Best Way To Chicago From Fresno, California, California

Good morning drivers. I’m in Fresno California at the moment picking up a load orange is going to Chicago never done this route so I just trying to find the best easiest way to say some fuel in my way there should I take the 59 to 40 or should I just go the I 15 north to the 70 please let me know. Thank you so much.

Depends on how heavy you are. Most direct is 58 to 15 to 70 to 76 to 80. But that puts you over capital reef, vail and Eisenhower. You can go 99 to 80 at sac, but that gives you donner, which is not as much fuel consumption as 70 in Colorado, but probably more miles over all.

Basically it's going to be a wash. 70 in Colorado is beautiful this time of year. I'll take that over suffering though Wyoming on 80 any day.

How long have you been driving, Cesar? Does your company provide a GPS? I'm sure they're GPS is set to provide the most economical route.

Only do one mountain range. From Fresberg, south to Bako, over Tehachape across to Barstow then 15 through St George & SLC and then east on 80 to Chi town.

From Fresno I’d just take 99 north to sac and 80 east. Donner is not all that bad. My wife did loaded tankers over it.

I ran that route regularly after dropping my container at the Port of Oakland.

From Fresno it is shorter by 80 miles going south to Bakersfield getting on 58 to Barstow. There, pick up 15 to 70 in UT. Go across Utah and Colorado to the Denver area. Get on 76, which will take you up to Big Springs NE, on 80. Time-wise it is as long as the extra 80 mi going across Donner. It depends on if your company wants you do the shorter miles or the faster time.

It's a good time of the year to go the above route. I've done it in winter but I don't like chaining up. Also, as of September 1st, you are required to carry chains in Colorado and going over Donner. Six is the minimum you have to carry. Colorado will probably have overhead signs with the new areas that they are requiring chains on. Just pay attention and have them on your rack or the side box.

Have a safe trip

I’m planning a road trip from Fresno, California, to Chicago and was wondering what the best route would be. I’m looking for a balance between scenic views and travel time. Any tips on must-see stops or things to avoid along the way? Thanks in advance!

Well, James, I'm afraid you may have come to the wrong place. Trucking Truth focuses on Over The Road truck driving, and 99.9% of the drivers look for the quickest way because that's how they get payed.

If you're looking from scenery out of Fresno, you can't beat Cal 120 over Tioga Pass in Yosemite. But the quickest route, as noted here, is down to Bakersfield, east on 58 and in Barstow meet up with I-15 to SLC. The 15 route through the Virgin River Gorge is worth the trip on is own.