What is the ruling on praying the Asr prayer by combining it with the Dhuhr prayer (jama' taqdim), upon the entry of the Asr time, before traveling?

The mentioned combination is figurative, not actual. It means praying Dhuhr at the end of its time and Asr at the beginning of its time. This is permissible when there is a need, and both prayers are to be performed as prayers of residence, with four rak'ahs each. However, if the intention is to combine and shorten prayers before embarking on the journey and leaving the houses of the town, then it is not permissible. This is because the concessions of travel are only applicable after one has begun the journey and left the houses of the town.