Running produce to Alaska

I am feeling better and my stress level has been greatly reduced after passing my new entrant audit today. I had the Washington State DOT compliance officer at my house this afternoon. Got some great advice and a nice book to help with compliance as well. I had another Level 1 inspection in Alaska and that helped too.

It's always funny to hear guys talking about "Skinny Dick's" on the radio. That grade can get ugly in the winter time for sure.

@ Fireba11 How do you like the valley past the glacier into Chickaloon? It is a fun drive until you go over the edge and have about a 1000' drop before you hit the bottom.

 

I only ran that 389 for about 100,000mls and I did not have any problems with the engine or emission system, but from what I have heard they been having lots of problems with them lately. Most has been covered under the warranty for the emission systems.
I only have about 60,000mls on my Western Star and so far so good. The fuel economy seems to be about the same. Pulling power and Jake brake are pretty equal as well. I am about 3000lbs heavier on average since I run a tridem now compared to the tandem trailers at Fairchild. Fuel economy will always be terrible while going to Alaska. The roads are rough since most of it is chip sealed. I run 90% of my trips on windy two lane roads with lots of hills. I have managed 5.62mpg for the second quarter and most people are really exited when they see those numbers. As an example on my last round trip I left the DC at 90,140lbs on got 5.22mpg going to Alaska. The return trip was a light load of fish and I averaged 5.74mpg at about 70,000lbs, but I was short on time and ran a lot harder. I usually try to keep boost around or under 20psi when pulling hills. My average speed over the trip was about 4mph higher than usual and that cost money too, but with good paying return freight I don't mind to spent a bit more on fuel either.