Looking For Resources Online That Offer Shipper/receiver Information For Truckers

Hey everyone! It's been quite some time now since I've last posted on here, I stay pretty busy working two jobs (one running local loads for a dedicated account locally and a non-driving job) as well as taking online classes to complete a programming degree.

I'm hoping someone here can help, I'm trying to find any websites that have any sort of repository for shipper/receiver directions, notes and ratings to give tips to drivers going to those locations, etc. Other than searching forums for specific shippers or what not, the only tool I've been able to find is the reviews tab for the facility category in Truckers Path. Unless my memory is playing tricks on me again, I could have sworn that I'd come across a site or two a few years ago that offered this type of information. Does anyone here know of any such sites off hand? I've played the Google 'slots' search games and have not had any luck in my searching.

The reason I ask is that I've just started an advanced web development class where I have to plan and build out a complete web site for our class project. The project I've chosen to create will be a trucking "final mile" site for shipper/receiver directions showing things such as facility diagrams, annotated maps, comments from other drivers for things to look out for such as a tight turn into the facility or only enter at a certain gate or watch out for low hanging trees etc.

I've found that GPS tools and maps/atlas is pretty good for navigating to the facility when you have a good address, but those tools almost always fall short when trying to determine the best way to approach or enter the facility in question. For example, I deliver grocery products to Publix stores in Florida... there are often very specific ways that we need to enter the parking lot to be set up properly for the loading dock as there is little room for error or getting turned around if you go in the wrong way.

Any help anyone can provide with the information I'm seeking would be greatly appreciated. I'm hoping that if the site I'm planning to build comes out well, that I'd like to find a hosting provider to publish it for public consumption where it may be of use to my fellow drivers out there.

I normally use google to google the company and google reviews, then I use google maps/Google satellite to map my way in. Rarely has this been a issue for me, occasionally small companies that don’t send out a lot of things daily. But I’ve always been able to figure it out. But now I run on a dedicated Walmart account for Crete, so I have no problems.

Ive put some thought into building an app (or having one built) that is compiled from truckers that has a rating system, sat photos, lot directions, and parking. Ive got a name picked out and have worked out some concepts on it. I havent put much into it though, because most of the time lately, as Ive been gaining experience, its become less important to me. I usually check google maps, street view and reviews if I dont know the place or am nervous about it. Especially small outfits, they tend to be pretty weird to get in and out of.

Did same thing google maps showing all places to deliver, or pick up. Especially, in big shopping centers we sometimes went to . Never had too much issues, finding the right way in or out.

Yes, Google maps satellite view is a tremendous help... I use it also in my trip planning along with my Garmin and paper diagrams that are provided by Publix for each store. Larger facilities, I agree I've also had little issue with getting in and out also, it's mainly the other stuff that I've found if I'm not super careful I can get into a pinch very easily. I'm mainly working on this project since it is something that I've been wanting to do for a bit and now since I need a project for this class, I have an excuse to actually spend some time working on it to see what I can accomplish with it.

For me, I keep a file of index cards for every shipper and consignee I've been to. It's a huge file.

Name, address, good phone number, my own directions and notes for the place (which gate, best times to be there, parking possibilities, egress route, if the guards are a PITA, etc.).

I don't trust doing it electrically because my card file never crashes, doesn't need a charged battery, or gets any malware.

For me, I keep a file of index cards for every shipper and consignee I've been to. It's a huge file.

Name, address, good phone number, my own directions and notes for the place (which gate, best times to be there, parking possibilities, egress route, if the guards are a PITA, etc.).

I don't trust doing it electrically because my card file never crashes, doesn't need a charged battery, or gets any malware.

All good points! I've heard of using index cards and even considered it myself. I started out with notebooks... keeping track of each load and notes about how to get in and out, etc. I know of several others that do exactly the same. I dropped using the notebooks a few months back and am currently just using a sheet of copy paper that has everything I need on it for each location that I deliver to. I'm up to about 160 pages already. I like the paper method and it seems to work OK for the most part, but it does have several drawbacks as well. Hence why I've been wanting to work on this project for some time. I'm mainly planning to build it for my own use, but it is being designed with the idea in my mind that I would like to share it with others that may want to check it out and see if it helps them out.

I use notebooks for every load I've ever hauled, too