1 00:00:02,300 --> 00:00:03,567 [music playing] 2 00:00:03,667 --> 00:00:07,700 NARRATOR: On this episode of "Ice Road Truckers." 3 00:00:07,800 --> 00:00:09,500 Another tanker hits the ditch. 4 00:00:09,600 --> 00:00:11,367 Once you get them tires in that loose snow, 5 00:00:11,467 --> 00:00:13,900 you're not going to bring it out. 6 00:00:14,000 --> 00:00:15,333 [honking] 7 00:00:16,367 --> 00:00:18,067 NARRATOR: Alex on slick ice. 8 00:00:18,167 --> 00:00:20,133 Don't [bleep] stop. 9 00:00:20,233 --> 00:00:20,933 Sheesh. 10 00:00:23,733 --> 00:00:26,367 NARRATOR: And Hugh in custody. 11 00:00:26,467 --> 00:00:28,033 Why don't we go ahead and come inside? 12 00:00:28,133 --> 00:00:29,533 Grab the registration for the truck. 13 00:00:29,633 --> 00:00:31,300 Grab the registration for the trailer. 14 00:00:31,400 --> 00:00:35,333 Ah, the coppers-- they'll never take me alive. 15 00:00:35,433 --> 00:00:38,600 NARRATOR: At the top of the world-- 16 00:00:38,700 --> 00:00:39,800 [beeping] 17 00:00:39,900 --> 00:00:40,833 [honking] 18 00:00:40,933 --> 00:00:43,267 --there's a job only a few would dare. 19 00:00:46,400 --> 00:00:49,067 Just when you thought extreme trucking couldn't 20 00:00:49,200 --> 00:00:54,300 get more dangerous, "Ice Road Truckers" take on Alaska. 21 00:01:02,200 --> 00:01:05,600 [theme music] 22 00:01:37,233 --> 00:01:41,400 70 miles from Fairbanks, veteran George Spears and rookie Tim 23 00:01:41,500 --> 00:01:44,967 Freeman are caught in one of the worst blows of the season. 24 00:01:48,200 --> 00:01:49,700 Just horrendous storms. 25 00:01:52,233 --> 00:01:52,933 Holy cow. 26 00:02:05,233 --> 00:02:06,533 GEORGE SPEARS: Aw, man. 27 00:02:06,633 --> 00:02:08,967 What a nightmare. 28 00:02:09,067 --> 00:02:12,167 NARRATOR: They're southbound, hoping to reach the safety 29 00:02:12,300 --> 00:02:13,333 of Fairbanks tonight. 30 00:02:31,067 --> 00:02:33,767 This is only Tim's sixth trip on the Dalton, 31 00:02:33,867 --> 00:02:37,300 and already the rookie is caught in his third brutal storm. 32 00:02:41,200 --> 00:02:44,200 To make it through these blinding conditions 33 00:02:44,300 --> 00:02:46,867 he'll have to rely on his lifeline and mentor. 34 00:02:53,100 --> 00:02:55,100 --that's when you have to really know where 35 00:02:55,200 --> 00:02:57,333 the road's at. 36 00:02:57,433 --> 00:02:59,533 Makes a big difference if you know what kind of hill 37 00:02:59,633 --> 00:03:00,333 is coming up. 38 00:03:27,267 --> 00:03:32,567 NARRATOR: They have no choice but to forge ahead. 39 00:03:32,667 --> 00:03:36,800 Blowing snow in a storm this bad can clog a truck's air filter 40 00:03:36,900 --> 00:03:39,633 and shut down the engine, leaving them stranded 41 00:03:39,733 --> 00:03:43,600 on the road with no heat. 42 00:03:43,700 --> 00:03:46,200 They now have just 40 miles to go. 43 00:04:01,133 --> 00:04:03,300 GEORGE SPEARS: Hopefully we got through a big part of it 44 00:04:03,400 --> 00:04:06,700 already, and it won't be so bad for a ways. 45 00:04:06,800 --> 00:04:09,800 Tim couldn't have picked a worse season to start out in. 46 00:04:09,933 --> 00:04:11,633 And if you can get through this stuff here, 47 00:04:11,733 --> 00:04:13,067 then you can get through anything. 48 00:04:13,133 --> 00:04:15,667 You know, it's a tough time to start out, 49 00:04:15,767 --> 00:04:18,667 but you will certainly learn that way. 50 00:04:22,967 --> 00:04:25,600 NARRATOR: Finally, after four grueling hours-- 51 00:04:29,600 --> 00:04:31,700 --they reached the outskirts of Fairbanks. 52 00:04:51,433 --> 00:04:52,733 All right. 53 00:04:52,833 --> 00:04:56,400 We got to where we gotta go, and nobody got hurt. 54 00:04:56,500 --> 00:04:57,533 It worked out great. 55 00:04:57,633 --> 00:04:59,467 [yawns] 56 00:05:02,800 --> 00:05:04,767 [horn honking] 57 00:05:06,133 --> 00:05:08,933 NARRATOR: Nine weeks into a winter of fierce storms 58 00:05:09,067 --> 00:05:13,567 and arctic blows, time is running out for Alaska's ice 59 00:05:13,667 --> 00:05:15,567 road season. 60 00:05:15,667 --> 00:05:17,933 Probably 3, 3 and 1/2, 4 weeks before the ice road 61 00:05:18,067 --> 00:05:18,767 closes this year. 62 00:05:18,867 --> 00:05:21,133 So kind of making a final push. 63 00:05:21,233 --> 00:05:23,500 NARRATOR: Major weather delays have put everyone 64 00:05:23,600 --> 00:05:26,633 behind schedule and cost truckers thousands 65 00:05:26,733 --> 00:05:27,933 of dollars in lost loads. 66 00:05:31,800 --> 00:05:34,767 Finally, today, there's a break in the weather, 67 00:05:34,867 --> 00:05:37,333 and the race is on to rack up the runs 68 00:05:37,433 --> 00:05:39,067 before the ice roads melt away. 69 00:05:42,167 --> 00:05:45,367 Halfway between Deadhorse and Coldfoot-- 70 00:05:45,467 --> 00:05:47,300 [horn blares] 71 00:05:48,833 --> 00:05:51,433 --Hugh Rowland and convoy partner Phil Krom 72 00:05:51,533 --> 00:05:53,833 are back hauling to Fairbanks. 73 00:05:53,933 --> 00:05:57,833 I'm hauling a Sea-Can. 74 00:05:57,933 --> 00:06:01,100 I got about 50,000 on. 75 00:06:01,200 --> 00:06:02,600 Sun's been out. 76 00:06:02,700 --> 00:06:04,967 We're just about to the Pass. 77 00:06:05,067 --> 00:06:08,467 Nary a problem today. 78 00:06:08,567 --> 00:06:10,867 [horn honks] 79 00:06:10,967 --> 00:06:14,067 NARRATOR: So far Hugh's maintaining his lead 80 00:06:14,100 --> 00:06:17,933 against rival Alex Debogorski in the dash for the cash. 81 00:06:18,067 --> 00:06:19,767 He's on his eighth load of this season. 82 00:06:19,867 --> 00:06:23,433 But Alex is right on his tail with load number seven. 83 00:06:23,533 --> 00:06:25,500 So I'm catching up to you. 84 00:06:25,600 --> 00:06:26,533 Are you concerned? 85 00:06:26,633 --> 00:06:27,533 Not a bit. 86 00:06:27,633 --> 00:06:30,633 [laughter] 87 00:06:30,733 --> 00:06:32,133 It depends if I crash or not. 88 00:06:32,233 --> 00:06:33,567 If I crash, he'll probably beat me. 89 00:06:33,667 --> 00:06:35,567 If he crashes, I know I got him. 90 00:06:38,500 --> 00:06:42,167 NARRATOR: But on this trip, Hugh and Alex aren't the only rivals 91 00:06:42,267 --> 00:06:44,067 on the road. 92 00:06:44,133 --> 00:06:46,600 Phil is battling it out over the radio 93 00:06:46,700 --> 00:06:48,667 with his arch competitor, Drew Watson. 94 00:07:06,133 --> 00:07:08,700 They're arguing about who's ahead. 95 00:07:08,800 --> 00:07:12,933 Drew can't understand that we're ahead of him by 500 miles. 96 00:07:13,067 --> 00:07:14,167 [laughs] 97 00:07:20,500 --> 00:07:21,867 1,250. 98 00:07:21,967 --> 00:07:23,167 DREW (ON RADIO): 1,250. 99 00:07:23,267 --> 00:07:24,267 1,350. - 1,500. 100 00:07:24,367 --> 00:07:25,667 DREW (ON RADIO): 500 miles in front of me. 101 00:07:25,767 --> 00:07:26,467 [inaudible] 102 00:07:26,567 --> 00:07:27,633 1,750. 103 00:07:27,733 --> 00:07:29,067 PHIL (ON RADIO): I don't think so. 104 00:07:29,133 --> 00:07:29,967 2,000. 105 00:07:46,833 --> 00:07:48,667 [laughing] 106 00:07:53,133 --> 00:07:58,767 NARRATOR: Next up in the Carlile Yard is Jack Jesse. 107 00:07:58,867 --> 00:08:01,733 He's managed to pull an impressive 15 loads 108 00:08:01,833 --> 00:08:03,100 through this season's setbacks. 