"Ice Road Truckers" on the History Channel

**chefcraig** · 06.20.07, 09:24 AM

Anyone else watch this show? It premiered last Sunday evening at 10:00PM(EST) with a repeat Tuesday night at 10:00PM.

The show is based upon the daring souls that travel across Canada delivering via eighteen wheelers much needed supplies to various mines. The mines are inaccessable, barring a few months per year when roads are "created", mostly over large lakes. The danger of this is readily apparent with a mere viewing of the show. These guys have balls the size of locomotives.

The "frozen highway" was originally featured in a special on one of the documentary channels. It truly is compelling viewing, highly reccommended.

Here's a link about the show: http://www.history.com/minisites/iceroadtruckers

**SuckaInA3Piece** · 06.20.07, 10:18 AM

That's just insane! I've got to see this show.

**smithjc** · 06.20.07, 10:21 AM

Can't believe I missed this one. Thanks for the clue, I'm gonna have to check it out.

**ZeoBandit** · 06.20.07, 10:57 AM

I missed this. It sounds like it is definitely worth checking out!!!

**seenbad** · 06.20.07, 12:15 PM

Wow,that show looks really good. Same vein as deadliest catch. I'd like to check it. Thanks Chef.

**edwardv** · 06.20.07, 03:13 PM

Its not bad...gives a whole new meaning to white knuckled driving! I dont know how they stay on the road at night in a white out?

**OLO** · 06.20.07, 08:30 PM

I saw this show on Sunday. I must say that I was very impressed with these guys. The thought of driving a 18 wheeler fully loaded over a frozen lake scares the shit out of me.

**muffdiver** · 06.20.07, 08:36 PM

Doesn't everyone do this...

**muffdiver** · 06.20.07, 08:49 PM

oops....

**Yesterdays** · 06.20.07, 11:19 PM

I can't even walk across a frozen puddle.

**JasonG5150** · 06.21.07, 12:18 PM

i saw the commerical for it watchin star wars tech, which is amazing!!!

**chefcraig** · 06.21.07, 01:10 PM

Originally Posted by OLO

...The thought of driving a 18 wheeler fully loaded over a frozen lake scares the shit out of me.

Actually, the truckers have it easy compared to the poor bastards that actually create the roads with snowplows. There literally is no warning. Recently a snowplow broke through the ice and plunged some 200 feet to the bottom of a lake, instantly. The driver didn't have a chance, in fact the ice reformed within a matter of minutes, making any hope of rescue impossible.

The trucks are kept to very strict speed limits, as a pressure "wave" can build up as the truck goes over the ice. It surges ahead with such force that it shatters the ice, sending the truck to the bottom.

The drivers can earn a year's salary within two months, such is the hazard pay.

**RRMB** · 06.21.07, 02:52 PM

I was talking to a guy that drives for my company. He interviewed with a company that drives these routes in the winter. They can make anywhere from 30-60k in 2 months. It's the only time of year they can do it. The various companies take over 10,000 loads out there in two months. A normal company of 100-120 trucks can take the same amount in 6-9 months time, depending on distance.

The other fact is that, even though fully "loaded", the loads don't average more than about 25,000 pounds. Otherwise the 20-26" of ice would break under the pressure.

Driving on regular snow and ice with 40-45k in the box is harried enough. So, I'll stay where I am and choose to NOT go for a cold dip anytime soon.

**muffdiver** · 06.24.07, 06:55 PM

I went and d-loaded the first episode ...Awesome.
The guide up here doesn't show it though, thought it was on Sundays at 10?

Anyways, RRMB ,the one guy Jay had a 33,000 lb. load in the first episode,and it was some big round tub thing....just huge ,looked like he could tip....