Can't believe I did this..

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Available_Donut4652@reddit

Get a Garmin bro it’s worth the investment

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Commercial_Wolf4623@reddit (OP)

I got a Rand McNally I'm waiting on now. Garmin is the next step.

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Available_Donut4652@reddit

Nice i heard the Rand McNally is great too but I never used it. The garmin tells me if traffic is ahead and how long I’ll sit in it if I stay the course sometimes with an alternate faster route.

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Commercial_Wolf4623@reddit (OP)

I've just heard Garmin is more updated, not sure how true that is.

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Had my garmin dezl OTR700 since I started driving 5 years ago. Still works like new. Keep up on updates and she works wonderfully. But always double check any questionable routes. She’s not a fan of NYC.

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Available_Donut4652@reddit

I don’t have any complaints they have a smaller version too think it’s no more than $200

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viertes@reddit

Is it a subscription too or a one lump sum? I'm looking for alternatives but honestly haven't had the time/energy to look just yet.

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Vast_Obligation8213@reddit

Garmin is not subscription, you buy it and that's it.

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Panic-Embarrassed@reddit

Updates and traffic are free

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BadamPshh@reddit

It's usually wrong about those wait times. It'll say there's a faster route, but that route will take you onto state roads, sometimes residential areas, stop signs stop lights etc.

90% of the time best to just stay on the freeway. It'll also tell you roads are closed when they're just under construction, but they have makeshift lanes. It doesn't know the difference.

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Zaniac1273@reddit

"An hour delay 45 minutes ahead"...and you're actually blaming that on the GPS. Your GPS traffic data only tells what average speeds have been over the last 30 minutes or so. That can change very quickly if the cause of a delay clears up and there is less traffic entering the congested area than there is leaving it. A lot can change in 45 minutes. Your GPS was probably giving you accurate info when you were still 45 minutes out, then the traffic probably cleared before it could recalculate reported speeds high enough to turn the affected sections green again.

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No_Inflation7432@reddit

I hate Rand McNally. They haven't updated their roads or truck stops or rest areas since Truman was f** president.their hardware sucks.

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ImShamallamadingdong@reddit

The problem I have with my Garmin is it almost always waits to tell me about traffic until I’m somewhere that I can no longer avoid it with an alternate route.

Pissed me off so much last week with a route I could have easily avoided close to 30 mins of traffic by taking a loop around the city that didn’t even add 2 miles overall, but instead waited to update till just after the exit with thr new traffic info showing the back up. And it seems to do it constantly, it’s so infuriating.

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bigbr88@reddit

I had this same problem and hit up Garmin to ask about it. They recommended power cycling the gps and phone at least every 3 days. Has been working much better. I get the traffic warning 60 miles out now.

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Heather_Val@reddit

Rand will tell about traffic to, just got to connect to a hotspot.

I run Rand as the primary and Google to see about traffic.

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MssMoodi@reddit

Garmin only, Rand gets returned too often, I worked at TA after driving for a time.

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FileCareless@reddit

I have both since I had a lot of points to spend so I just got the best both could offer. The Rand is superior. But Tbf I the 10 inch ones barely got past the turning on before I was like nope that is way to much real estate. The 8 in are the ones I actually compared.

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IfIKnewThen@reddit

Rand McNally software is awesome. Their hardware is hot garbage. I've had several. They suck. Garmin is reliable and dependable.

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COATHANGER_ABORTIONS@reddit

I used a Garmin years ago, switched to Rand and haven't gone back. It also has a copy of the Atlas built in.

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CakewalkNOLA@reddit

Want a Garmin? I'll still you mine cheap.

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Relative-Concern5568@reddit

Most def

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Always_Shifting_4459@reddit

Sadly there's times google maps is more accurate than Garmin. So when trip planning it's often best to use everything... Garmin, google maps, trucker path and the 511 apps for whatever states you're going through... like for me, I rely heavily on COTrip Planner and KanDrive during winter months

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truckerslife411@reddit

GPS does come in handy sometimes. I know, sometimes when I'm driving, I get wrapped in in thought about something important and I go right by my exit.

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bob696988@reddit

I have never had an issue with trucker path. Look at all the alternate routes before getting it to go. I have Garmin as well. Sometimes Garmin is a little longer and sometimes they match up.

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Budget_Brief_3145@reddit

Been trucking for 8 years. Just been using my phone

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ursisterstoy@reddit

Yea that’s pretty messed up. South 75 though? US 75 I hope because I-75 is Ohio. I hope you figured out you were going the wrong way before you got to Ohio.

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Usual_Safety@reddit

My buddy and I were driving cross country, Rhode Island to Aspen Colorado. I decided to drive all night and ended up driving back east a long way. We argued and parted ways, I was able to trade in my van for a bike and my buddy came around when he saw it. We did finally make it to aspen just in time to give this lady back her suitcase that she originally left back in Rhode Island.

