The truckers and their rigs are running ragged as they race to pull in the last loads. Lisa can’t get out of the Carlile yard in Fairbanks–the trailer they’ve assigned her has a massive air leak. To stay in the running she accepts a new load: a van full of high explosives. The harsh icy conditions southbound on Atigun Pass cause Jack to spin out for the first time this season. George and Tim barely make it through Atigun themselves, but by doing so, Tim gains much needed experience, and George feels that Tim is ready to drive solo. Alex heads north from Fairbanks with his convoy partner Ron, whose truck breaks down with an oil line leak. Alex and Ron wait overnight for a part to arrive, and then must fix the truck themselves by the side of the road. As Hugh heads south, he finds fellow Canadian Alex in the coffee shop and the two old pals (and competitors) have a brief moment to catch up before both hit the road again.