Chicago to Pittsburgh US30 VS I-80

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by KDHCryo, Mar 5, 2026.

  1. Mar 5, 2026 #1
    KDHCryo

    KDHCryo Medium Load Member

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    If I'm running at night with a fully loaded smooth bore tanker, which one would you guys choose?

    Non hazmat, 79K lbs. The toll alone on I-80 between IN and OH is about $150

    I got the time, and I'd be running it Sunday night
     
    KDHCryo, Mar 5, 2026
    KDHCryo, Mar 5, 2026
    #1
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  3. Mar 5, 2026 #2
    buzzarddriver

    buzzarddriver Road Train Member

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    US30 route would be approx 20 miles further, of course depending where you actually start and finish. And probably an hour or so more drive time, but around 9 hours. Just lots of speed up, slow down, and stopping at traffic lights.
     
    buzzarddriver, Mar 5, 2026
    buzzarddriver, Mar 5, 2026
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  4. Mar 5, 2026 #3
    KDHCryo

    KDHCryo Medium Load Member

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    And a lot of tanker surge back and forth with the stoplights, but diesel is cheaper.

    Running at night be able to time the lights better. Prolly more wildlife around.

    I'd jump on in portage il then run it to beaver falls pa
     
    KDHCryo, Mar 5, 2026
    KDHCryo, Mar 5, 2026
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    DannyB and hope not dumb twucker Thank this.
  5. Mar 5, 2026 #4
    Long FLD

    Long FLD Road Train Member

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    Run I-94 to 49 to 30. It’s not bad, I used to run it quite a bit a few years ago going to Massillon OH all the time out of MN. There are stoplights across IN but they’re not terrible, especially if traffic is light. OH is good running, at least to Massillon, can’t tell you anything east of there.
     
    Long FLD, Mar 5, 2026
    Long FLD, Mar 5, 2026
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  7. Mar 5, 2026 #5
    KDHCryo

    KDHCryo Medium Load Member

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    Yeah, massillon to PA51 into beaver falls PA. Or US 30 all the way into aliquippa and Monaca, follow the river beside the old Nuke plant.

    Forgot how to do it. Figured old hands would help. Had to break out the atlas because Garmin wouldn't show me the way.
     
    KDHCryo, Mar 5, 2026
    KDHCryo, Mar 5, 2026
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    hope not dumb twucker Thanks this.
  8. Mar 6, 2026 #6
    Ridgeline

    Ridgeline Road Train Member

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    you paying for the tolls?

    If you are not, just run the turnpike; it will be more relaxing.
     
    Ridgeline, Mar 6, 2026
    Ridgeline, Mar 6, 2026
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    KDHCryo, Lonesome, hope not dumb twucker and 1 other person Thank this.
  9. Mar 7, 2026 #7
    Brandonpdx

    Brandonpdx Road Train Member

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    Dodging the Indiana toll road is easy and worth it. US20 or 30.

    Dodging the Ohio turnpike I’m not as sure about. Puts you right where you need to be on the PA side. You can run 30 but it takes you off course a ways and you have to deal with Canton and Akron to get back to 80 which sucks. Lots of construction mess and bumpy pavement. Lots of convenient pull off spots on the turnpike.

    Indiana is just a rip off IMO. Getting up there with PA.
     
    Last edited: Mar 7, 2026
    Brandonpdx, Mar 7, 2026
    Brandonpdx, Mar 7, 2026
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    KDHCryo Thanks this.
  10. Mar 8, 2026 #8
    GreenPete359

    GreenPete359 Road Train Member

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    Take 30. You’ll enjoy the ride
     
    GreenPete359, Mar 8, 2026
    GreenPete359, Mar 8, 2026
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    DannyB Thanks this.
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