When the Road Closes: A Lesson from I-80 in Wyoming
We were trucking along I-80 east in Wyoming when we came upon a long line of brake lights.
Oh no! What happened?
No one had their CBs on, but the traffic was inching forward… very slowly.
Then an overhead sign appeared:
“I-80 closed — exit and go back the other way.”
The other way? Ugh. That could put us hours behind.
One by one, trucks exited the interstate. Most drivers were looking for places to shut down. Solo drivers had to consider their Hours of Service (HOS), while us teams could (hopefully) find a better solution to keep moving east — and eventually south.
Google Maps — which isn’t reliable for trucks — suggested one route.
Garmin — which is usually reliable — didn’t agree. It was a weight restriction issue.
So, I found a safe place to park. We dug out the Rand McNally Atlas, blew the dust off it, and started mapping a route that was both truck-safe and compliant with weight limits. The plan: go south toward I-70, then resume heading east.
We had a plan.
Thankfully, most of the drive was still in daylight. The route was mostly two-lane roads with curves tighter than I’d prefer, but it was a beautiful, scenic ride. I was grateful it wasn’t a Wyoming winter day — this route would’ve been a no-go. In that case, we’d have parked with everyone else and waited it out.
Sometimes, unexpected detours are a blessing.
You get to try something new, see places you’d never otherwise see, and remind yourself why flexibility is a trucker’s best friend.
The Moral of the Story
🚛 Carry a current Atlas.
📖 Learn how to read it.
❌ Do not rely on Google Maps for truck routing!
Truck GPS vs. Atlas: The Pros and Cons
Truck GPS
Pros:
Real-Time Traffic Updates: Helps you avoid congestion and find faster routes.
Route Optimization: Calculates safe routes based on height, weight, and load.
Built-In Navigation: Turn-by-turn directions simplify complex routes.
Points of Interest: Locates truck stops, fuel stations, and rest areas.
User-Friendly Interface: Easy to adjust while on the move.
Cons:
Technology Dependency: A dead battery or lost signal can leave you stranded.
Battery Drain: Requires consistent power or charging options.
Outdated or Incorrect Data: Not all GPS units update frequently.
Cost: Quality truck GPS units and map updates can get pricey.
Atlas
Pros:
No Power Needed: Works anywhere, anytime.
Big Picture View: Lets you see multiple route options at a glance.
Cost-Effective: One purchase, no subscriptions.
Durable: No risk of technical failure.
Cons:
Static Information: Roads change, but maps don’t update themselves.
No Real-Time Updates: No alerts for closures, detours, or traffic.
Manual Navigation: Planning requires patience and precision.
Bulky: Takes up space in your cab.
Our Choice?
This team uses both — the GPS for guidance and the Atlas for confidence.
Because when the unexpected happens, a well-worn Atlas and a calm plan beat panic every time.
