Running with JCT, Part Deux

Ok I know we cant run 70 in winter I rember something about the 90 what is it? I have a load going into WA and was gonna take the 82 to the 90 into the Seattle is that ok?

 

You're fine. Just don't run I-90 through Montana.

 

Never run I 90 east of Spokane all the way to MN. Exception is if you pickup or deliver there.

 

OK: What's the deal with not running the top tier? I ran that more than plenty of times before JCT and no problems as long as you do like any other run and prepare. Plus, what's this no 70 in the winter thing? Chain Donner and Deadman and Medicine Bow topping the Stag on 84 and 80 but not Vail? Honest to Goodness the true "slam you down's" are Lake Effect 8' dumps during your "shift" and waking up to a windshield of snow and scraping the top of the drift with your door as you get out at a T/S or rest area (or worse) you hunkered down to ride out the White Out in and then riding on the pack up and down on the "road under improvement" stretches of the interstses back east. Ice, ice Baby.

Not debating the "which is worse'es". Winter sux all over. Wherever you are at the time is the worst place it is. Got that. Been there, done that; got the tee-shirt and gave it back many years later. Just asking; What's the real deal on JCT Winter Routes - whatever they are and just curiosity as to why.

Widdle confrused on approved winter routes. I go where the load goes. Winter is winter. Been that way long before I was driving. Been that way since. Clues preeze. Any help would be nice. Thanks,

 

It's pretty simple. I-90 has nothing to do with winter. JCT prides itself on delivering loads on time, period. I-90 is not a well travel lane for us. If a load gets into trouble there aren't as many relay options to get load delivered on time. Another factor is if there is a mechanical issue on the tractor, trailer or reefer, the repair facilities are fewer and far between.

We don't run I-70 in the winter for obvious reasons. It plain sucks. Chances of encountering severe weather are greater than going around.

They pay the extra miles to go out of route so it's not a big deal.

 

Gotcha. It's an OTD thing and higher traffic corridors to rescue "in OTD trouble loads". Not a winter thing. Makes sense. Long as they pay the long way I'm cool with taking it whatever route they want. Any idea what "projection" software they use in Sapulpa? There are many on the market.

 

Now having major issues with the motor. It is knocking real bad and no power. All fluids are good. The two shops in Holbrook, AZ (Wilson and TA) have no clue what it could be. They both agree that it is coming from the top end of the motor. No warning lights on the dash. All gauges read normal. Both of their ECM readers didn't pull any useful info. Ended up getting towed to FL in Flagstaff. Got there an hour before they closed. The mechanic heard the motor as I drove it behind the shop from the curb and he only said, "It ain't suppose to sound like that." All I could think was No ####.

Glad the trailer was empty and not loaded. So, don't have to worry about OTD. But I did lose my sweet run from Casa Grande, AZ to Sandston, VA. I was being deadheaded from Los Lunas, NM to Casa Grande.

So, now I sit in a motel room for tonight, tomorrow and Monday. Got my laptop and PS3 for entertainment.

 

Oh wow that sucks. How many miles are on that knocking beast?

 

393,777 miles.

 

This is sad, indeed. What a tragedy for his family. I just never understood why drivers of any vehicle so equipped won't wear a seatbelt. It is free insurance and the pain of exiting a vehicle forcefully on impact is a whole lot more than the pain of wearing the darned thing.