Ice Road Truckers’ Biggest Challenge Isn’t Ice or Accidents – It’s What We Don’t See

Reality TV has become a popular genre because it captures the true emotions of its participants. With docufollow style shows, cameras are present at every moment. While some shows in this world may seem superfluous, it’s the ones that are raw and unfiltered that have garnered deep reactions from their viewers. When it comes to The history channel’s Truckers on the ice roadLongtime viewers are more than familiar with the screams and screams when things go wrong. But for those who risk their lives to deliver their loads, the profession means more than just a paycheck. It’s the emotional connection to trucking that’s more important than the money.

Truckers on the ice road star Todd Dewey shared his love for his work and why he returned after nearly a decade away. But it’s not just about the potentially massive compensation for three months’ work. This is the impact he knows he has when he delivers supplies to communities normally cut off from the rest of the world. “When you arrive in these communities after a week of battle without sleep and without effort… and these families come to you, and it’s like Christmas for them“, he told Collider. “They are so excited to see you and get their food supply or their kids’ toys.” Truckers on the ice road It may not always be possible to capture these moments on camera, but at the heart of the job, this is the mission of truckers.

Todd Dewey celebrates emotional connections on the road

Being an ice road trucker is not for the faint of heart. Not only are you pushed to the limit in extreme conditions where, if something goes wrong, it could be catastrophic, but you are isolated from your loved ones during your journey up north. But that isolation means nothing compared to the communities that truckers visit as part of their work. These truckers deliver essential products to remote communities whose survival depends on them. Failure is not an option, but the risk is well worth the emotional reward. As Scott Yuill noted in his last article, these supplies are necessary for infrastructure. As he passed a burned house, he knew the supplies in his truck would be used to repair it.

Dewey noted that profound human moments translate into real feelings that arise when families receive a life-saving delivery. It’s not just a thank you and a departure; there is a real connection that is created. “Their grandkids come and give you a hug, or their grandkids bring you a hot plate of caribou or moose meat that they’ve freshly cooked,” he said. “Knowing that you come to help feed yourself. I tell you what, It’s a feeling that beats all other feelings. It’s absolutely incredible.

As global warming continues to impact the industry, Dewey knows how lucrative his work is. “The ice roads, every year, are getting shorter and shorter,” he noted. “There’s only a short window to get all of these supplies to these communities…when the ice starts to melt, that’s the only way to get in and out of there.” Getting it right makes those bowls of soup even more impactful. The stakes are just as high for him and his fellow truckers as they are for these isolated communities. Truckers on the ice road isn’t just for entertainment – it’s the lifeline of food, medicine and survival for isolated people when the ice roads disappear.

Todd Dewey faces his biggest challenges in season 12

Now that Truckers on the ice road After thawing out for a new season, Dewey is back in action as one of the show’s two veterans. But so far, even vets have had their share of scary moments. In his season 12 premiere, Dewey was forced to stop and repair his load while it was moving on the bed of his truck. Through a shocking maneuver leveraging the surrounding terrain, Dewey was able to recalibrate and get back on the road. That didn’t mean things would go smoothly. Its air supply under the truck broke off. Forced to sleep in his truck with torn air lines in need of repair, unless he reconnected them he wasn’t going anywhere. Even though he questioned his return to the road, his courage and determination carried him through. Although he cut his finger installing the lines, he was able to return to the Muskie Creek headquarters.

Now his past comes back to haunt him as he sets out on Asheweig Road. Having experience on this legendary path, he was willing to risk everything to face his nemesis. An enemy who once defeated him when a stone shattered his radiator. As he shared in episode 3, “Asheweig Road will destroy your body and your truck.” En route to the Kasabonika outpost, he was forced not to use chains because the roads refused to be cut off. But at least the furry friend he shared on his Instagram in March made an appearance in the episode! In the end, the score is tied since Todd won this round.

Truckers on the ice road airs Wednesdays at 9:30 p.m. on The History Channel. All episodes are available for streaming the next day.