109 00:08:08,433 --> 00:08:10,900 And today, he's on special assignment hauling 110 00:08:11,067 --> 00:08:14,067 10,000 gallons of diesel fuel. 111 00:08:14,133 --> 00:08:16,067 We got three different compartments. 112 00:08:16,100 --> 00:08:17,933 45 in the front compartment. 113 00:08:18,067 --> 00:08:19,567 24 in the middle compartment. 114 00:08:19,667 --> 00:08:23,967 3,600 gallons in the tail compartment. 115 00:08:24,067 --> 00:08:25,933 Very cold. 116 00:08:26,067 --> 00:08:27,333 JACK JESSE: All right? 117 00:08:27,433 --> 00:08:32,633 NARRATOR: Jack will convoy with the upstart Lisa Kelly. 118 00:08:32,733 --> 00:08:35,533 The sun is shining, but that's deceiving. 119 00:08:35,633 --> 00:08:38,067 It is not warm. 120 00:08:38,133 --> 00:08:40,667 It's just bright and cold now. 121 00:08:40,767 --> 00:08:44,433 [laughs] OK, I can't feel my legs anymore. 122 00:08:44,533 --> 00:08:47,567 I'm going to get in the truck. 123 00:08:47,667 --> 00:08:50,067 NARRATOR: Lisa's hauled 10 loads this season. 124 00:08:50,100 --> 00:08:52,600 But if she's to make it into heavy haul, 125 00:08:52,700 --> 00:08:55,800 she still has a lot to learn, and there's no better mentor 126 00:08:55,900 --> 00:08:56,600 than Jack. 127 00:08:56,700 --> 00:08:57,567 [horn honks] 128 00:08:57,667 --> 00:08:59,067 LISA KELLY (ON RADIO): All righty, 129 00:08:59,167 --> 00:09:00,267 let's get this party started. 130 00:09:06,500 --> 00:09:07,200 Well, hey. 131 00:09:11,433 --> 00:09:14,633 Off the Elliott onto the Dalton. 132 00:09:14,733 --> 00:09:16,467 414 more miles to go. 133 00:09:21,433 --> 00:09:23,100 NARRATOR: 70 miles from Fairbanks 134 00:09:23,200 --> 00:09:27,633 they hit the TAPS, 56 miles of icy hills and sharp turns. 135 00:09:31,067 --> 00:09:34,167 These steep grades have given Lisa plenty of trouble 136 00:09:34,267 --> 00:09:35,667 throughout the season. 137 00:09:35,767 --> 00:09:37,633 Oh, this is kinda slick. 138 00:09:37,733 --> 00:09:39,100 Where's the traction? 139 00:09:39,200 --> 00:09:40,067 Holy crap. 140 00:09:40,167 --> 00:09:41,067 I'm spinning. 141 00:09:45,900 --> 00:09:48,200 Well, that's actually the hardest gear to hit, going 142 00:09:48,300 --> 00:09:49,567 from fifth back to fourth. 143 00:09:49,667 --> 00:09:54,833 Just take your time and wait on it, and it'll fall right in. 144 00:09:54,933 --> 00:09:56,633 Not the way I do it. 145 00:09:56,733 --> 00:10:00,867 [laughs] I like riding with Jack, because for one 146 00:10:01,000 --> 00:10:03,633 he's really patient and doesn't act like I'm an inconvenience. 147 00:10:03,733 --> 00:10:06,133 And two is he just teaches me all kinds of stuff 148 00:10:06,233 --> 00:10:08,800 that I want to know. 149 00:10:08,900 --> 00:10:12,800 NARRATOR: She's spun out so many times downshifting on hills 150 00:10:12,900 --> 00:10:16,367 that Jack tries teaching her a new method. 151 00:10:16,467 --> 00:10:17,300 OK. 152 00:10:17,400 --> 00:10:18,233 Take fifth over. 153 00:10:18,333 --> 00:10:19,967 Drag it down to about 1,400 RPMs. 154 00:10:38,967 --> 00:10:40,300 I'm scared. 155 00:10:40,400 --> 00:10:42,267 NARRATOR: If Lisa misses the shift, 156 00:10:42,367 --> 00:10:45,933 she could stall out and slide all the way to the bottom. 157 00:10:46,033 --> 00:10:46,900 I'm going to try it. 158 00:10:49,967 --> 00:10:50,867 It's at 14. 159 00:10:50,967 --> 00:10:51,867 I got to go to 17. 160 00:10:57,367 --> 00:10:59,433 NARRATOR: Lisa downshifts to fourth, 161 00:10:59,533 --> 00:11:01,833 but the gear doesn't lock in. 162 00:11:01,933 --> 00:11:02,733 Holy crap. 163 00:11:07,333 --> 00:11:10,800 NARRATOR: On the steep and icy terrain of the TAPS, 164 00:11:10,900 --> 00:11:14,067 Lisa Kelly is getting schooled by Jack Jesse on how 165 00:11:14,167 --> 00:11:16,367 to climb the vertical hills without stalling out. 166 00:11:16,467 --> 00:11:18,133 JACK JESSE (ON RADIO): Just take your time, 167 00:11:18,233 --> 00:11:20,467 and it'll fall right in. 168 00:11:20,567 --> 00:11:23,267 NARRATOR: But while down shifting from fifth the fourth, 169 00:11:23,400 --> 00:11:26,200 she's found herself free-wheeling in neutral. 170 00:11:26,300 --> 00:11:27,067 Holy crap. 171 00:11:32,767 --> 00:11:33,467 Ah! 172 00:11:44,533 --> 00:11:49,733 NARRATOR: Lisa continues to rev the engine until finally she 173 00:11:49,833 --> 00:11:51,967 drops into fourth. 174 00:11:52,067 --> 00:11:53,467 [sigh] 175 00:11:56,533 --> 00:11:58,900 Oh, I just did the shift, and I waited a second 176 00:11:59,067 --> 00:11:59,867 and I revved it up. 177 00:12:00,067 --> 00:12:01,200 And it kinda grinded a little bit. 178 00:12:01,300 --> 00:12:05,367 And then I just fell right down into the gear. 179 00:12:05,467 --> 00:12:06,700 Oh yeah. 180 00:12:06,800 --> 00:12:08,700 I am going to have to start practicing that everywhere. 181 00:12:08,800 --> 00:12:09,733 That's awesome. 182 00:12:12,767 --> 00:12:14,667 I wish I could run with him more. 183 00:12:14,767 --> 00:12:15,633 I really do. 184 00:12:21,833 --> 00:12:22,967 NARRATOR: Back in Fairbanks-- 185 00:12:23,067 --> 00:12:24,900 You want me to run it for a little bit first? 186 00:12:25,067 --> 00:12:25,933 Huh? 187 00:12:26,067 --> 00:12:27,367 Make sure you ain't got no more leaks. 188 00:12:27,467 --> 00:12:30,067 NARRATOR: After taking a beating in last night's storm, 189 00:12:30,133 --> 00:12:33,067 George's truck is in the shop with an oil leak. 190 00:12:33,167 --> 00:12:35,067 And these things they get sprayed by the rocks 191 00:12:35,167 --> 00:12:38,067 by the steer axle, grit and grime off the road. 192 00:12:38,100 --> 00:12:39,733 Eventually it just takes a toll on it. 193 00:12:39,833 --> 00:12:40,933 It started leaking. 194 00:12:41,067 --> 00:12:42,600 We just had to change them now before it gives him 195 00:12:42,700 --> 00:12:44,067 a big problem on the road. 196 00:12:44,133 --> 00:12:46,667 Fire it up, Georgie. 197 00:12:46,767 --> 00:12:48,700 Somebody's got to take care of good ole Georgie. 198 00:12:48,800 --> 00:12:50,067 Always got to take care of you. 199 00:12:50,167 --> 00:12:51,600 GEORGE SPEARS: That's right. 200 00:12:51,700 --> 00:12:54,333 NARRATOR: Out in the yard, Tim is picking up 201 00:12:54,433 --> 00:12:56,467 his sixth load of the season. 202 00:12:56,567 --> 00:12:58,367 Just hooked up to my load here in Fairbanks. 203 00:12:58,467 --> 00:13:01,233 I got on about five or six fiber optic reels 204 00:13:01,333 --> 00:13:04,467 to go up to Prudhoe. 205 00:13:04,600 --> 00:13:08,167 NARRATOR: He and George have high hopes for making good time 206 00:13:08,267 --> 00:13:09,867 in today's weather. 207 00:13:09,967 --> 00:13:12,933 And George has decided that the clear skies are 208 00:13:13,067 --> 00:13:17,200 just right for preparing the rookie to go solo. 209 00:13:17,300 --> 00:13:19,767 GEORGE SPEARS: Well, Tim, I want you to go out front. 210 00:13:19,867 --> 00:13:22,133 You know, you're getting ready to go on your own anyway, 211 00:13:22,233 --> 00:13:23,767 so you go out front. 212 00:13:23,867 --> 00:13:25,233 You got a lighter load. 213 00:13:25,333 --> 00:13:28,067 Let me know what's coming, and make it easier for both of us. 214 00:13:28,133 --> 00:13:28,833 We'll do it. 215 00:13:28,933 --> 00:13:29,767 All right. 216 00:13:29,867 --> 00:13:31,267 Are you sure you can keep up? 217 00:13:31,367 --> 00:13:32,367 I don't know. 218 00:13:32,467 --> 00:13:34,500 I hope [inaudible]. 