Running produce to Alaska

That is correct. It's pretty much Washington to Alaska and back to Washington. It works great for me since I have about 20 mls to go get loaded from home and about the same distance after offloading when heading back home.

 

The truck is pretty much stock. I have a Carrier APU and Webasto bunk heater. I made some extra insulation panels to go into sleeper windows. I have a block and oil pan heater that have the plugs inside the truck and I will plug into APU. I shut down even in minus 30. I run the APU and preheat engine so no extra idle time. The APU and truck coolant systems are connected as well. When outside temperature is between -25 and -30 the truck coolant temperature is about 100 degrees when I start the truck in the morning. Batteries are being charged as well by APU. Most of the haul road trucks are flat tops to make it easier to keep warm.

I have an Anderson plug on the truck and trailer and can hook them together with a heavy jumper cable in case I would loose an alternator on either one. My reefer only gets fueled in Alaska in the wintertime to have Number1 fuel in it. I never add any fuel additives to truck or trailer and I never had an issue with gelling fuel.

I carry survival gear in the winter with me in case I would roll truck on its side and none of the engines could be run. I found some boots that are designed for working on the North slope that are rated to -100. AirForce survival mittens that are four layers and a good insulated suit.

I think the biggest thing is preventive maintenance. Anything that is not a 100 percent gets replaced. it is a lot easier to fix or change a part at home than on the side of the road. the Yukon is my nemesis for sure and it always gets me in the coldest trips. Multiple blown airbags on trailer, failed air dryer and lots of flat tires. I carry tons of parts and tools that have gotten me out of a pinch on multiple occasions.

 

I don't think I want to be an employer. Also I don't have anybody I would trust enough to put in this truck. The only guy that comes to mind is a heavy smoker and the truck would need to be burned after he is done driving.

I have watched other companies with drivers on this run and maintenance and accidents are high. I will say nobody will care for the equipment the same than the guy that has his name on the door. Right now the truck is tore down and going through the spring cleaning. The rear frame paint got redone, brakes are washed out and checked, new mudflap hangers tail lights and license plate brackets, aluminum polisher will come next weekend and start polishing. By the time it is set and done I will have spent three grand on it. If the equipment sells it's fine if not I will keep it and work it a bit here and there.

 

Well the trucks outside is done and ready to go for whatever comes next.