Drivers have developed "nicknames" for a lot of mountain grades. If you hear someone on the CB radio say, "What’s Sherman doing today?" and you are relatively close to Cheyenne or Laramie, WY, chances are they are not asking about a person! "Sherman Hill" is the nickname given to the grade between Cheyenne, WY and Laramie, WY. By asking what "they’re doing", they are really asking: Is the weather good? Is the road icy/snowy/slick?

 

Any names in "quotes" are nicknames that drivers use.

 

The mile marker numbers, grade depth and length are all approximates - believed to be as close to accurate as possible. These are by no means all the grades in the United States! The grades listed are the ones most commonly encountered by heavy-truck drivers since most of them are on U.S. Interstates or on the designated network. Those listed that are on US Routes or State Highways are included because they are on a common truck route. The information is arranged in alphabetical order, by state name.

 

Just a few of the better known grades in the United States:

 

Grade "nickname":

Location:

Grade%/Length:

Sherman Hill

just E of Laramie, WY

5% for 5 miles

The Sisters

MM30WB / MM6 EB

not posted

Parley Summit

I-80 UT (WB) into Salt Lake

3-6% for 10 miles

Mont Eagle

I-24 TN (EB)

6% for 4 miles

Sandstone

I-64, Sandstone (EB)

7% for 5 miles

Cajon Pass

I-15 S of Victorville

6% for 12 miles/scale

The Grapevine

I-5, CA

6% for 5 miles

Donner Pass

Reno/Sacramento I-80 (WB)

3-6% for 30 miles

Tehachapi

US 58

4-6% for 14 miles

Black Mountain

I-40, NC

6% for 5 miles

 

Notice the gauge readings... RPM's read about 1600. Speed reads approximately 26 mph. The speed limit on this grade is 35 mph. The driver has the RPM's and speed "set" so that when at maximum recommended RPM's (about 1800-1900), the speed should be just about 35 mph.

 

With the Jake Brake on, this setting will maximize the Jake's effect. Keep in mind, though, that Jake Brakes are mechanical and CAN FAIL. They should never be used on slippery surfaces, either.