Routing Programs
Posted on Jul 14, 2007 - 1:26pm by Wayne Weisser in Business, Technology
Routing is probably the most popular reason for a trucker to get a laptop. There are a zillion of them out there, I’ve tried a bunch of them. None of them do exactly what I want, the way I want to do it, so I have and use three at the moment.
Microsoft Streets and Trips. It’s not truck specific, but it’s an easy interface, it’s fast, the entire program and all maps can be loaded on the hard drive, (really important feature when you’re looking for a program.) I can block roads (or states, like Ohio!) I know are truck restricted, it’s easy to check alternate routes. It’s easy to find hotels close by. As far as I can tell it’s pretty accurate. I’ve been able to find all addresses that have been given to me. I post notes on toll roads and bridges so I know what the tolls are. I can draw in alternate detour routes. Construction information is updated via the internet and it’s cheap to buy a new version every year.
You can also hook up a GPS to your laptop and Streets and Trips will use it to show you where you are. It was tough to check my laptop on the passenger seat while I was driving. That’s the main reason I have a Pocket PC. Microsoft Streets and Trips comes with a Pocket PC version that I use on my pocket PC. That is also connected to a GPS. More on that later.
Other programs may do some of that now. It’s been awhile since I’ve checked out Rand McNally programs and others. The bad part about Rand McNally was that there were separate programs for streets and for trip planning.
Truck Miles
I also use Truck Miles 2.0 on CD by Promiles, it’s an old version, but it still works. The good part is that this has truck specific routes. I can input a trip and what I’m getting paid and my costs it will report back quickly how much profit or what that trip will cost. They list truck stops along the way and the routing and miles are truck specific and can be shortest or practical, Canada or not.
The newest version has address to address and street level routing. The input interface is clunky at best. It’s good for a quick look at the cost and profit for a trip. You can input daily expenses, but you can’t do anything with those expenses. I got tired of inputting all my expenses in two or three different places and gave up on this feature. Plus, there’s a restriction of how many stops you can input per trip. There’s a free web version of Truck Miles, that works but doesn’t have the truck stop listings or street level routing.
It’s actually a pretty good program but I’m always wondering how much a toll is going to be and I want to be able to try different routes without starting over.
Pocket Copilot
I used to use Pocket Copilot Truck by the same people that do PCMiler. It has a separate route and trip feature that is truck specific and street level detail. Sometimes an address wouldn’t show up, but it will usually point you to the street or the general area, that’s why I have to use Streets & Trips and the Internet. Their “Points of Interests” show truck stops and truck facilities, rest areas, weigh stations. It’s a decent desktop program, but the main purpose is to download information to my pocket pc. Which is also GPS equipped. More on that later.
The Truck version only showed truck routes on State and Interstate routes. I needed to know what city streets are truck restricted and low bridges in Philly, Jersey or New York, all the places that are dangerous for a truck to get lost in and I can’t find anything that will navigate a truck around city street obstacles.
I gave up on the Truck version because updates and upgrades were nonexistent. I switched to the “car” pocket version and use my Truck Atlas or Truck Miles to make sure of truck routes if I’m not familiar with an area. With all of the construction going on, we need something that’s kept up to date.
Promiles and PcMiler have truck specific address to address routing, Hazmat and toll costs but they are too costly for the single owner operator.
I’d like to hear what other drivers use for routing. Put a mini review in the comments or click here and write a post for Life on the Road and tell us how your laptop gets you around town!
What is “Subrogation” and how does it affect your money?
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Ditto.
And that goes double…triple….for heavy haul.
Ive got all of what you mentioned.
And a dedicated Garman GPs.
And an application on my Treo.
And I’m in constant communication with my wife..mission control…who has the whole internet (google maps, google earth, mapquest…etc) and paper maps….and who calls sheriff’s departments and various Highway Patrol offices.. when I’m under a gnarly load.
And it ain’t enough.
EvMick
Ronald Nunn has a cool new concept for routing. Drivers submit directions, Truck Route verifies them and publishes the Drivers version of the directions….Here’s what they have to say about themselves…
“We are trying to build a database filled with directions to every single loading dock and warehouse in America and we need your help.
If you have directions to a loading dock or warehouse along with the name of the company, their address and phone number, send them to us and we will PAY YOU CASH for your trouble.”
Check them out here http://TruckRoute.net
That’s a good idea, but the problem I had with written directions back before I had a laptop, is if you miss a turn you’re screwed. You have to turn around and get back to where you messed up.
If you have the entire map of whatever town you’re in, you might be able to find an alternate, like going around a large block without trying to find a u-turn. Either way, it can be dangerous getting lost.
What if streets change because of construction or detours or a whatever else can happen? Great idea, but I really like a real map in front of me.
Thanks for the great tip- Microsoft Streets and Tips. I am currently using GPS and Wayne is right- you miss a turn and forget it! I also find that sometimes my GPS is WRONG! While these tools really help to find construction zones I still rely on the old trusty map. I can’t wait for the day, and I’m sure it will be soon, that these tools will be perfected.
I still stand by my Garmin GPS18. Miss a turn and it will get you straightened out.
Of course, as a backup, I use PC-Miler18 (Party Row Edition) $25.00 on CD at all the finer truck stop parking lots
http://lifeontheroad.com/2007/06/09/garmin-gps-18/46.html
I have used all of these programs. I usually stick to the 3 main. 1st plot my course with PC Miler, check it with my Road Atlas, then look at the address at street level with Street & Trips. I find it takes a minute, but have yet to run into trouble. I laugh at the guys that use, Street & Trips only, and depend on it. It has yet to give me the correct route. seems to always give a longer, more sightseeing plan. I ALWAYS start with PC Miler! It is expensive, but if you ask around there are bootleg copies floating around for a good price. You can’t build a house with just a screwdriver, it takes a few tools to do a job right.
Streets and Trips may not give the optimum route at first, but it’s easy to click and drag the route to make quick changes based on how I want to drive or truck routes.
Has anyone came up with a gps that is for truck routing as you go? Had my first trip to NY and Jersey and thought I would go nuts trying to find my way around those no-truck parkways Talk about live and learn! From driver with no hair left!
The GPS programs that proclaim to be for trucks, really only have truck routes on highways and smaller roads. If you’re in a city, especially in the NE it’s not going to help with low bridges. It may keep you off of the parkway, but that’s about it. I don’t think there are any out there that will help once you get off the expressways.
A GPS has helped me at least get pointed in the right direction. If I have to detour around a low bridge, it keeps me oriented so I at least know what direction and how ar the interstate is. And if I can get to road with some sort of highway number on it, it might be a better route than just any road.
It’s not a perfect solution and it’s a tough lesson to learn on your first trip. I was lost downtown on my first trip, long before GPS or even a laptop, lots of fun.