219 00:13:34,600 --> 00:13:36,500 [horn honks] 220 00:13:37,633 --> 00:13:38,833 TIM FREEMAN: I better do a good job. 221 00:13:38,933 --> 00:13:40,500 George told me out front. 222 00:13:40,600 --> 00:13:42,667 Otherwise, they're going to can me. 223 00:13:42,767 --> 00:13:44,933 They're just going to fire me. 224 00:13:45,067 --> 00:13:48,133 NARRATOR: Tim has to start making some cash. 225 00:13:48,233 --> 00:13:51,333 To get to Alaska, he borrowed money from a bank 226 00:13:51,433 --> 00:13:54,533 back in Minnesota, but with so many setbacks 227 00:13:54,667 --> 00:13:57,067 this season he's barely breaking even. 228 00:14:02,767 --> 00:14:05,067 And just as they reached the ice road, 229 00:14:05,100 --> 00:14:08,400 Tim notices another problem with his truck. 230 00:14:08,500 --> 00:14:10,800 TIM FREEMAN: I see I got a marker light that isn't working 231 00:14:10,933 --> 00:14:15,100 on my trailer that was working when I left town. 232 00:14:15,200 --> 00:14:16,467 I don't know. 233 00:14:16,567 --> 00:14:18,433 I'll stop and check my rear light [inaudible] and see what 234 00:14:18,533 --> 00:14:19,500 all's working, what isn't. 235 00:14:24,367 --> 00:14:27,700 I ain't got no tail lights or marker lights. 236 00:14:27,800 --> 00:14:30,467 It's perfect. 237 00:14:30,567 --> 00:14:34,067 NARRATOR: It's illegal to drive without tail lights. 238 00:14:34,167 --> 00:14:36,333 And when night falls, Tim's truck 239 00:14:36,433 --> 00:14:38,567 will be invisible on the ice road 240 00:14:38,667 --> 00:14:43,167 and could easily be rear-ended. 241 00:14:43,267 --> 00:14:45,167 It's just a simple tail light. 242 00:14:45,267 --> 00:14:47,433 But if Tim can't fix it on the road, 243 00:14:47,533 --> 00:14:53,633 he'll have to turn back and lose $1,300 for the wasted trip. 244 00:14:53,733 --> 00:14:55,867 George, you on here? 245 00:14:55,967 --> 00:14:57,667 GEORGE SPEARS (ON RADIO): Yeah, Tim. 246 00:14:57,767 --> 00:14:59,467 TIM FREEMAN: I can't get these to work. 247 00:14:59,567 --> 00:15:00,867 [radio chatter] 248 00:15:03,733 --> 00:15:04,933 NARRATOR: Up in Coldfoot-- 249 00:15:05,067 --> 00:15:06,967 I had to reset my hours. 250 00:15:07,067 --> 00:15:08,767 Hey, I don't give a rat's [bleep].. 251 00:15:08,867 --> 00:15:11,667 NARRATOR: Phil is ready to settle his bet with rival Drew 252 00:15:11,767 --> 00:15:13,133 Watson. 253 00:15:13,233 --> 00:15:14,833 In completed trips, or-- 254 00:15:14,933 --> 00:15:15,800 Completed trips. 255 00:15:15,900 --> 00:15:16,600 OK. 256 00:15:16,700 --> 00:15:18,067 So you started on the 31st. 257 00:15:18,167 --> 00:15:19,267 Yep. 258 00:15:19,367 --> 00:15:21,067 So did I. There's one. 259 00:15:21,133 --> 00:15:24,300 They can show their each logbook and see 260 00:15:24,400 --> 00:15:27,600 who wins the argument, because I know I'm right. 261 00:15:27,700 --> 00:15:30,067 [laughs] 262 00:15:30,100 --> 00:15:33,700 NARRATOR: Logbooks are official records of a driver's time 263 00:15:33,800 --> 00:15:35,133 spent on the road. 264 00:15:35,233 --> 00:15:37,600 You got back on the 11th. 265 00:15:37,700 --> 00:15:38,633 So there's four. OK. 266 00:15:38,733 --> 00:15:39,633 All right. Four. 267 00:15:39,733 --> 00:15:42,833 And 2 and 1/2 this week. 268 00:15:42,933 --> 00:15:44,333 So that's 6 and 1/2. 269 00:15:44,433 --> 00:15:45,167 6 and 1/2 trips. 270 00:15:45,267 --> 00:15:45,967 OK. 271 00:15:46,067 --> 00:15:50,067 There's 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. 272 00:15:50,133 --> 00:15:50,833 Mhm. 273 00:15:50,967 --> 00:15:52,533 To Prudhoe Bay. 274 00:15:52,633 --> 00:15:53,333 Six to Prudhoe Bay. 275 00:15:53,433 --> 00:15:55,367 You're on your sixth trip. 276 00:15:55,467 --> 00:15:56,733 You got me beat by half a trip. 277 00:15:56,833 --> 00:15:57,533 I told you. 278 00:15:57,633 --> 00:16:00,500 [laughs] I told you. 279 00:16:00,600 --> 00:16:01,567 That's what we counted. 280 00:16:01,667 --> 00:16:02,667 Get off my truck. 281 00:16:02,700 --> 00:16:04,133 So I'm half a trip ahead all month long. 282 00:16:04,233 --> 00:16:04,933 Get off my truck. 283 00:16:05,067 --> 00:16:08,367 You know I am. 284 00:16:08,467 --> 00:16:11,267 Where's my 20 bucks? 285 00:16:11,367 --> 00:16:14,533 [laughing] 286 00:16:14,633 --> 00:16:19,067 NARRATOR: 100 miles south, Lisa is still blazing a trail 287 00:16:19,133 --> 00:16:20,333 with the master. - No. 288 00:16:20,433 --> 00:16:22,533 You're going to [inaudible] it this time, aren't you? 289 00:16:22,633 --> 00:16:24,233 You shouldn't have any problems. - OK. 290 00:16:24,367 --> 00:16:25,533 Yeah. 291 00:16:25,633 --> 00:16:27,967 NARRATOR: When Jack spots trouble with her trailer. 292 00:16:35,300 --> 00:16:36,567 Yeah. 293 00:16:36,667 --> 00:16:40,633 My lights are on, and my tail lights are very, very, very 294 00:16:40,733 --> 00:16:41,467 dim. 295 00:16:47,233 --> 00:16:50,433 NARRATOR: If Lisa can't get her tail lights working, 296 00:16:50,533 --> 00:16:52,133 this will be the end of the trip. 297 00:17:03,733 --> 00:17:04,833 Whoa. 298 00:17:04,933 --> 00:17:05,967 That's why it doesn't work. 299 00:17:06,067 --> 00:17:07,600 It's broke off. 300 00:17:07,700 --> 00:17:10,533 My ground, and I can't get in there. 301 00:17:10,633 --> 00:17:12,867 What's going on here? 302 00:17:12,967 --> 00:17:14,067 Piece of broken crap. 303 00:17:17,067 --> 00:17:18,367 The reason that it's shorting out 304 00:17:18,467 --> 00:17:19,767 is because the ground is broke. 305 00:17:19,867 --> 00:17:21,467 You took the cord and labeled the cord? 306 00:17:21,567 --> 00:17:22,333 No. 307 00:17:22,433 --> 00:17:23,567 No. 308 00:17:23,667 --> 00:17:25,700 And you say the lights came on when you wiggled it? 309 00:17:25,800 --> 00:17:26,700 I didn't, but I could. 310 00:17:26,800 --> 00:17:28,200 Like if you were to take a bungee, 311 00:17:28,300 --> 00:17:30,367 you know, and you hook on it, pull it one direction, 312 00:17:30,467 --> 00:17:32,067 sometimes it holds them on. - Oh yeah. 313 00:17:32,100 --> 00:17:32,967 OK. I'll try that. 314 00:17:40,467 --> 00:17:42,233 Jack said use this bungee cord, but the thing 315 00:17:42,333 --> 00:17:43,267 is I already knew that. 316 00:17:43,367 --> 00:17:44,800 But I didn't think of it, because I'm 317 00:17:44,900 --> 00:17:47,867 with such an intelligent guy that I just kind of naturally 318 00:17:48,067 --> 00:17:49,567 assumed he'd have the answer. 319 00:17:49,667 --> 00:17:52,133 And he did, and it's wonderful. 320 00:17:54,900 --> 00:17:55,600 OK. 321 00:17:55,700 --> 00:17:56,700 It's working right now. 322 00:18:01,633 --> 00:18:03,800 JACK JESSE: Go and hit your breaks and see if they work. 323 00:18:06,967 --> 00:18:07,700 Yeah. 324 00:18:07,800 --> 00:18:10,433 That bungee cord did it, huh? 325 00:18:10,533 --> 00:18:12,133 LISA KELLY (ON RADIO): Is it clear to go? 326 00:18:12,233 --> 00:18:15,067 OK, Lisa, you want to go ahead here. 327 00:18:15,133 --> 00:18:18,733 NARRATOR: Lisa's quick fix has to last long enough to get her 328 00:18:18,833 --> 00:18:20,367 to the garage in Deadhorse. 329 00:18:24,500 --> 00:18:26,367 I won't be bringing the trailer back. 330 00:18:26,467 --> 00:18:28,367 But the next guy has to do that trick. 