might need to be avoided).
4) You can generally make better time and speed on the highways (big roads).
5) You can cut out distance sometimes on the back roads.
6) Traffic conditions (time of day) especially if big city is on route.
7) Terrain such as mountains could slow you down also.
etc.....
If you want to pick out a starting city and ending city and tell me how you would go and why, and how long you think it would take you (legal logs), include required breaks and meal stops and I can tell you how I would go and why if this helps you
Maybe some other guys will do the same.....
Greg.
"Hakuna Matata....Means No Worries"

Answer:
I could be mistaken but I think there was a thread on this topic awhile ago. Try the archives
search for this forum. Here's one anyway.....
http://trucknet.infopop.net/2/OpenTopic?a=tpc&s=475098473&f=250096683&m=3893063835
Mike
[This message was edited by RABELAM on January 15, 2003 at 02:00.]
Answer:
It's better if you have a real trip to plan.
However, some things to get. A good road atlas, don't skimp on one of the $4.95 last years atlas. I update mine every two years. I like the big laminated atlas. Yea, $50.00 bucks but worth the investment. You can write on it etc. After a while you will learn the major north, south, and east, west routes by heart. When your going into tough cities chicago(by one of those low clearnce city maps) Five buroughs of New York, a good map book. Yes, these things are a bit exspensive but, when things go wrong and your lost. There worth there wait in gold! Company and shippers directions are nice but, when you have to leave this route for a accident are something else that may shut a street down, you need a good resource.
When your reading a map. Don't just look at what highway connects to what. Get familiar with your maps. When your bored pick them up and study the legends, distance and time map etc. Look at the terrain,mountains etc. Look for R.R crossings(some have over head tressels).
Write your trips out in a little note book(espically city direction)for quick referance. If possible call shippers and recivers for directions. Most directions you get from dispatch came from a driver and was translated by at least one to two dispatchers. Belive me, info gets changed omiited etc, etc. An one bad turn can lead to a bad day!!
At the end of your trip, review your route. Get you a truck stop guide. Even with company desginaited fuel stops. If your in BFE and you need fuel, You will have to get it, wether it's a designated fuel stop or not. So, know where the fuel is.
If your company gives you paid miles. Add ten percent to them and compare them to what you ran the trip in(keep track of your miles). When your at a delivery, ask anthor driver, where did you load at and how did you come. 99.9 percent of drivers on the road will help you if you are truely in need of it. Now, I'm not talking about on the C.B wanting find the lot lizards, I'm talking real issues here! If I have a true trucking problem(i.e. trouble crossing at the Canadian border) I'll find an o\o who looks like he has some years and miles on him and ask him.
I think good planning and directions takes at least one third the stress out of trucking. An defintely gives you more control. Run thru major cities at night. Get a nap if you can't miss a rush hour. I call for directions right after I load if possible!
GOOD LUCK!!

Answer:
Go from River Falls, WI 54022 to Miami FL, zip unknown.
When you figure out the way you would take, post it here and I will ask the bro-in-law what way he took and why.
Here goes
TJ

Answer:
It should be a little more of a challenge. Something like Salinas, Ca. to South Bay, Fl.. Some back roads and slower speed limits.
Good Stuff
"Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of all who threaten it"

Answer:
You have to crawl before you can walk.
Best to start real simple.
Mike
Answer:
As a company driver you may not have a choice as to what route you want to take..More and more companies are doing that for you for the simple reason so many drivers want to go 100 miles out of route to run by the house.
All companies will give you a list of their fuel stops but some also will tell you which one to stop at during that run.

Answer:
You will find that after you have been at it for a while... the actual trip planning part will take less and less time.
You will already know the roads and how to get there... it will be a matter of checking on the weather and road conditions (ie: weather and construction)

Answer:
You'll also have to know what speed (SOA)a company uses when they dispatch a truck. Usually it's in the area of 40 to 45 MPH for a trip. BOL

Answer:
Another good idea,if you haul skateboard freight, is if a load is scheduled for a Friday afternoon delivery is to try and get there Friday morning. Most rec will unload you early if they have the time and it still gives you a chance to pick up another load before the weekend. A lot of flatbed freight shippers are closed on weekends.