New Driver Tip: Better Understanding of Qualcomm Directions

[JBenson2]

For new drivers, the directions from some truck companies sent via Qualcomm can be difficult to follow. Especially when exit numbers and cities are not included.

Example: a trip from the copper mines in Morenci, AZ to the Phelps Dodge storage center in Norwich, CT might look like this: I-10, I-20, I-30, I-40, I-81, I-78, I-80, I-95, I-395.

Suggestion: You can find a ton of useful information and maps at the wikipedia website. Just search for "Interstate Highway System". Or use the following link:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interstate_Highway_System

If you scroll to bottom of the site, there are links to maps and details for each individual highway.

I found it helpful to print out the maps in color and save it for reference when building up my trips. And there are links to explain the state highway numbering system as well.

Of course, it is important to use the Trucker's Atlas (large print) to look for restricted and low clearance roads.

[JBenson2]

Following up on my previous posting, I'll include an example of the detail available on wikipedia.

Here is a link to information and a map of I-80. Some good information to help you plan your trip.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interstate_80

[Jackrabbit379]

It would have been nice to have the internet when we first started Qualcomm. Qualcomm's directions aint worth a hoot. :P

[Uturn2001]

It would have been nice to have the internet when we first started Qualcomm. Qualcomm's directions aint worth a hoot. :P

Well it aint QC's fault. It is the idiot at your company's office who typed them into the computer.

Lots of idiots in the world, and many of them seem to end up working in trucking operations or in the government.

[Jackrabbit379]

That's right Uturn. I plumb forgot about that. I just never liked the directions. :P

[Malaki86]

One of the best set of directions I received was pretty much word for word like this on the QC:

"I-81 PA to unamed road - TL - Shipper is on the right"

This was for a shipper in Harrisburg, PA - how many exits are there for the Harrisburg area? I'm glad I had Streets & Trips so I knew where I was going...

[Ridge Runner]

One of the best set of directions I received was pretty much word for word like this on the QC:

"I-81 PA to unamed road - TL - Shipper is on the right"

This was for a shipper in Harrisburg, PA - how many exits are there for the Harrisburg area? I'm glad I had Streets & Trips so I knew where I was going...

LOL. I just had flash-backs from my USX days.

[Fozzy]

It would have been nice to have the internet when we first started Qualcomm. Qualcomm's directions aint worth a hoot. :P

Well it aint QC's fault. It is the idiot at your company's office who typed them into the computer.

Lots of idiots in the world, and many of them seem to end up working in trucking operations or in the government.

Worse than that, most of the time they get directions from the drivers who have been there..

[Rockee]

Yep, your qualcom directions are only going to say what was typed into them, even regardless of how good they were (or were not) when the driver, or whoever, sent them in the first place. If your FM or Dispatcher, or whoever is having a bad hair day, some good directions can turn real bad with just one wrong key stroke

[Malaki86]

One of the best set of directions I received was pretty much word for word like this on the QC:

"I-81 PA to unamed road - TL - Shipper is on the right"

This was for a shipper in Harrisburg, PA - how many exits are there for the Harrisburg area? I'm glad I had Streets & Trips so I knew where I was going...

LOL. I just had flash-backs from my USX days.

LMFAO - that's who I was driving for when I got those directions!!!

Another pickup with great directions from USX was the Nabisco (or Keebler) in Florence, KY. They gave directions from both north and south and they matched on the directions. The problem was that it told you to go the wrong direction after you exited the interstate. That was a nice 3am drive on a 1 and a half lane road through a country residential neighborhood looking for a place to turn around.

[newolddrv]

Quaalcom directions where I work are apparently from from another planet. :shock: I had one that said the place was 1 to 2 miles off the exit. It was actually 1 to 2 blocks. I had one load where the shipper and consignee had both changed names! :shock: I had one where they listed the wrong town. :shock: It was 5 miles down the road in the next town.
There's an old saying about computers: Garbage in: Garbage out :wink:

It's hard to soar with the eagles when you're surrounded by turkeys

[inmate1577]

Call the company you are delivering or picking up from and get the directions from them. If you know what interstate to take, you only need street directions from the customer. Usually their directions are better than QC.

[fireman932003]

I got a message the other day with directions but the screen was blank!!! I guess I had to be physic to get those!