The legendary series Ice Road Truckers roared back onto the History Channel with its Season 12 debut on October 1, marking a long-anticipated return after nearly a decade since Season 11 aired. Fans of the show were eager to reunite with veteran drivers while meeting new faces braving the treacherous frozen landscapes that define this high-risk profession.
Todd Dewey’s Return to the Ice
Among the returning drivers was Todd Dewey, recruited once again by Bill Danh, the operations manager of Muskie Creek. After years away focusing on family life with his four daughters, Todd re-entered the ice road scene with a renewed goal—saving money to eventually purchase his own big rig. His trial by fire began with an 800-mile delivery to Garden Hill before heading to St. Theresa Point for a backhaul.
Challenges came quickly when his load shifted due to protruding drill bits. Showing quick thinking, Todd secured the cargo with chains and a nearby tree, regaining control of the massive steel haul weighing 45,000 pounds. Later, while transporting a boat vital for community supply routes, mechanical problems struck as his brakes locked and brackets hit the ground, bringing his run to an abrupt halt.
Lisa Kelly’s Risky First Journey
Fan favorite Lisa Kelly also returned to the icy highways. Over the past decade, Lisa had invested in her own trucking business, though her primary rig sat sidelined in Fairbanks, Alaska, in need of costly repairs. To stay afloat financially—and save her 11 horses—Lisa hit the ice roads again.
Her first run tested her nerves, with snow masking the weaknesses of the ice beneath. Passing warning signs of thin ice and open water, she inched forward using a cautious approach, successfully crossing. Later, a detached air hose to the engine left her stranded temporarily, but after quick repairs and a tense restart, she was able to continue her journey.
Scott Yuill and Shaun Harris Join the Cast
The premiere also introduced audiences to veteran driver Scott “Scooter” Yuill, who now owns multiple trucks and runs a family-operated bar. His season began on a somber note, as he was assigned a truck once driven by a colleague who tragically died on the job two years earlier—a stark reminder of the dangers of ice road trucking.
Meanwhile, Shaun Harris of Harris & Sons entered the spotlight with his two sons, Riley and Zach. With ice conditions thinner than usual at just 18 inches, business prospects looked grim. Adding a playful twist, Shaun’s third “son” is actually a family pet pig named Chris, promising lighter moments amid the high stakes.
Final Thoughts
The Ice Road Truckers Season 12 Premiere set the stage for a gripping, high-risk season filled with returning legends, fresh talent, and the ever-present danger of frozen highways. From mechanical failures to nerve-wracking ice crossings, the premiere made it clear that the challenges ahead will test every driver’s skill, endurance, and determination.
Audiences can catch Ice Road Truckers every Wednesday night on the History Channel at 9:30/8:30c.