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BoringJuiceBox@reddit

Samsonite!

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Impressive-Menu8966@reddit

I got all the way to "lady" before the realization washed over me

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yadabitch@reddit

Can you explain it to me I’m confused is it a joke? Lol

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BoringJuiceBox@reddit

Watch the movie Dumb and Dumber!

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gengarjuice69@reddit

that john denver is full of shit man

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Which_Initiative_882@reddit

😑😑😑😑🤪🤣

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Safe_Fail_568@reddit

I70 doesn’t run through Nebraska. And it doesn’t run south, it runs east to west. Am I missing something here?

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Commercial_Wolf4623@reddit (OP)

Yes you are sorry, state 75.

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derekschroer@reddit

US 75, not state route 75

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Commercial_Wolf4623@reddit (OP)

Thank-you

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Commercial_Wolf4623@reddit (OP)

State 70

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fusillijhericurl@reddit

Dont feel bad . Years ago i was in iowa headed to sacramento on 80. Just doing my thing. Im looking around going "man 80 looks different for some reason" Well, i somehow ended up on 35 south. Didnt realize it until i hit the missouri border. Whoops. Shit happens.

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derekschroer@reddit

let me guess, you forgot to get on 80 when you went through Des Moines...

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fusillijhericurl@reddit

Probably. I havent been otr in a lifetime but where they intersect is kinda wonky isnt it? I forget.

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derekschroer@reddit

Also probably cause of all the construction going on near there. Makes it a bit more confusing

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jmzstl@reddit

Fucking Des Moines, that’s how.

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Acrobatic_Ocelot_461@reddit

Once I missed the I-25 northbound exit on I-10 in New Mexico, didn't realize it until I saw that Loves on the left hand side of the road.

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Commercial_Wolf4623@reddit (OP)

My Dad said "what the fuck did you do?"

Didn't even know what to say. Lol.

Glad someone else has been there though don't feel so alone now.

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2handbus@reddit

Garmin, google, the hammer app by truckers report. Hammer app is really good and almost mirrors google. In 10 years have bought 3 rands and they all give out. 1. Won’t open, 2nd keeps spinning, 3rd one keeps restarting itself. The Garmin likes taking the longest route and doesn’t have all the trucking locations. It’s made me curse numerous times because it didn’t see the truck stop 2 miles away.

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Few-Chemical-5165@reddit

Just a little bit of interesting trivia. Any g p s you buy and I mean, any all have garman technology in it because they invented it, they patented it, and you cannot have a GPS without it. So just go with the original, go with the inventor garmen they are the best after all

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Horus_Whistler@reddit

All these people saying get a garmin or rand McNally is okay but not great advice.

No matter what tool you use, always look through your route. Even if you somehow find something that seems to work 100% of the time, always always always look through your route.

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Commercial_Wolf4623@reddit (OP)

That was my issue. I didn't zoom out and see where it was taking me. I am hotshotting, so I just assumed it would take me the quickest route.

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Which_Initiative_882@reddit

Yep, never assume.

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Pete387@reddit

This is the only correct answer. Also, getting into the habit of looking at shippers/receivers on Google Maps satellite to find out where the entrance is, whether you need to back in from the street, where the gaurd shack is etc is extremely useful. We've all done dumb shit. At least OP can admit it and is willing to share.

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COATHANGER_ABORTIONS@reddit

Also reviews are super helpful sometimes. Usually you sort by newest and there's probably a trucker on there dropping some info. I try to leave screenshots of maps with a diagram if it's a pain in the ass.

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allplay@reddit

I have a btrain which lots of yards or shipping areas are not set up for. So they need outside forklift for me. So I always mention that to them and ask if the parcel or package is able to just fit in the box of my pick up instead lol.

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COATHANGER_ABORTIONS@reddit

Absolutely this. If I'm going somewhere new, I check everything that isn't an interstate to see if the GPS lines up with Google satellite view/street view.

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Scubatrucker@reddit

Sometime back around 1998 I loaded in Brea CA going to Stafford TX. In those days you go to the back of the Rand McNally atlas to look up the letter and number and page for the location your looking for. So I get loaded and up I 15 and east on 40 and park that night somewhere in Arizona. That’s when I realized I’m heading to Stratford TX and no Stafford TX. Stratford is above Amarillo and Stafford is below Houston.

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Which_Initiative_882@reddit

At least you only made AZ, still time to get down to i10 before youve got to bomb through ALL of Texas.

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Big__If_True@reddit

15 to 40 would be the correct way to go to Stratford though?

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MagTex@reddit

Yes

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pmmemilftiddiez@reddit

You just got Stafforded!

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Filamcouple@reddit

I really don't understand why you young guys don't simply look at a paper atlas. It never lied to me, and all you need is the smallest amount of common sense to use it.