331 00:18:34,467 --> 00:18:38,533 NARRATOR: After making it only 30 miles north from Fairbanks, 332 00:18:38,667 --> 00:18:42,067 Tim Freeman is also hung up with a tail light problem 333 00:18:42,167 --> 00:18:44,800 and no quick fix seems to be helping. 334 00:18:44,900 --> 00:18:47,067 This is perfect. 335 00:18:47,100 --> 00:18:50,467 NARRATOR: Tim is striking out on the Dalton. 336 00:18:50,567 --> 00:18:52,800 Three out of six trips up this road 337 00:18:52,900 --> 00:18:55,867 have ended with mechanical trouble. 338 00:18:56,067 --> 00:19:00,067 On his very first run, Tim's truck wasn't shifting properly. 339 00:19:00,067 --> 00:19:00,767 This sucks. 340 00:19:00,867 --> 00:19:02,067 GEORGE SPEARS: I know it. 341 00:19:02,167 --> 00:19:05,100 NARRATOR: And he was forced to abandon his load. 342 00:19:05,200 --> 00:19:05,900 Yeah. 343 00:19:06,067 --> 00:19:06,833 I'm bummed about it. 344 00:19:06,933 --> 00:19:08,800 I'm finally up here and doing it. 345 00:19:08,900 --> 00:19:11,333 Now I have to go back to town. 346 00:19:11,467 --> 00:19:13,567 NARRATOR: Then on his third trip. 347 00:19:13,667 --> 00:19:16,533 [bleep] The tensioner pulley is junk. 348 00:19:16,633 --> 00:19:18,800 NARRATOR: The tensioner on his fan belt 349 00:19:18,900 --> 00:19:24,833 failed, leaving him stranded 130 miles from Fairbanks. 350 00:19:24,933 --> 00:19:29,233 Now on his sixth run, a simple tail light might once again 351 00:19:29,333 --> 00:19:32,500 put him out of the race. 352 00:19:32,600 --> 00:19:35,300 A lot of times these prongs get pushed together, 353 00:19:35,400 --> 00:19:36,667 and they won't make a connection. 354 00:19:36,767 --> 00:19:37,767 That could be our problem. 355 00:19:43,067 --> 00:19:46,400 What the [bleep]? 356 00:19:46,500 --> 00:19:47,967 NARRATOR: It's a no go. 357 00:19:48,067 --> 00:19:51,167 Tim has to get back to the safety of Fairbanks 358 00:19:51,267 --> 00:19:52,967 while there's still daylight. 359 00:19:53,067 --> 00:19:54,700 If there's a dead short in the trailer, 360 00:19:54,800 --> 00:19:56,767 it'll come back through that [inaudible] wire cord 361 00:19:56,867 --> 00:19:58,400 and affect the stuff in your truck too. 362 00:19:58,500 --> 00:20:02,967 Like now, my dash lights aren't working, interior dash lights. 363 00:20:03,067 --> 00:20:04,267 He can get as far as Hilltop. 364 00:20:04,367 --> 00:20:07,633 And then they come up there and fix it the morning. 365 00:20:07,733 --> 00:20:10,967 NARRATOR: George pushes ahead without him. 366 00:20:11,067 --> 00:20:12,967 TIM FREEMAN: It's really frustrating, especially 367 00:20:13,067 --> 00:20:15,333 when you're in the situation I'm in, where I need to make 368 00:20:15,433 --> 00:20:17,900 a little bit of money, pay back this loan I borrowed 369 00:20:18,033 --> 00:20:20,067 against the bank down in Minnesota to come up here. 370 00:20:28,800 --> 00:20:30,333 NARRATOR: At the Coldfoot rest stop 371 00:20:30,433 --> 00:20:34,133 halfway between Fairbanks and Prudhoe Bay-- 372 00:20:34,233 --> 00:20:36,367 ALEX DEBOGORSKI: Oh lord, lord. 373 00:20:36,467 --> 00:20:37,867 OK, OK. 374 00:20:37,967 --> 00:20:41,867 NARRATOR: Alex Debogorski has been stranded since yesterday 375 00:20:41,967 --> 00:20:46,667 when his trainer Ron Dubs was forced to return to Fairbanks. 376 00:20:46,767 --> 00:20:48,300 Just dropping it anyways. 377 00:20:48,400 --> 00:20:50,600 Just leave it for the next guy. 378 00:20:50,700 --> 00:20:53,367 NARRATOR: Fortunately, veteran George Spears 379 00:20:53,467 --> 00:20:56,600 arrived last night. 380 00:20:56,700 --> 00:21:01,967 And without Tim, he has room for a rookie in his convoy. 381 00:21:02,067 --> 00:21:03,667 George Spears, nice to meet you. 382 00:21:03,767 --> 00:21:05,567 Alex Debogorski, pleased to meet you too. 383 00:21:05,667 --> 00:21:07,467 One thing about me, I'm slow. 384 00:21:07,567 --> 00:21:09,533 I'm probably the slowest guy in the whole outfit. 385 00:21:09,633 --> 00:21:11,467 So you might as well plan on taking some time. 386 00:21:11,567 --> 00:21:12,633 So you're going to train-- 387 00:21:12,733 --> 00:21:14,067 finish training me at being slow. 388 00:21:14,100 --> 00:21:15,067 I'm slow too. 389 00:21:15,100 --> 00:21:16,067 GEORGE SPEARS: Well, OK. 390 00:21:20,833 --> 00:21:24,333 NARRATOR: Since Alex is running behind his rival Hugh 391 00:21:24,433 --> 00:21:28,633 in the load count, a slow driver is the last thing he needs. 392 00:21:28,733 --> 00:21:31,333 ALEX DEBOGORSKI: We're trying not to rush things. 393 00:21:31,433 --> 00:21:32,767 We're following George. 394 00:21:35,733 --> 00:21:37,600 George has a very small pulse I think. 395 00:21:37,700 --> 00:21:39,500 He takes it very easy. 396 00:21:39,600 --> 00:21:40,933 [chuckles] 397 00:21:41,067 --> 00:21:43,467 Alex, how's everything going back there? 398 00:21:43,567 --> 00:21:45,667 It's going just great. 399 00:21:45,767 --> 00:21:48,100 GEORGE SPEARS (ON RADIO): I usually kinda dry my brakes out 400 00:21:48,200 --> 00:21:51,233 here on the straightaway, so that we're 401 00:21:51,333 --> 00:21:53,833 a little aways from the shelf, and that way if we need them 402 00:21:53,933 --> 00:21:54,633 we got them. 403 00:22:00,667 --> 00:22:04,333 NARRATOR: Alex and George push north towards 4,700-foot Atigun 404 00:22:04,433 --> 00:22:05,133 Pass. 405 00:22:07,400 --> 00:22:09,200 GEORGE SPEARS: We're just here at the bottom. 406 00:22:09,300 --> 00:22:13,700 We're fixing to get out, put our chains on, and see if we can't 407 00:22:13,800 --> 00:22:16,933 get up over the hill here. 408 00:22:17,067 --> 00:22:19,367 If I wait a while, do you think George will do it for me? 409 00:22:19,467 --> 00:22:23,667 [laughs] 410 00:22:23,767 --> 00:22:28,600 NARRATOR: George throws his chains on in just 15 minutes. 411 00:22:28,700 --> 00:22:31,767 Just another day in paradise. 412 00:22:31,867 --> 00:22:33,933 NARRATOR: Now, Alex is the slow one. 413 00:22:41,567 --> 00:22:44,433 ALEX DEBOGORSKI: Well, that was not what I wanted to do. 414 00:22:44,533 --> 00:22:45,833 Darn it all. 415 00:22:45,933 --> 00:22:48,967 NARRATOR: Alex's poor chaining skills have already caused one 416 00:22:49,100 --> 00:22:50,400 trainer to leave him behind. 417 00:22:59,067 --> 00:23:03,067 Now, he wrestles with his nemesis one more time. 418 00:23:03,067 --> 00:23:04,967 This is not the right way to do this. 419 00:23:05,100 --> 00:23:06,833 If you're looking for the hard way to do it, 420 00:23:06,933 --> 00:23:08,267 this is the hard way. 421 00:23:08,367 --> 00:23:09,733 I'm going to try the other side. 422 00:23:09,833 --> 00:23:10,767 Yeah. 423 00:23:10,867 --> 00:23:13,167 I'll have to move ahead a foot or so. 424 00:23:13,267 --> 00:23:14,067 I'll try that again. 425 00:23:20,067 --> 00:23:20,767 Damn. 426 00:23:27,233 --> 00:23:32,233 NARRATOR: Back at Coldfoot, Jack Jesse is getting a slow start 427 00:23:32,333 --> 00:23:33,533 on the day. 428 00:23:33,633 --> 00:23:37,333 LISA KELLY: Finally had to honk my horn to wake him up. 429 00:23:37,433 --> 00:23:38,800 I've been knocking on the door. 430 00:23:38,933 --> 00:23:40,300 I rocked the truck. Nothing. 431 00:23:40,400 --> 00:23:41,767 So I'm like, is he even in there? 