Tips And Worst Cities?

Hey guys, I'm just now going OTR. I've been on a dedicated out of Alabama for what seems like forever. I just finished my first run to memphis now about to head to Flint Michigan. I just wanted to know which cities you find the most challenging to drive a truck in, also any tips for me this winter? Thanks!

Get to know your "alternate" routes on the map. For example I was routed I-71 straight thru Cincinnati and out the other side. 4am there was a wreck on one of the ramps. Driver next to me asked me to let him over and he led me I-275 to where I connected back up. Also happened at another place on I24 Tennessee (different day), there was a wreck had traffic backed up 5 miles.

Also; I like to drive early in the morning to avoid city traffic BUT be very careful in winter 'cause roads can be slick and I've seen plenty of early morning crashes where they just went off the road.

Northern states seem to be real good about clearing the roads quickly. And just 'cause the locals are going fast doesn't mean it's safe for us.

Use caution, be aware and you'll do well.

Good luck!

You're experienced enough to know this one, but we have to remind ourselves: Take it slowly in unfamiliar places.

Get out and walk an entire alley-way before you go in, if you have to.

Cities I'd hate to have a 53': Philadelphia, New York, Chicago, LA, and I'm not that thrilled with a long combination in Denver. In LA, they have laws on where your tandems must be. Make sure you know what those are before going in.

-mountain girl

Most challenging : NYC, Boston, Philly, Chicago.

Most annoying : Atlanta, Detroit (because the roads will beat you to death), LA., Nashville, Memphis.

As far as winter driving goes, check the weather forecasts before you head out to get an idea of what you might encounter on your route. Take your time and don't get in a rush. It was already mentioned but is worth repeating about early morning accidents on bad roads.

Most annoying : Atlanta, Detroit (because the roads will beat you to death), LA., Nashville, Memphis.

I75 N through Detroit is the worst, even for 4 wheelers, I hope I never have to experience it in a truck. If possible, I will take US 23, if my load takes me North of Detroit. Not nearly as bad, I have never really taken I75 S, because US 23 is my preferred route. Or if I am going into Detroit, from where I lived, I would Turn Left at Flint, I69, and then turn right at Lapeer and take M24, if I remember correctly.

Stay safe

Most annoying : Atlanta, Detroit (because the roads will beat you to death), LA., Nashville, Memphis.

I75 N through Detroit is the worst, even for 4 wheelers, I hope I never have to experience it in a truck. If possible, I will take US 23, if my load takes me North of Detroit. Not nearly as bad, I have never really taken I75 S, because US 23 is my preferred route. Or if I am going into Detroit, from where I lived, I would Turn Left at Flint, I69, and then turn right at Lapeer and take M24, if I remember correctly.

Stay safe

You're sooooo right about that. Pretty much from Toledo to the ambassador bridge, get ready for your kidneys to get a workout. They'd be better off tearing up the entire road and leaving it dirt lol.

Of the places I've been to, Chicago and the Bronx in NY have been the worst. The problem is all of the small, one-way streets, truck restrictions, low bridges, etc, that makes it a maze / mine-field.

The LA metropolis is bad because it's enormous and the traffic terrible much of the time.

I'm from the phily area so I don't mind it. My second day on the truck... never having driven a stick before.. my trainer told me he was taking me over thw GW... I guess he thought I would be scared or that I wouldn't know what he was talking about . But that is my area and I don't drive that with my car. I told him no way.. I'd Park the truck on the bridge and get a cab home.

A week later he got a run out of CT and on 95 south I took thw Tappan Zee.. he had the GPS set for the GW. Screw that.. lol... he asked me what I was doing and told him I commandeered his truck.

Then we went to Atlanta and I told him i wanted Obama to nuke the whole state of GA off the map. I was really new there though... so now that I have a lot more time on the road I don't k ow if I would be as annoyed.

I hear people complain about the midwest... st louis.. indy.. I never had a problem there... but look where I grew up lol

Oh.. and I live outside of camden... the second highest murder rate in the country. .. I had no idea Memphis is as bad as it is u til truckers told me they would shut down in Nashville to avoid memphis

For me Miami is one of the worst. Drivers are just crazy. I run the Nashville Chattanooga Atlanta corridor at least twice a week and the key there is just to try to avoid rush hours but there's always someone whose done a stupid. I thought I was lucky a couple of weeks ago and got through all three no problem but below Atlanta someone lost it running a hundred and killed themself and managed to block all lanes of 75 south at 4:45 in the am. You gotta love it.