I70/I15 vs I40/I15 to Pomona CA

I-70/I-15 route only about 40 extra miles. However, much higher mountain passes and more of them. So, more fuel used depending on weights carried. Also, as of Sept 1, you will have to carry chains to satisfy Colo. chain requirements. Possible snow at higher elevations possible this time of year.
If a company driver, are you assigned fuel stops? Are you told which route to use?

 

You don’t want to run via Denver in winter if you don’t have to. Wait until summer or fall months when you have a light load.

At the very least know what’s coming in terms of winter weather across Colorado and NM/AZ. 40 can get it’s share of weather too several times a year

 

If it's not broken, don't fix it.

When I drove for JBHunt and SRT, both of them would fire you for driving on 70 west of Denver, even in the middle of summer.
The wear and tear on the truck is that harsh.

 

From Indianapolis it's actually 30 miles longer to take 70 west to 15 then it is to ride down 44 to 40. That would be a doubly stupid idea. Winter west of i70 is a way higher chance for chain ups and bad road conditions nevermind the steep grades. I would even rather face one of those ice storms you see along i40 before trying i70.

If it is on your bucket list to run it (it was for me) do it during June July August. No chains required. See the beautiful scenery and realize how dangerous that would be with winter conditions, heavy ski resort traffic, and the declining average skill level of truck drivers these days. I still risk it sometimes coming out of California but I check the weather before I go. I also end up at Detroit/Windsor so it does save me some distance.

 

I never run I70 west of Denver unless the permit makes me.

 

If you're going to take 70. NOW's the time to do it. The weather hasn't started up yet. To avoid not taking it.

I think the chains went up for a bit last week. But so far the weather has been holding out. Although there's a couple of rain storms expected next week. No idea on it's path of travel yet as to wether it'll make an impact on colorado.

 

Be sure to hit up Mitchell caverns on the 40 for the disappointment factor

 

I 40 is the National Winter Road. Follow this in winter always. Ignore I-70 unless specifically instructed to use it. (And if you are, bring chain.) Winter will put your life and those of others around you at risk on I-70 in winter among other passes. I-40 is the best compromise with the singular exception of Flagstaff, winslow etc during certain storm fronts that come into CA from Hawaii.

I70 and Donner are the two routes that are considered upper graduate level of trucking. Not for newbies unless said person has been raised in those two ranges.

Utah I-15 in St Georges is a risk. The last time we ran through there we had to keep moving barefoot on 2 feet of wet snow hoping to escape the beginning overture of a monster blizzard for Las Vegas in a few hours before we got stranded. (We made it)