432 00:23:41,867 --> 00:23:43,200 So I'm like, honk, honk, honk. 433 00:23:43,300 --> 00:23:45,633 And finally, he's like-- 434 00:23:45,733 --> 00:23:47,600 looks out of the sleeper. 435 00:23:47,700 --> 00:23:50,200 [laughter] 436 00:23:51,267 --> 00:23:53,533 NARRATOR: Lisa Kelly is eager to get 437 00:23:53,633 --> 00:23:56,467 on the road before the next storm blows through. 438 00:23:56,600 --> 00:24:00,067 But she has to wait for her convoy partner. 439 00:24:00,100 --> 00:24:01,533 LISA KELLY: It's taking him two hours 440 00:24:01,633 --> 00:24:04,067 to get ready, to eat breakfast, and primp and preen. 441 00:24:04,133 --> 00:24:06,567 And it took me an hour and a half to take a shower 442 00:24:06,667 --> 00:24:07,367 and do my hair. 443 00:24:14,933 --> 00:24:16,333 [grunt] 444 00:24:19,900 --> 00:24:22,833 I'm always fully rested before I take off. 445 00:24:22,933 --> 00:24:24,300 [horn honks] 446 00:24:24,400 --> 00:24:29,967 NARRATOR: Lisa takes the lead, because she has a lighter load. 447 00:24:30,067 --> 00:24:33,067 And she's on a mission to rack up as many trips 448 00:24:33,167 --> 00:24:34,100 this season as possible. 449 00:24:37,133 --> 00:24:38,600 Finally got going. 450 00:24:45,767 --> 00:24:48,067 NARRATOR: Up ahead, Jack and Lisa 451 00:24:48,133 --> 00:24:50,333 reach the foot of Atigun Pass. 452 00:24:50,433 --> 00:24:53,800 The weather is clear today, but the slick road 453 00:24:53,900 --> 00:24:55,400 is as menacing as ever. 454 00:24:59,067 --> 00:25:00,867 LISA KELLY: I got a random question. 455 00:25:00,967 --> 00:25:04,333 Has anything scared you before? 456 00:25:04,433 --> 00:25:05,300 Um. 457 00:25:05,400 --> 00:25:06,100 Oh yeah. 458 00:25:06,200 --> 00:25:07,467 I've been scared before. 459 00:25:07,567 --> 00:25:10,467 As a matter of fact, about 200 yards in front on your left, 460 00:25:10,567 --> 00:25:16,500 I almost went off the left side one time, run off the road. 461 00:25:16,600 --> 00:25:18,067 Just about turned everything over. 462 00:25:18,133 --> 00:25:19,200 That pretty much scared me. 463 00:25:21,733 --> 00:25:23,967 So the great Jack does scare. 464 00:25:24,067 --> 00:25:26,233 It just takes a lot. 465 00:25:26,333 --> 00:25:28,267 [laugh] Yeah. 466 00:25:28,367 --> 00:25:30,533 I suppose it takes a little bit. 467 00:25:30,633 --> 00:25:31,667 You kinda get used to it. 468 00:25:35,700 --> 00:25:38,467 NARRATOR: Back at the foot of the pass-- 469 00:25:38,567 --> 00:25:40,667 Chains, chains, and more chains. 470 00:25:40,767 --> 00:25:42,567 George comes to Alex's rescue. 471 00:25:46,433 --> 00:25:47,400 OK. 472 00:25:47,500 --> 00:25:48,733 You want me to hold this back over that. 473 00:25:48,833 --> 00:25:49,967 No. We got that other chain. 474 00:25:50,067 --> 00:25:50,767 Let's go forward. 475 00:25:55,667 --> 00:25:56,800 This is going to work. 476 00:25:56,900 --> 00:25:57,733 We're looking good. 477 00:25:57,833 --> 00:25:58,533 OK. Well-- 478 00:25:58,633 --> 00:25:59,567 I'll be going a lot slower. 479 00:25:59,667 --> 00:26:00,967 You might want to give me a little-- 480 00:26:01,067 --> 00:26:02,233 Yeah. I'll give you a break. 481 00:26:02,333 --> 00:26:03,167 You get going up there. 482 00:26:03,200 --> 00:26:05,267 Yeah. 483 00:26:05,367 --> 00:26:07,833 NARRATOR: Alex is finally chained up, 484 00:26:07,933 --> 00:26:11,067 but the real challenge still lies ahead. 485 00:26:11,167 --> 00:26:13,967 Even with the chains on, I don't have a lot of weight 486 00:26:14,067 --> 00:26:15,567 to imprint the chains in the road. 487 00:26:18,067 --> 00:26:19,900 They're just going to make things just a little 488 00:26:20,067 --> 00:26:23,400 more interesting. 489 00:26:23,500 --> 00:26:26,367 NARRATOR: 240 miles up the ice road, 490 00:26:26,500 --> 00:26:31,833 Alex and George are starting the great ascent over Atigun Pass. 491 00:26:31,933 --> 00:26:32,733 I have my chains on. 492 00:26:32,833 --> 00:26:34,200 We're off like a hurtle of turtles. 493 00:26:37,633 --> 00:26:40,067 NARRATOR: This mountain range has already 494 00:26:40,133 --> 00:26:43,167 taken down more than a dozen trucks this season. 495 00:26:46,133 --> 00:26:48,500 My problem is I don't weigh very much, 496 00:26:48,600 --> 00:26:50,233 so I don't have a lot of traction. 497 00:26:50,333 --> 00:26:52,733 In the first place, even with the chains on, 498 00:26:52,833 --> 00:26:57,067 I don't have a lot of weight to imprint the chains in the road. 499 00:26:57,167 --> 00:26:59,267 NARRATOR: To avoid spinning out, Alex 500 00:26:59,400 --> 00:27:04,067 has to keep up his momentum, but he also 501 00:27:04,133 --> 00:27:07,333 needs to maintain a safe distance from George. 502 00:27:07,433 --> 00:27:09,167 George is going to try to make me spin out 503 00:27:09,267 --> 00:27:10,433 on this hill or what? 504 00:27:10,533 --> 00:27:12,400 How fast should we go? 505 00:27:12,500 --> 00:27:14,333 I think I'm going to go down a gear. 506 00:27:18,567 --> 00:27:19,267 Ooh. 507 00:27:19,367 --> 00:27:21,800 It's a slip there. 508 00:27:21,900 --> 00:27:24,200 I think we'll be all right as long as I don't get too much 509 00:27:24,300 --> 00:27:25,200 loose snow. 510 00:27:30,167 --> 00:27:34,967 Spinning a little bit with the chains on. 511 00:27:35,067 --> 00:27:37,600 NARRATOR: This is no place to lose control. 512 00:27:37,700 --> 00:27:39,633 If he doesn't find enough traction, 513 00:27:39,733 --> 00:27:42,067 it's a long way to the bottom. 514 00:27:50,800 --> 00:27:53,533 Alex tries to find better traction on the opposite side 515 00:27:53,633 --> 00:27:54,333 of the road. 516 00:27:56,700 --> 00:27:58,700 I got a little bit of loose snow on the outside. 517 00:27:58,800 --> 00:28:00,600 When I get all three axles in there 518 00:28:00,633 --> 00:28:04,333 and the lack of weight on my drivers, it wants to spin. 519 00:28:09,133 --> 00:28:11,267 NARRATOR: Barely clinging to the ice, 520 00:28:11,367 --> 00:28:14,533 he finally reaches the summit. 521 00:28:14,633 --> 00:28:17,500 GEORGE SPEARS (ON RADIO): Alex, you gonna take her up OK? 522 00:28:17,600 --> 00:28:18,967 We made it up all right. 523 00:28:19,067 --> 00:28:20,167 GEORGE SPEARS (ON RADIO): OK. 524 00:28:27,067 --> 00:28:31,233 NARRATOR: 190 miles south, Hugh and Phil are crossing the Yukon 525 00:28:31,333 --> 00:28:32,067 River Bridge. 526 00:28:36,467 --> 00:28:41,467 We've only got like 50 miles left of the [bleep] TAPS And 527 00:28:41,567 --> 00:28:45,233 then we're back on the [bleep] Fairbanks, so. 528 00:28:45,333 --> 00:28:48,700 NARRATOR: This bridge carries both the Dalton traffic 529 00:28:48,800 --> 00:28:53,233 and the Trans Alaskan pipeline across the 2,000-foot wide 530 00:28:53,333 --> 00:28:55,167 Yukon River. 531 00:28:55,267 --> 00:28:58,933 The Yukon River Bridge was an enormously challenging 532 00:28:59,067 --> 00:29:02,900 engineering task and was crucial to the success of the highway, 533 00:29:03,067 --> 00:29:05,267 because of course if you can't cross the Yukon River, 534 00:29:05,367 --> 00:29:08,633 you're not going to get anywhere near Prudhoe Bay. 535 00:29:08,733 --> 00:29:13,067 NARRATOR: Completed in 1976 at a cost of $30 million, 536 00:29:13,200 --> 00:29:19,100 it was engineered to withstand the extreme forces of the ice 537 00:29:19,200 --> 00:29:21,567 and remains the largest bridge in Alaska. 