• Location of the grade, most often referenced by the mile marker the grade approximately begins.

• Which direction on the route that encounters the downgrade. (Keep in mind that upgrades, while not having the same dangers, can also be challenging, especially in hot weather.)

• How steep the grade is (%) and it’s length in miles.

• Truck Speed Limit, if it applies.

• Runaway ramp information, if there are any; if so, how many and where are they.

• Brake Check Area availability.

• Some brake check areas require that you stop. Others are advisory. If the sign is white with black lettering, you are required by law to stop and check brakes. You can be ticketed if you do not. If the sign is yellow, it is advised that you do so. It is always a good idea to stop and check the brakes, no matter what type of Brake Check Area it is.

• Any other miscellaneous information about the grade.

*You'll see the word "approx." constantly. That is because it is very difficult to pinpoint exactly where each and every grade begins. Do NOT take these milemarkers for exact! The last thing this author wants is for a person to use these numbers as exact and find themselves in too high of a gear on the way down a grade!

*Please note that sometimes you'll see "MM", which stands for "Mile Marker" and sometimes you'll see "Exit #". This is because some states do not have mile markers and exit numbers that match so the clearest description was used. (For information about Mile Markers VS Exit Numbers, see Interstate System)