How to get out of Lewiston ID to North Carolina?

Hi,
I have a pickup in Lewiston going to North Carolina. Can I take 12 to get back to I-90 in Montana?
I also read that I need a permit to be on 95. Looking at the map, it seems like I will only be on 95 briefly until I get to 12, but I will be passing a port of entry.
Thanks.

 

You only need a permit for a 53 ft trailer going on Hwy 95 from Grangeville, ID to Council, ID. If you are going on Hwy 12, you leave Hwy 95 before the length-limited section requiring a permit. Do you have a motor carrier atlas? Mine doesn't show a truck restriction on Hwy 12 in ID, but my atlas is 2019. Google Maps or a car GPS will get you in trouble. That part of Idaho is AWFULLY hilly and curvy. I'd go North on Hwy 95 to I-90 and go east from there, or buy the permit and go south on Hwy 95 to I-80 and go east from there. Also, you must check road conditions to make sure there aren't any road closures for wildfires. That is a thing in Idaho this time of year.

You can sign up for a free 7 day trial subscription of Trucker Path app on your phone and it will give you truck routing. The free version of Trucker Path only gives you car routing using Google Maps. You only need either the Gold subscription free-trial or a one month subscription to get the truck routing from Trucker Path.

 

@Cattleman84 is your guy for this quandary

 

Thank you very much, that answers any questions I had. I think I'll go north to 90, the same way I came in. This is my first west coast trip after a few years in the east.

 

I-90 across ID is slow and curvy East of Coeur d'Alene. It's beautiful, if you like small towns and few people. I'd sell my left leg to live in Wallace, ID. I LOVE I-90

 

So getting out via I80 is less mountainous? I might go for the permit then. I checked the mileage and it's literally the exact same miles (2,553) either way to NC.

 

I-90 has some sections with 45 MPH and curves. It's got Lookout Pass. If you obey the speed limit on all the curves & grades, it is nothing but an arm workout. Maybe an hour of 45-55 mph.

If you go south on 95, and you have your permit, you go through Hell's Canyon which is a lot of curves for longer. Once you get on I-84 near ID/OR border you go through Boise, then eventually Salt Lake City. I think you came in on I-90. I would go back on I-90 you have fewer cities, less traffic, and it's better scenery. I don't know what your fuel stops are, on I-90 there are a few Pilots, Town pumps some of which are Pilot affiliated, and Loves here or there. Town Pumps have a lot of pre-packaged meals & sandwiches. Missoula area, MT has TA, Loves, Pilot

I haven't driven a 53ft & tractor through Hells Canyon, plenty of other drivers have. I-90 has fewer unknowns for me. I spent the last year & a half going up & down I-84 between WA/OR to SLC, so I stay off it in a tie situation. There is a really steep climb just east of SLC Parley Summit and more in WY. Plus whatever wind WY is giving away.

My vote is I-90, but the other option I-84/I-80 is reasonable and possible for any truck driver that can read a speed limit sign. You'll be fine either way. Montana I-90 is more beautiful than I-80 WY, easily.

 

Hwy 12 is good. Although it's just as fast to take 95 North to i90. Hwy 12 is a bit slow going with the curves

 

Do u have experience driving In mountains? That road is not for the faint of heart

 

Me personally I would run Hwy 12 to Hwy 93 in lolo MT, take that South to Idaho 28 east in salmon id to Hwy 33 east to sage junction, i15 down to i84 east in Utah and then pickup i80 east