538 00:29:24,233 --> 00:29:25,933 [horn honking] 539 00:29:26,067 --> 00:29:29,067 After a 500-mile journey, Hugh and Phil 540 00:29:29,133 --> 00:29:31,233 reached the end of the ice road. 541 00:29:31,333 --> 00:29:33,800 The last stop before calling it a day 542 00:29:33,900 --> 00:29:36,633 is the DOT Inspection Station. 543 00:29:36,733 --> 00:29:38,633 HUGH ROWLAND: I got to go to the scales. 544 00:29:38,733 --> 00:29:41,700 NARRATOR: Inspections are usually just a formality. 545 00:29:41,800 --> 00:29:43,200 But today-- 546 00:29:43,300 --> 00:29:46,200 I just got busted. 547 00:29:46,300 --> 00:29:47,367 Here he comes. 548 00:29:47,467 --> 00:29:49,067 He just pulled me into the weigh scales here. 549 00:29:49,100 --> 00:29:50,133 OFFICER: How's it going? 550 00:29:50,233 --> 00:29:51,267 Good. 551 00:29:51,367 --> 00:29:52,733 I just wanted to see your last inspection. 552 00:29:52,833 --> 00:29:54,367 Do you have a last inspection with you? 553 00:29:54,467 --> 00:29:55,333 - No. - No. 554 00:29:55,433 --> 00:29:56,500 OK. - Just my logbook. 555 00:29:56,600 --> 00:29:57,433 All right. 556 00:29:57,533 --> 00:29:58,700 Let me grab your logbook from you. 557 00:29:58,800 --> 00:29:59,900 OK. 558 00:30:00,000 --> 00:30:01,367 So you only got 9 and 1/2 between this hour here, 559 00:30:01,467 --> 00:30:04,167 and you got 8 and 1/2 there, which 560 00:30:04,267 --> 00:30:05,833 isn't going to reset your time. 561 00:30:05,933 --> 00:30:06,933 You need 10. 562 00:30:07,033 --> 00:30:08,633 So why don't we go ahead and come inside? 563 00:30:08,733 --> 00:30:10,133 Grab the registration for the truck. 564 00:30:10,233 --> 00:30:12,933 Grab the registration for the trailer. 565 00:30:13,033 --> 00:30:15,100 NARRATOR: Alaska regulations allow truckers 566 00:30:15,200 --> 00:30:19,367 to drive for 16 hours a day before taking a mandatory 10 567 00:30:19,500 --> 00:30:20,633 hours off. 568 00:30:20,767 --> 00:30:24,433 Not logging downtime properly is a serious violation 569 00:30:24,533 --> 00:30:27,800 that can cost a driver his job. 570 00:30:27,900 --> 00:30:30,000 Ah, the coppers-- they'll never take me alive. 571 00:30:36,100 --> 00:30:39,033 NARRATOR: Hugh's violations may slow him down. 572 00:30:39,133 --> 00:30:43,167 But 350 miles north, Alex's chances of catching up 573 00:30:43,267 --> 00:30:44,433 are not much better. 574 00:30:44,533 --> 00:30:46,167 ALEX DEBOGORSKI: So we're going downhill. 575 00:30:46,267 --> 00:30:47,567 George is slowing down. 576 00:30:47,667 --> 00:30:52,633 Not 100% sure why, but I'm sure he's got a good reason for it. 577 00:30:52,733 --> 00:30:54,900 I'm really having trouble keeping my heart beating 578 00:30:55,000 --> 00:30:56,033 at this speed. 579 00:30:56,133 --> 00:30:57,900 [laughs] 580 00:31:02,233 --> 00:31:03,067 I tell you. 581 00:31:03,167 --> 00:31:04,300 George is going to have to hurry. 582 00:31:04,333 --> 00:31:06,500 We got an hour and 10 minutes to get there for supper. 583 00:31:08,867 --> 00:31:09,800 Do you like steak? 584 00:31:09,900 --> 00:31:11,267 GEORGE SPEARS (ON RADIO): Oh yeah. 585 00:31:11,367 --> 00:31:12,833 You bet. 586 00:31:12,933 --> 00:31:14,767 So we get there in less than an hour 587 00:31:14,867 --> 00:31:16,500 and 10 minutes, we could have a warm one. 588 00:31:19,400 --> 00:31:20,100 OK. 589 00:31:20,200 --> 00:31:21,400 Now let's see if that helps. 590 00:31:21,500 --> 00:31:24,833 [laughing] 591 00:31:24,933 --> 00:31:26,633 See if that speeds George up. 592 00:31:26,767 --> 00:31:29,067 I'm expecting a big burst of flame and smoke 593 00:31:29,100 --> 00:31:30,167 to come out of his stacks. 594 00:31:30,267 --> 00:31:31,333 And he's just gone. 595 00:31:31,433 --> 00:31:35,967 [laughing] 596 00:31:36,067 --> 00:31:38,933 NARRATOR: Back at the DOT inspection station, 597 00:31:39,067 --> 00:31:42,233 Hugh's logbooks are still being examined. 598 00:31:42,333 --> 00:31:44,100 You see the way the regulation reads, 599 00:31:44,233 --> 00:31:47,100 you have to have 10 hours of off-duty time to reset 600 00:31:47,200 --> 00:31:48,167 your clock. 601 00:31:48,267 --> 00:31:49,867 Oh, and where's the 12th? 602 00:31:49,967 --> 00:31:51,267 Do you know where the 12th is? 603 00:31:51,367 --> 00:31:52,600 Did you do anything on that day? 604 00:31:52,700 --> 00:31:53,767 What day would it be? 605 00:31:53,867 --> 00:31:56,233 Do you know on the calendar what day it is? 606 00:31:56,333 --> 00:31:57,200 Sunday. 607 00:31:57,300 --> 00:31:58,600 HUGH ROWLAND: Oh, no, we didn't-- 608 00:31:58,700 --> 00:31:59,400 This last Sunday. 609 00:31:59,500 --> 00:32:00,233 No. 610 00:32:00,300 --> 00:32:01,367 We had a veer off in town. 611 00:32:01,467 --> 00:32:02,267 Off in town? 612 00:32:02,367 --> 00:32:03,633 HUGH ROWLAND: I didn't even work. 613 00:32:03,733 --> 00:32:04,433 OK. 614 00:32:04,533 --> 00:32:05,567 Yeah. 615 00:32:05,667 --> 00:32:07,967 You should have had the 12th in your last seven, 616 00:32:08,067 --> 00:32:10,767 because you got to retain today's plus the last seven. 617 00:32:10,867 --> 00:32:12,567 And you don't have that one in here either. 618 00:32:12,667 --> 00:32:14,067 If it gets any worse, I'm going-- 619 00:32:14,133 --> 00:32:15,133 I'm going to jail. 620 00:32:15,233 --> 00:32:16,867 [laughs] 621 00:32:16,967 --> 00:32:22,100 Well, unfortunately, you're going to get a citation today. 622 00:32:22,200 --> 00:32:24,600 I'm just trying to figure out where all these violations are 623 00:32:24,700 --> 00:32:25,400 here. 624 00:32:26,967 --> 00:32:28,067 Here. 625 00:32:28,167 --> 00:32:31,233 I'm going to slip him a $20, see if he lets me go. 626 00:32:31,333 --> 00:32:36,867 [laughs] Maybe I should slip him 20 Canadian. 627 00:32:36,967 --> 00:32:38,800 How about 20 Canadian? 628 00:32:38,900 --> 00:32:43,567 [laughs] 629 00:32:43,667 --> 00:32:44,933 All right, Rookie. 630 00:32:45,067 --> 00:32:47,967 NARRATOR: Phil returns from Carlile with missing paperwork 631 00:32:48,067 --> 00:32:50,700 for Hugh's trailer. 632 00:32:50,833 --> 00:32:52,267 HUGH ROWLAND: I tried to bribe him. 633 00:32:52,367 --> 00:32:54,600 PHIL KROM: You can't bribe these guys, man. 634 00:32:54,700 --> 00:32:57,233 So it's $200 fine, $10 surcharge. 635 00:32:57,333 --> 00:32:59,433 There are three points assessed to your license. 636 00:32:59,533 --> 00:33:01,200 And you're out of service. You can't drive. 637 00:33:13,533 --> 00:33:18,867 NARRATOR: 270 miles up the road, Lisa and Jack have also 638 00:33:18,967 --> 00:33:20,767 hit a road block-- 639 00:33:20,867 --> 00:33:23,067 [bleating] 640 00:33:23,133 --> 00:33:25,867 --of the four-legged kind. 641 00:33:25,967 --> 00:33:28,067 LISA KELLY: [giggles] He's just crossing the road. 642 00:33:28,167 --> 00:33:29,433 He's going to jump the guardrail. 643 00:33:29,533 --> 00:33:32,100 Look at him go. 644 00:33:32,200 --> 00:33:35,067 [bleating] 645 00:33:39,067 --> 00:33:41,467 They're running around the truck. 646 00:33:41,567 --> 00:33:43,433 Where's another one? 647 00:33:43,533 --> 00:33:45,700 There's just two. 648 00:33:45,800 --> 00:33:47,933 He looked at me and goes, hm, I think I'll go around. 