UT➜TN

The Route: Utah to Tennessee

This route guide provides a general overview for commercial truck drivers traveling from Utah to Tennessee. Always consult your company's specific routing policies and utilize up-to-date GPS navigation for real-time adjustments.

The primary Interstate Highways for this route are:

• I-15 South (Starting in Northern Utah): I-15 gets you south towards the I-70 junction.
• I-70 East: This is your primary Eastbound Interstate. It traverses through Colorado, Kansas, and Missouri.
• I-64 East: Just east of St. Louis, Missouri, I-70 turns into I-64. Continue east on I-64 through Illinois, and into Kentucky.
• I-24 East: Near Paducah, Kentucky, you'll pick up I-24 East, which takes you directly into Tennessee.

This route provides a direct path and avoids major metropolitan areas, thereby minimizing potential delays. It's crucial to check for construction delays, especially during peak construction seasons in each state.

Compliance & Permits

When traversing this route, you'll encounter several weigh stations and potentially need to comply with specific state regulations. Be sure your IFTA (International Fuel Tax Agreement) and IRP (International Registration Plan) are up-to-date.

Expect to encounter Weigh Stations along the following Interstate highways:

• I-15: Multiple stations in Utah and the initial stretch of I-70. Be especially mindful of load distribution before entering Colorado, due to its mountain terrain.
• I-70: Numerous weigh stations in Colorado, Kansas, and Missouri.
• I-64: Expect weigh stations in Illinois and Kentucky.
• I-24: Look for weigh stations as you enter Tennessee.

Specific Permits:

• Kentucky KYU Number: Any vehicle with a declared gross weight exceeding 59,999 lbs. operating in Kentucky, including through traffic, must obtain a KYU number and pay the Kentucky Weight Distance Tax.

Always verify permit requirements with the specific states you are traversing based on your vehicle's weight and type of cargo.

Risks & Hazards

Seasonal weather risks are a significant factor to consider along this route.

• Winter (October - March): Expect snow and ice on I-15 and I-70, particularly in the mountainous regions of Utah and Colorado. Carry chains and be prepared for potential road closures. Black ice is a serious hazard, especially during early morning and late evening hours.
• Spring (April - May): Watch for potential flooding and severe thunderstorms, particularly in Kansas, Missouri, and Kentucky. Strong winds are also common during this period, especially on the plains.
• Summer (June - August): High temperatures can cause tire blowouts and overheating issues. Regularly check tire pressure and engine coolant levels. Afternoon thunderstorms with heavy rain and potential flash flooding are also a risk.
• Fall (September - October): Be aware of possible early snowstorms in higher elevations and increased deer activity, especially during dawn and dusk.