BRETTS BOOK AND GPS
Topic 34744 | Page 1
Back when I drove long haul with a Chauffeur's License from 1988-1993, we did NOT call the DOT with our travel plans when entering each State. Not sure when that ever started. I came back driving long haul in Sept 2014 and it wasn't a thing then either. I didn't read all of Brett's book, so not sure what he said about that. No, you don't call DOT with your routing.
As for using a GPS, you can get one for truck drivers at truck stops. You can use Google maps. However, you have to realize that you best buy a Rand McNally map book at a truck stop. The book is current on the Low bridges, Permanent Weigh Stations and Restricted Routes as well as other info pertaining to trucking. Using a GPS for trucking has it's issues, along with Google maps. Drivers that do use them, have gotten themselves into very tricky situations. Google maps is good at looking at the satellite view of the shipper or receiver you are going to. You are correct, Google maps is for 4-wheelers. Even Trucker Path does not have accurate trucking routes.
Welcome to the forum and good luck with school.
Shipper:
The customer who is shipping the freight. This is where the driver will pick up a load and then deliver it to the receiver or consignee.
DOT:
Department Of Transportation
A department of the federal executive branch responsible for the national highways and for railroad and airline safety. It also manages Amtrak, the national railroad system, and the Coast Guard.
State and Federal DOT Officers are responsible for commercial vehicle enforcement. "The truck police" you could call them.
ID Mtn Gal Thank you for the tips on the Rand McNally map book info. I’m assuming this is the go to book for truck mapping directions ;)
Maybe your training company will supply you with the Rand McNalley big map book... They did where I started out at in 2019, everyone got 1 free... well they might'a took out $$ during the 1st 2-3 months, repaying for room n board in their dorms.
Good Luck in your newest adventure, with the trucking lifestyle
Stevo Reno maybe they will :) thank you
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Hey guys, I'm going to attend Wilson Logistics' sponsored training program next month and I just want to say how valuable Bret's book is! Bret, I want to thank you for the book and this forum. I finished reading it all in one sitting, and it was full of information. It's absolutely incredible. Thanks so much Bret.The question I have: since the book was published in 2007, and we have GPS devices now, do we still need to call the DOT before entering each state to tell them about our travel plans, so we don't hit low bridges or anything? I assume gps directions are made for regular motorists lol.
DOT:
Department Of Transportation
A department of the federal executive branch responsible for the national highways and for railroad and airline safety. It also manages Amtrak, the national railroad system, and the Coast Guard.
State and Federal DOT Officers are responsible for commercial vehicle enforcement. "The truck police" you could call them.