High Wind - Park it or Run it when loaded?

I ran a lot to NE, CO, SD and ND during last few years. Generally 35mph with light loads becomes problematic and over 40mph with heavy loads.
Take that US35 and you will be fine

 

When I’m fighting a strong headwind and my fuel economy is showing 3mpg

Shutdown a few times on I-90 because of it. Luckily the appointments weren’t tight.

 

Usaully 40.If you notice the vans suddenly disappear from the highway you'll know they probably parked it.
I'll slow to 60 mph or even 55 if I get in some wind.On I 25 through Wyoming,they have the big signs working when it's windy.Sometimes it's better to go to manual if you have an automated and downshift to 11th to get through.

 

.....driving in the wind is like flying a kite or sailing a boat , you respect it ,don't be jerky, slow down in cross wind and watch what the trees and bushes and any flags are doing . if your driving north and the wind is blowing east ,then its a cross wind , if a flag or all the leaves are strait out the its blowing fairly good -25 or better, then slow down a bit - i usually back off 7-10 from speed limit and go from there. of course if its a phoenix dust storm or tornado or hurricane ,then either stop and wait it out or get out of the area if you can

 

you'll be fine running those roads, there isn't a lot of large open areas for the wind to get too bad like out in Wyoming.

I ran those roads for yrs and never really worried about the wind.

there will be storms maybe, there is a storm front moving in, with rain

 

Some believe they can handle any wind if they're fast enough. I spent enough time in Windoming and the north central states to know better. Here's the rules I go by

 

I'm usually pulling over when the gusts blow me out of my lane or when the rain gets too thick for me to see at least two truck lengths down the road. But I'm in a tanker and usually around 77k, so vans and reefers should be even more cautious than I am.

 

Oldie, but.......

I know I have a problem when I realize that I have to turn my head sideways to read the road sign up ahead.

 

Good suggestions here. I ran a dedicated account out of Cheyenne for two years, almost always empty on the way back to the yard. Because of that, I know what I can and cannot tolerate. I pushed it too close a couple of times and honestly I was just lucky that I didn't wreck or blow over those times. I'm quicker to park it now.

It helps to put your tandems back as far as you can because it reduces the angular force. With 43k you should be OK with 35 mph gusts. It gets dicey around 50-55 mph gusts, and that is if you have experience in wind. Add wet or snowy or icy roads and it's a definite no go. But it really is up to you and your comfort level. There's no shame in parking it and sending a message to dispatch to let them know why. There are a few good weather apps for wind. Screenshot those when you park just in case someone wants to challenge your decision.