I never said i didnt know how to use a map or do basic math functions i was just trying to do a trip plan using a map and using my streets and trips and see how close or accurate the program comes to the atlas when planning a trip.
I know that there are obvious routes that you have to tweak with Streets and Trips due to Motor Carrier restriction with STAA-authorized dimensions which you have to use the atlas for. The only draw back to the atlas is its not detailed.
Also with Streets and trips you can calculate how long and when you will get to a certain destination such as a truck stop or other POI so that you will be able to know how long you should be there and when you should be leaving , that way you don't come up short on your trip time once you reach your destination. While all that sounds good it may or may not make a differrence in the real world but its better than having non plan at all!

Now i'am not trying to sound like i'am a know it all or anything like that ,but i would say its better to get good at this stuff in more than one way would'nt you agree!

 

Perhaps Newbie Trucker needs a few examples.

It's been awhile since I've been OTR (skills are a little rusty).

How 'bout it guys. Use an example and walk us through it.

 

Ok doesn't get much more "real world" than this it's my current trip.

I was dispatched on Fri of last week,load picks up in Detroit anytime on Tues.(preloaded) delivers on Thur. morning in Corwith,MS at 8am central time.

How would you run it and what routes would you take and what times would you leave to deliver on time?

I will tell you how I am running it after you.

 

Good response! Someone actually gave him a challenge :lol:

 

As far as the Planning to fit in with the miles paid for a load all pending on method of miles the company uses. HHG Miles or Practical Miles. HHG Miles are shortest. Practical miles are Short than what it really will end up but I also heard stories of some making it there with less miles driven. Rare I'll say if true. If your withing 10 to 100 miles of the distance your doing good, pending on the distance of the load..

Of course you know there a section in the truckers atlas that tells you which roads per states has restrictions on. (Low Bridges etc)

When your planning your trips, need to plan where you intend to stop at, but also be flexible. You will get delayed, due to road Construction, wrecks and everyday Traffic jams.. As you are out ther driving you will learn when to travel certain Cities and when to avoid them. Example, I always attempted to hit Atlanta during the Night around 2 to 3 AM, even then you may get caught in a Bumper to Bumper traffic Jam, Happened to me but only in one smalll area due to Night Road Construction..

 

Hey, I have done tht Dallas/Seattle run - its fun - 3 possible routes - all within a few miles of each other.

 

Sorry I forgot to raise my hand...lol

 

Yea, but I screwed it up...lol

 

That would be an 36 hour drive time , a 66 hour trip time ( because you add the mandatory 10 hour for every 11 driving and you can break that up how you like) and 1806 miles . From Phoenix,AZ to Los Angeles,CA is 7 hours which needs no DOT break and is 370 miles so i would make the appointment for 10pm Mon, but can legally make at 9pm, Then i would rest from 12- 6am Tue. From Los Angeles,CA to Sacramento,CA is 8 hours also no DOT break needed (dependant upon the driver) and is 387 miles so i would make the appointment for 3pm , can legally make at 2pm .
while all these figures are just estimates i know that more then the afore mentioned can happen in a day in the life of a trucker, but hopefully i got a good grade on this one!

 

Are you sure you would want to make the 2nd appointment that close to the first what if you are delayed in delivery,why not get the second off first thing Tues. and then Early eve. Tues for third,that way no stress on Mon trying to make it into L.A with traffic and delays.I know you end up in the same place around the same time but,consider the places that you are going when trying to cut deliveries close.