649 00:33:48,067 --> 00:33:50,767 They ran right next to me. 650 00:33:50,867 --> 00:33:52,733 It was awesome. 651 00:33:52,833 --> 00:33:55,733 [horn honking] 652 00:33:57,867 --> 00:34:00,100 JACK JESSE: Well, you know, the animals up here, 653 00:34:00,133 --> 00:34:01,567 you do your best not to hit them. 654 00:34:01,667 --> 00:34:06,633 Nobody wants to run over anything up here, because it 655 00:34:06,733 --> 00:34:08,567 could be bad for one. 656 00:34:08,667 --> 00:34:11,567 Two, it could potentially break your truck. 657 00:34:11,667 --> 00:34:14,300 Dall sheep are one of only a few mammals 658 00:34:14,433 --> 00:34:16,733 that have adapted to life in the Arctic. 659 00:34:16,833 --> 00:34:19,767 They survive because their thick hair is hollow 660 00:34:19,867 --> 00:34:22,700 and serves as insulation against the frigid cold. 661 00:34:25,567 --> 00:34:27,067 JACK JESSE: I'm trying [inaudible].. 662 00:34:27,100 --> 00:34:28,833 Move over. 663 00:34:28,933 --> 00:34:30,700 Little sheepies, I'm bigger. 664 00:34:30,767 --> 00:34:31,533 I'm bigger. 665 00:34:31,633 --> 00:34:33,167 Look at the sheep run right by. 666 00:34:33,267 --> 00:34:34,633 Beautiful little animals. 667 00:34:34,733 --> 00:34:36,300 Keep going, you little sheep. 668 00:34:36,400 --> 00:34:37,200 Go catch up with mama. 669 00:34:40,733 --> 00:34:44,133 NARRATOR: After dodging today's lively obstacles, 670 00:34:44,233 --> 00:34:48,433 Jack maneuvers his 50,000-pound rig of diesel fuel through 671 00:34:48,533 --> 00:34:49,467 the last stretch. 672 00:34:49,567 --> 00:34:50,833 JACK JESSE: You want to be on your game 673 00:34:50,933 --> 00:34:52,333 when you're hauling fuel, you know. 674 00:34:52,433 --> 00:34:54,200 They don't give fuel to, like, the new guys. 675 00:34:54,300 --> 00:34:56,800 Because if you do mess up, it can be extremely 676 00:34:56,900 --> 00:34:58,567 expensive to clean this up. 677 00:34:58,667 --> 00:35:00,667 And you just can't come through and clean that up 678 00:35:00,767 --> 00:35:02,067 with a loader. 679 00:35:02,167 --> 00:35:04,600 Then you start getting into all kinds of environmental issues. 680 00:35:04,733 --> 00:35:08,100 You know, you're dumping diesel fuel on the ground. 681 00:35:08,200 --> 00:35:10,767 NARRATOR: And this has been a season of tanker disasters 682 00:35:10,867 --> 00:35:11,567 on the Dalton. 683 00:35:18,933 --> 00:35:22,533 Last week, a tanker nearly went off a cliff on Atigun Pass. 684 00:35:25,533 --> 00:35:29,367 And today on the south end of the Dalton, a call comes in. 685 00:35:29,467 --> 00:35:31,633 There's another accident on the ice road. 686 00:35:36,233 --> 00:35:40,567 Recovery specialist Ben Krakowski races to the scene. 687 00:35:40,667 --> 00:35:42,267 I just got a call that truck-- 688 00:35:42,367 --> 00:35:43,400 tires are off in a ditch. 689 00:35:43,500 --> 00:35:45,133 I don't know if it's a trailer tires or not. 690 00:35:49,067 --> 00:35:52,733 I haven't met any southbounders yet, and I should have by now. 691 00:35:52,833 --> 00:35:56,500 That tells me something's going on up here somewhere. 692 00:35:56,600 --> 00:35:59,533 NARRATOR: He hopes to get there before a logjam of trucks 693 00:35:59,633 --> 00:36:02,067 backs up on the ice. 694 00:36:02,167 --> 00:36:04,133 BEN KRAKOWSKI: When the Dalton Highway's blocked, 695 00:36:04,167 --> 00:36:07,100 all the drivers that are held up there, they're-- 696 00:36:07,200 --> 00:36:08,433 they don't get paid for sitting. 697 00:36:08,533 --> 00:36:09,733 They get paid for driving. 698 00:36:09,833 --> 00:36:11,467 So the whole time it's blocked, they're 699 00:36:11,600 --> 00:36:15,200 basically not making any money. 700 00:36:15,300 --> 00:36:17,067 NARRATOR: 16 miles up the Dalton, 701 00:36:17,167 --> 00:36:19,500 recovery specialist Ben Krakowski 702 00:36:19,600 --> 00:36:24,067 arrives at the scene of the road's latest bad accident. 703 00:36:24,133 --> 00:36:27,333 A tanker caught the edge of the road and wrecked in the ditch. 704 00:36:34,667 --> 00:36:36,067 If you look back this way here, 705 00:36:36,100 --> 00:36:40,100 you can see where they got the road plowed. 706 00:36:40,200 --> 00:36:41,900 Once you get them tires in that loose snow, 707 00:36:42,067 --> 00:36:43,800 you're not going to bring it out. 708 00:36:43,900 --> 00:36:45,367 I mean it just sucks you in there. 709 00:36:45,500 --> 00:36:47,833 NARRATOR: Fortunately, the driver escaped injury. 710 00:36:47,933 --> 00:36:50,367 BEN KRAKOWSKI: The truck wasn't all the way over on its side. 711 00:36:50,467 --> 00:36:53,533 The tires were still on the ground. 712 00:36:53,633 --> 00:36:57,133 NARRATOR: Another crew attempted to pump out some of the fuel 713 00:36:57,233 --> 00:36:59,500 through holes punched in the tanker. 714 00:36:59,600 --> 00:37:03,067 Now with the road blocked and traffic starting to pile up, 715 00:37:03,100 --> 00:37:06,600 the pressure is on Ben to get the wreck cleared. 716 00:37:06,700 --> 00:37:09,300 BEN KRAKOWSKI: I try to get them opened up as quick as I can, 717 00:37:09,400 --> 00:37:14,067 so everyone can get back doing their job. 718 00:37:14,100 --> 00:37:14,800 OK. 719 00:37:14,900 --> 00:37:15,600 We're ready. 720 00:37:34,900 --> 00:37:38,900 NARRATOR: After dragging it to the edge, 721 00:37:39,067 --> 00:37:42,567 Ben finally wrestles the 30-ton rig out of the ditch. 722 00:37:45,900 --> 00:37:48,400 And they're going to pull up alongside and finish pumping it 723 00:37:48,500 --> 00:37:49,733 off now. 724 00:37:49,833 --> 00:37:53,200 They said there was maybe 1,000 gallons left in it. 725 00:37:53,300 --> 00:37:55,767 NARRATOR: While workers transfer the remaining fuel, 726 00:37:55,867 --> 00:37:58,733 Ben and his crew clean up the spilled diesel, which 727 00:37:58,833 --> 00:38:00,967 has seeped out of the tanker. 728 00:38:01,067 --> 00:38:04,800 How much fuel you got here? 729 00:38:04,833 --> 00:38:07,200 That looks pretty clean right underneath there though. 730 00:38:11,333 --> 00:38:12,633 I can smell fuel on it. 731 00:38:12,733 --> 00:38:14,867 NARRATOR: The method of finding the diesel is 732 00:38:14,967 --> 00:38:17,633 primitive but effective in protecting the tundra. 733 00:38:17,733 --> 00:38:19,467 If there's diesel in it or anything in it, 734 00:38:19,567 --> 00:38:21,233 you can smell it. 735 00:38:21,333 --> 00:38:24,600 [sniffing] Well, that's good. 736 00:38:24,667 --> 00:38:25,400 No fuel. 737 00:38:27,867 --> 00:38:30,300 We don't know if there is hidden damage underneath this thing 738 00:38:30,400 --> 00:38:32,067 after being in a ditch like that, 739 00:38:32,133 --> 00:38:35,067 so we're just going to haul it back and get her in their shop 740 00:38:35,100 --> 00:38:36,133 where they can thaw it out. 741 00:38:40,533 --> 00:38:43,267 NARRATOR: 50 miles outside of Deadhorse, Alex 742 00:38:43,367 --> 00:38:45,733 is getting his first chance to take the lead. 743 00:38:49,167 --> 00:38:51,467 ALEX DEBOGORSKI: Hopefully, I'll be as quick as George. 744 00:38:51,567 --> 00:38:53,800 Hopefully, I'm not too slow for him. 745 00:38:53,900 --> 00:38:56,500 [chuckles] 746 00:38:56,600 --> 00:38:59,067 All my experience with the variety of roads I've driven on 747 00:38:59,133 --> 00:39:00,400 helped to drive on this road. 748 00:39:00,433 --> 00:39:02,067 Driving on the ice roads, of course, 749 00:39:02,100 --> 00:39:04,933 are helpful for all these icy sections, 750 00:39:05,067 --> 00:39:06,667 because it is quite slippery. 