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Which route is better?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Musicmaker60, Jul 23, 2014.

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  1. Jul 23, 2014 #1
    Musicmaker60

    Musicmaker60 Light Load Member

    101
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    Oct 19, 2013
    Utica, MS
    0
    I am pretty new and didn't know where to post this question. I am taking a load from Iowa to Massachusetts and have 2 routes to choose from. The shortest is I-80 to I-90 all the way. It is mostly flat and I will get excellent fuel mileage - I've made it to the Ill/Ind border at 9.6mpg. BUT I-90 in NY has expensive tolls. The other route is only about 10 miles longer, so they are virtually the same distance - stay on I-80 where they diverge, then take I-81 to I-84 in Penn up to meet with I-90 in Mass. But it has more steep hills that will cut into fuel mileage.

    SO - for you experienced truckers, which route is the most cost effective? Thanks for all your suggestions!
     
    Musicmaker60, Jul 23, 2014
    Musicmaker60, Jul 23, 2014
    #1
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  3. Jul 23, 2014 #2
    nshore harleyguy

    nshore harleyguy Medium Load Member

    342
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    Feb 8, 2014
    NH
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    I have ran that route a few times and I prefer to take 90 most of the way. If I can I stay away from CT. (As I plan my trip thru into CT tomorrow LOL) the ride across NY on 90 is a nice 1 and has a lot less traffic
     
    nshore harleyguy, Jul 23, 2014
    nshore harleyguy, Jul 23, 2014
    #2
  4. Jul 23, 2014 #3
    jbatmick

    jbatmick Road Train Member

    2,199
    2,507
    Dec 1, 2009
    hastings, Fl
    0
    If i were you, I would go go the flatter route. I understand wanting good fuel economy, but just starting out you might be more comfortable on the easier route.

    Now others who know the area might not agree, and they might be corect. I would tell any new driver to go the easiest , less challenging way for a while.Get that experience first.
     
    jbatmick, Jul 23, 2014
    jbatmick, Jul 23, 2014
    #3
    allniter Thanks this.
  5. Jul 23, 2014 #4
    Musicmaker60

    Musicmaker60 Light Load Member

    101
    42
    Oct 19, 2013
    Utica, MS
    0
    that's true! I really like the nice drive on I-90, but what about the $84 worth of tolls? isn't the other route less expensive?
     
    Musicmaker60, Jul 23, 2014
    Musicmaker60, Jul 23, 2014
    #4
  7. Jul 23, 2014 #5
    Cranky Yankee

    Cranky Yankee Cranky old ######

    15,317
    210
    Jan 31, 2012
    Green Bay Wi
    0
    the extra miles is still cheaper then the tolls
    if that is all your asking
    to me it is who is paying the tolls
     
    Cranky Yankee, Jul 23, 2014
    Cranky Yankee, Jul 23, 2014
    #5
  8. Jul 23, 2014 #6
    "Hang - Man"

    "Hang - Man" Heavy Load Member

    737
    583
    Nov 12, 2013
    Western PA
    0
    Question: Why are you worried about fuel mileage -Fuel bonus ?
    Are you light on money and dont want to be out of pocket on the toll's till the pay check gets in?

    The reason i am curious is because they could both be money out of your pocket, and i would understand that .
    I read a thread by a certain company driver who after worrying and shooting for the fuel bonus, he finally quit worrying about it and just figured if he gets it he gets it.
    If i am totally off track here -ignore my post.
     
    "Hang - Man", Jul 23, 2014
    "Hang - Man", Jul 23, 2014
    #6
  9. Jul 23, 2014 #7
    nshore harleyguy

    nshore harleyguy Medium Load Member

    342
    258
    Feb 8, 2014
    NH
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    FYI My opinion on going across 90 is strictly based on convenience and comfort. (And less traffic) I am a company driver so a mall fuel savings or a few more in tolls does not concern me)
     
    nshore harleyguy, Jul 23, 2014
    nshore harleyguy, Jul 23, 2014
    #7
    pattyj Thanks this.
  10. Jul 23, 2014 #8
    Musicmaker60

    Musicmaker60 Light Load Member

    101
    42
    Oct 19, 2013
    Utica, MS
    0
    Thank you all - more explanation. I am a lease driver so I pay for all the fuel (get 100% of fuel surcharges and my tank is full so I won't be buying any more on this trip) and I pay 72% of the tolls. Yes, I really enjoyed driving the I-90 until I was told how expensive the tolls were. I have also gone the other way and it is more aggravation. I have E-Z pass so I don't pay the tolls out of my pocket, so I am actually taking someone else's word for how expensive they really are. My pay statement just has lump sum for all tolls for the week and doesn't break down how much per trip, so I'm not even really sure how much more expensive taking I-90 is. Does anyone know?
     
    Musicmaker60, Jul 23, 2014
    Musicmaker60, Jul 23, 2014
    #8
    "Hang - Man" and pattyj Thank this.
  11. Jul 23, 2014 #9
    pattyj

    pattyj Road Train Member

    22,474
    20,137
    Jul 19, 2008
    Sioux City,ia
    0
    Does your company have ezpass or a transponder or do they reimburse you for tolls?If they reimburse you then take the route with less tolls.To get somewhere I would worry less about saving your company money and more what route is the most safest and easiest for you.In due time trying to figure out ways to save your company money will wear ya out if you study too hard on it.Scratch what I said I just read your post before this one.
     
    pattyj, Jul 23, 2014
    pattyj, Jul 23, 2014
    #9
  12. Jul 23, 2014 #10
    BUMBACLADWAR

    BUMBACLADWAR Road Train Member

    1,899
    1,923
    Dec 5, 2013
    0
    Old dinosaurs will tell you" Always take the path of least resistance".
     
    BUMBACLADWAR, Jul 23, 2014
    BUMBACLADWAR, Jul 23, 2014
    #10
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