Low Clearances Not Listed In Rand McNally - WTH?

Look in Chicago... THAT will make you say "WTAF!!" No listings, because the streets are not "truck routes". The number in the Atlas directs you to a recording stating that the number you called is invalid, and has moved. Please call xxx-xxx-xxxx. And some overpasses (Damen ave near Archer Ave. (Grew up there)) are not even posted on the overpass itself. (GPS caught it) THEN, Mrs. Mcnally wanted me to take Western BLVD instead of Western AVE. (They run parallel to each other.) BLVD. in Chicago is like PKWY in N.Y. you don't go there...

Figured out my confusion on the "truly low clearances"... turns out while they are on streets which come from / feed into a State Highway, they are not actually ON State highways (thus not on Truck Routes, thus not on the list). Lesson then is it would be really easy to get off on (the wrong) State Highway exit, follow it onto a non-highway steeet and then have one warning sign a block or twoish before the actual sign on the bridge itself.

Look in Chicago... THAT will make you say "WTAF!!" No listings, because the streets are not "truck routes". The number in the Atlas directs you to a recording stating that the number you called is invalid, and has moved. Please call xxx-xxx-xxxx. And some overpasses (Damen ave near Archer Ave. (Grew up there)) are not even posted on the overpass itself. (GPS caught it) THEN, Mrs. Mcnally wanted me to take Western BLVD instead of Western AVE. (They run parallel to each other.) BLVD. in Chicago is like PKWY in N.Y. you don't go there...

Yeah. Small Co. that ultimately said their insurance company wouldn't let them hire another noob (after several) said I would probably have to go to Chicago once a week. Kind of glad that one didn't happen!

Not sure how / why that stuff (unlabeled low clearances) are allowed to exist.

But then again... I also don't get why all new cars must have backup cameras but you can still drive them in the dark with no lights on!

I'll tell you what. As far as Chicago goes, I'm more worried about bullets than low bridges.

I'll tell you what. As far as Chicago goes, I'm more worried about bullets than low bridges.

Good point PakRat. Of course the driver can always try to duck under the dash.

(Harder to get that trailer to duck under that obstruction!)

I have only had an issue twice with low bridges, both in NE Ohio. One near Streetsboro, I had to go through a residential area to get around it. The second time was in Lorain. Thankfully, the consignee advised me of this (unmarked) bridge and how to get around it. If they hadn't, I can only fathom what could have happened. I noted a few semis (all day cabs) going around that bridge at the same time as I was. Lorain County needs to put signage at that particular bridge.

I'll tell you what. As far as Chicago goes, I'm more worried about bullets than low bridges.

Good point PakRat. Of course the driver can always try to duck under the dash.

(Harder to get that trailer to duck under that obstruction!)

Become adept at Google Maps and finding rails that cross secondary roads across your planned route. When you find a railroad that crosses a road you want to travel, do a street level a few hundred yards before the rail. You should see a sign as to what the height of the bridge is.

Yes, I've done this a few times as a City driver :)

I'll tell you what. As far as Chicago goes, I'm more worried about bullets than low bridges.

Good point PakRat. Of course the driver can always try to duck under the dash.

(Harder to get that trailer to duck under that obstruction!)

Become adept at Google Maps and finding rails that cross secondary roads across your planned route. When you find a railroad that crosses a road you want to travel, do a street level a few hundred yards before the rail. You should see a sign as to what the height of the bridge is.

Yes, I've done this a few times as a City driver :)

Thanks Auggie!

Old School, Turtle, and other flatbedders, how often are low bridges an issue for flatbedders?

Obviously you need to need enough room to clear the cab height, which isn't that typically under 13'? But how often do you have a load that exceeds your cab height?

Old School, Turtle, and other flatbedders, how often are low bridges an issue for flatbedders?

Obviously you need to need enough room to clear the cab height, which isn't that typically under 13'? But how often do you have a load that exceeds your cab height?

Typically my loads don't exceed my cab height (13 feet) unless it's an oversized load. Twice in the last six years I had a load that had to be permitted for excessive height. So... it's not very often for me.