751 00:39:06,767 --> 00:39:08,833 And I have to be gentle on the throttle, 752 00:39:08,933 --> 00:39:10,433 and don't change direction. 753 00:39:10,533 --> 00:39:12,967 You're slamming on the brakes, because things 754 00:39:13,067 --> 00:39:15,433 can go awry and go around in a circle 755 00:39:15,567 --> 00:39:18,700 and end up tying the truck up in a knot. 756 00:39:18,800 --> 00:39:21,133 NARRATOR: Up ahead, a woman in a pickup truck 757 00:39:21,233 --> 00:39:23,533 signals she wants to pass. 758 00:39:23,633 --> 00:39:25,333 You want to go by, the little red pickup, 759 00:39:25,433 --> 00:39:26,433 just give me a second here. 760 00:39:29,200 --> 00:39:30,067 ALEX DEBOGORSKI: Yeah. 761 00:39:30,100 --> 00:39:30,800 Don't get excited. 762 00:39:30,900 --> 00:39:31,900 Just take it easy. 763 00:39:36,100 --> 00:39:38,367 You're welcome. 764 00:39:38,467 --> 00:39:41,567 She pulled out and stepped on it. 765 00:39:41,667 --> 00:39:44,267 Give herself a start. 766 00:39:44,367 --> 00:39:46,967 NARRATOR: Suddenly, the pickup comes to a halt 767 00:39:47,067 --> 00:39:50,667 to let an oncoming truck pass. 768 00:39:50,767 --> 00:39:53,067 Don't [bleep] stop. 769 00:39:53,167 --> 00:39:56,267 NARRATOR: And now, Alex is bearing down on her in his 770 00:39:56,367 --> 00:39:59,800 60,000-pound rig. 771 00:39:59,900 --> 00:40:01,000 Sheesh. 772 00:40:01,100 --> 00:40:02,233 This woman's insane. 773 00:40:07,767 --> 00:40:13,100 NARRATOR: As he skids towards a collision, 774 00:40:13,200 --> 00:40:17,067 the pickup starts moving again, pulling away just in time. 775 00:40:19,467 --> 00:40:21,433 ALEX DEBOGORSKI: Of course, she gave me no warning 776 00:40:21,533 --> 00:40:22,867 that she was going to stop. 777 00:40:22,967 --> 00:40:24,567 It was really icy in that spot there. 778 00:40:24,667 --> 00:40:25,867 I would have just run her over. 779 00:40:29,700 --> 00:40:32,667 NARRATOR: A few miles north, Alex catches sight 780 00:40:32,767 --> 00:40:35,300 of his destination. 781 00:40:35,400 --> 00:40:38,700 ALEX DEBOGORSKI: I am coming into Prudhoe Bay, Carlile's 782 00:40:38,833 --> 00:40:41,000 yard and drop off this load. 783 00:40:41,100 --> 00:40:42,833 NARRATOR: With Hugh sidelined, Alex 784 00:40:42,933 --> 00:40:46,000 hopes to seize the opportunity and turn and burn 785 00:40:46,100 --> 00:40:47,567 with another load. 786 00:40:47,667 --> 00:40:50,033 Well, let's go get a bite to eat. 787 00:40:50,133 --> 00:40:51,967 So you planning on spending the night here? 788 00:40:52,067 --> 00:40:54,033 Well, Alex, I figure it's already 7:00. 789 00:40:54,133 --> 00:40:55,533 It'll be 8:00 by the time we eat. 790 00:40:55,667 --> 00:40:57,333 9:00 by the time we get out trailers 791 00:40:57,433 --> 00:40:59,100 switched around and fueled up. 792 00:40:59,200 --> 00:41:01,300 I figured I-- that's what I was planning on. 793 00:41:01,400 --> 00:41:03,133 Well, I suppose [inaudible] stay. 794 00:41:03,233 --> 00:41:04,700 I'd rather go myself. 795 00:41:04,800 --> 00:41:05,800 Oh. 796 00:41:05,900 --> 00:41:07,933 This old guy goes to bed every night, man. 797 00:41:08,067 --> 00:41:10,200 I don't drive like that at all. 798 00:41:10,300 --> 00:41:13,200 NARRATOR: George has the final word. 799 00:41:13,300 --> 00:41:15,600 Alex isn't going anywhere tonight. 800 00:41:21,833 --> 00:41:24,433 Across town, Jack Jesse has arrived, 801 00:41:24,533 --> 00:41:28,067 and he's racing to unload his tanker of fuel. 802 00:41:28,200 --> 00:41:30,333 There we go. 803 00:41:30,433 --> 00:41:31,467 We made it over to Colville. 804 00:41:31,567 --> 00:41:32,867 We got the fuel offloaded. 805 00:41:32,967 --> 00:41:34,500 It only actually took about 30 minutes. 806 00:41:34,600 --> 00:41:35,967 Pretty fast. I came over. 807 00:41:36,067 --> 00:41:37,100 Got something to eat. 808 00:41:37,200 --> 00:41:39,333 Just waiting on Lisa to get done with her stuff. 809 00:41:39,433 --> 00:41:42,600 NARRATOR: Over at the Carlile terminal, Lisa is now the one 810 00:41:42,700 --> 00:41:43,967 trying to keep up. 811 00:41:44,067 --> 00:41:46,333 Is it OK if I park this trailer right here? 812 00:41:46,433 --> 00:41:47,500 MAN (ON RADIO): That's fine. 813 00:41:50,200 --> 00:41:52,100 I'm hurrying so I don't get left by Jack. 814 00:41:59,667 --> 00:42:01,067 [horn honking] 815 00:42:01,167 --> 00:42:02,267 Let's get moving. 816 00:42:02,400 --> 00:42:04,233 Do I need paperwork? 817 00:42:04,267 --> 00:42:06,067 I will do a trip for you. 818 00:42:06,100 --> 00:42:07,333 It's going to bobtail you there. 819 00:42:07,433 --> 00:42:09,667 And then you'll pick up the paperwork in the guard shack 820 00:42:09,767 --> 00:42:11,233 there. - They're open 24 hours a day? 821 00:42:11,333 --> 00:42:12,067 MAN: Yep. - OK. 822 00:42:12,133 --> 00:42:13,267 It's ready. 823 00:42:13,367 --> 00:42:14,467 Got to go to the bathroom. 824 00:42:21,600 --> 00:42:24,500 [beeping] 825 00:42:29,600 --> 00:42:30,500 He says go. 826 00:42:30,600 --> 00:42:31,300 I want to go. 827 00:42:31,400 --> 00:42:34,067 I'm game. 828 00:42:34,100 --> 00:42:36,500 [horn honking] 829 00:42:42,600 --> 00:42:45,067 NARRATOR: They made this run in record time. 830 00:42:45,167 --> 00:42:48,100 And with clear skies still on the horizon, 831 00:42:48,200 --> 00:42:50,633 Jack and Lisa push south once again 832 00:42:50,733 --> 00:42:54,667 through the Alaskan wilderness, hoping their luck will hold. 833 00:42:54,767 --> 00:42:56,833 JACK JESSE: We're going to run back together. 834 00:42:56,933 --> 00:42:58,800 It's always better to go with somebody. 835 00:43:03,600 --> 00:43:06,200 NARRATOR: After nine weeks on Alaska's ice road, 836 00:43:06,300 --> 00:43:09,767 Lisa Kelly's push to run with the big boys is paying off. 837 00:43:09,900 --> 00:43:13,300 While Hugh Rowland's citation has cost him precious time 838 00:43:13,400 --> 00:43:17,967 and potentially his lead on Alex Debogorski. 839 00:43:18,067 --> 00:43:20,067 At the courthouse in Fairbanks, Hugh 840 00:43:20,167 --> 00:43:23,600 has to pay up to get back on the road. 841 00:43:23,700 --> 00:43:25,567 I see you met our famous troopers. 842 00:43:25,667 --> 00:43:27,533 [laughs] I think they've been picking on me. 843 00:43:27,633 --> 00:43:28,333 All right. 844 00:43:28,433 --> 00:43:29,300 Is that true? 845 00:43:32,300 --> 00:43:33,200 Is that your citation? 846 00:43:33,300 --> 00:43:34,300 Yep. 847 00:43:34,400 --> 00:43:35,733 I'd got a lot more if I'd known everybody 848 00:43:35,833 --> 00:43:36,900 was that good-looking. 849 00:43:37,067 --> 00:43:38,567 No contest. 850 00:43:38,667 --> 00:43:39,467 Have a great day. 851 00:43:39,567 --> 00:43:40,367 Thanks for coming in. 852 00:43:40,467 --> 00:43:41,767 Thank you. 853 00:43:41,867 --> 00:43:44,433 I just went and paid my fine for my half hour mistake on my log. 854 00:43:44,533 --> 00:43:46,467 I'm going to head back up the road in the morning 855 00:43:46,567 --> 00:43:49,067 there and get back at her. 856 00:43:49,167 --> 00:43:52,100 Well, at least, she was good-looking.