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

    643
    995
    Sep 14, 2023
    0
    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
  2. Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.

  3. Mar 5, 2026 #2
    buzzarddriver

    buzzarddriver Road Train Member

    3,844
    11,632
    Feb 1, 2011
    Dallas, TX
    0
    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
    #2
    FrankieFlatbed, Lonesome, gentleroger and 1 other person Thank this.
  4. Mar 5, 2026 #3
    KDHCryo

    KDHCryo Medium Load Member

    643
    995
    Sep 14, 2023
    0
    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
    #3
    DannyB and hope not dumb twucker Thank this.
  5. Mar 5, 2026 #4
    Long FLD

    Long FLD Road Train Member

    12,927
    54,247
    Mar 4, 2015
    0
    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
    #4
    cke, gentleroger and FullMetalJacket Thank this.
  7. Mar 5, 2026 #5
    KDHCryo

    KDHCryo Medium Load Member

    643
    995
    Sep 14, 2023
    0
    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
    #5
    hope not dumb twucker Thanks this.
  8. Mar 6, 2026 #6
    Ridgeline

    Ridgeline Road Train Member

    22,744
    123,734
    Dec 18, 2011
    Michigan
    0
    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
    #6
    KDHCryo, Lonesome, hope not dumb twucker and 1 other person Thank this.
  9. Mar 7, 2026 #7
    Brandonpdx

    Brandonpdx Road Train Member

    4,716
    4,846
    Dec 27, 2007
    Elkhart, IN
    0
    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
    #7
    KDHCryo Thanks this.
  10. Mar 8, 2026 #8
    GreenPete359

    GreenPete359 Road Train Member

    2,257
    5,436
    Oct 21, 2017
    Driving my recliner
    0
    Take 30. You’ll enjoy the ride
     
    GreenPete359, Mar 8, 2026
    GreenPete359, Mar 8, 2026
    #8
    DannyB Thanks this.
  • Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.