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clarobert@reddit

This. I always did my trip planning with a Rand Mcnally Trucker Atlas - writing down my highways in descending order on a piece of paper or in dry erase marker on the side of my windshield. I only ever used GPS in Urban areas or within 30 miles of my destination, and even then, only as a tool to provide backup to my list with a bit more detail. Anyone who can't follow highways without a GPS really shouldn't be behind the wheel of a truck.

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LonleyWolf420@reddit

I don't use trucker path anymore.. kept adding HELLA miles and HOURS to my route for no damn reason..

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shers719@reddit

Same

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Sicc-man21215@reddit

It happens.. we live and learn

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shers719@reddit

Trucker Path had done similar longer routes to me on the East Coast. It's the reason I no longer use it. I use Hammer, double check with Google Maps and my Rand McNally atlas occasionally if it seems off. 99% of the time if Hammer is off though it's due to traffic/an accident.

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Commercial_Wolf4623@reddit (OP)

Thanks, I'm gonna stick with actually looking at my routes for one. A Rand McNally, and then probably Hammer to compare side by side with. Thanks for the refresher I was trying to think of that app.

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warlockineasttexas@reddit

If yall "new drivers" would throw that GPS shit away and use a good old fashioned map yall wouldn't have all these problems I drove for 29 years started in 1982 running west cost no cell phones no GPS pay phones was hard to get to so we would call normally from a truck stop in Arizona and get directions we made it just fine

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Michael_Scott_234@reddit

A few weeks ago, I didn't plug in my destination address because I knew the way very well.

I got distracted listening to a podcast and drove about 90 miles past the interstate junction I was supposed to take...

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Ancient_Alien_@reddit

Garmin main screen cross referenced with truckers path on right. Seems to work for me.

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Desperate_Tourist554@reddit

I have no words

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West_Masterpiece9423@reddit

As a local delivery, our equivalent would be leaving our handtruck at an acct that is miles from our next stop. Man, that sucks!

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MajesticMike76@reddit

Good old paper atlas. It doesnt steer you wrong

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Wadester58@reddit

Get yourself a Garmin GPS and then as a backup a new Truckers Atlas

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AutumnBrooks2021@reddit

Learn to use a map and you won’t have that problem. Being too reliant on gps or apps will get you into trouble.

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felixthecat59@reddit

A Truckers Atlas, and a hand held compass

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Efficient_Ostrich_54@reddit

Buy a map, and don't leave the house until you've used it to figure out where you're located and your directions without assistance (NO PHONE OR COMPASS!) People make those mistakes because they don't understand the layout of the continent (AT THE VERY LEAST!)

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AdventurousLawyer646@reddit

Drop pins to make fit what you need. The more experience you have the better you're routing will be. Drop pins on your rout!!! Rand mcnally has a built in trucker road atlas.!!!

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Socketz11@reddit

Whenever I put a address into my GPS I always zoom out to see the route as the crow flies (most direct straight line to destination) and if there are some weird deviations, or if its really close to one of my favorite places to stop I make adjustments. As a guide, or to make sure you dont miss a exit GPS are great, but never rely on them to find shortest route, flattest route, or your favorite Lizards lot.

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aacawe@reddit

I use my Rand gps almost exclusively for this reason. So I don’t drive 30 mins or more out of my way while I zone out listening to audible or some daydreaming about the powerball.

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Acrobatic_Ocelot_461@reddit

They used to have this giant book called an atlas, it showed all the roads in the country. That's how we planned trips back in the olden times, we would even write the exit numbers and directions on the windshield with a dry erase marker so we could wipe them off as we went along. But I guess you're new-fangled electronic doodads work just as good, but my atlas never got me lost.

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HowlingWolven@reddit

You can still buy them.

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GhostlyCannibal94@reddit

Isn't a GPS technically just a digital atlas?

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Acrobatic_Ocelot_461@reddit

Until a solar flare or an EMP burst, or the zombie apocalypse, then its a weapon.

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xjtt13@reddit

What Atlas map you recommend for a rookie?

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GanjaRelease@reddit

Rand McNally

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Acrobatic_Ocelot_461@reddit

Commercial drivers edition, shows all the scale houses, low underpasses, and truck routes.

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Commercial_Wolf4623@reddit (OP)

I had one, it got lost when the truck sold. I need to get a new ole reliable. I agree with you. Plus my trainer preached about it and never used it but he also has everything memorized.

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Commercial_Wolf4623@reddit (OP)

Trust me, I'm kicking myself in the head for it now. Dumb fucking move.

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iowan72@reddit

Rand McNally is and will be, and Should be, your bestest ever lifelong friend.

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Commercial_Wolf4623@reddit (OP)

Totally agree...

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amazingmaple@reddit

LMAO. How did you not notice?

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Commercial_Wolf4623@reddit (OP)

I've never took the route, but knew it wasn't the same one I took here. I didn't think it would route me that far off so it was a case of the fuck its.