One of the biggest things about being an over-the-road truck driver is finding overnight parking. Being able to find and plan for designated stops along the route is key to a safe and restful experience.
Not just knowing where the truck stops or rest areas are but also knowing availability, security, and amenities. By thinking about these things truck drivers can better plan their breaks and minimize the risk of fatigue or bad parking.
Why plan ahead?
Finding truck parking spots is harder than regular parking spaces due to the size of the vehicle. You need to find parking facilities that can fit your truck. And those parking areas fill up fast because other drivers are stopping in for a temporary break.
By planning ahead, you not only know where the parking spots are along your route but you can also get parking reservations when needed. This way you have backup options if your first choice is not available instead of wasting time at the end of the day.
This also allows you to make sure that the truck parking has the other resources you need, like truck washes, showers, or food. There are many tools available to help drivers so that they can make the most of the parking availability.
How to find parking
Truck drivers have many tools to plan their stops along their routes. One of the most popular is the DAT free mobile app. It’s easy to use and shows truck parking and trailer parking across the US. It’s more than just location tracking. It shows amenities and has user reviews so drivers can make informed decisions about their stops.
But the DAT app is just one of many resources. There are many trucker-friendly GPS apps to find truck parking along your route like Trucker Path. Most companies give their drivers a list of preferred rest areas so they know where to park. Take the time to find truck parking before you hit the road and make it part of your morning routine.
Why Safety Matters
Having enough parking space in the rest area is just one part of the decision. Equally important is finding a safe place to park. As a driver you face many risks on the road and one of those risks is other people. While you’re in a truck stop parking lot you need to be aware not only of your personal safety but also of load theft. You don’t want to feel endangered or lose your cargo during your break. So you need to assess the safety of the areas you plan to stop at so you can relax and have peace of mind knowing you and your freight are safe.
Best Truck Stops
There are many places to park while on the road but the most common are chain locations. These are convenient for you as drivers because you don’t have to do as much research before stopping, you know what to expect. Here are some of the most popular chain truck stops you’ll find on the road and what you can expect from each!
Pilot Flying J
Pilot/Flying J is a top truck stop for truck drivers looking for parking. With 740 locations across the US and Canada, truck drivers will likely find a Pilot/Flying J stop right where they need to stop. Their extensive network means truck drivers can count on Pilot/Flying J to have parking available along their route.
In addition to their network, Pilot/Flying J has a reputation for parking. Truck drivers can count on when they pull into a Pilot/Flying J stop they’ll have well-maintained parking areas that are safe and convenient. The facilities are designed for truck drivers with plenty of room for big trucks and amenities like fuel stations, restrooms, and dining. By delivering great parking time after time Pilot/Flying J has become a favorite among truck drivers so they can have peace of mind.
Loves Travel Stops
Loves Travel Stops is a reliable option for truck drivers because of all the services they offer. In addition to plenty of parking for trucks, Loves Travel Stops has amenities for truck drivers. Clean restrooms, showers to freshen up after a long day, and convenience stores stocked with snacks, drinks, and essentials.
Many Loves Travel Stops have on-site restaurants or fast food chains so truck drivers can grab a meal without having to leave their trucks. Loves Travel Stops is a top truck stop for truck drivers with 550 locations across the US. Their wide network means truck drivers can find a Loves Travel Stop right along their route so they have a reliable place to park and get the services they need.
Little America
Little America Truck Stops is a trusted and respected truck stop for truck drivers across the country. With multiple locations, they make sure truck drivers can find a reliable place to park and get the services they need.
What sets Little America Truck Stops apart is its focus on services for truck drivers. In addition to plenty of parking for trucks, Little America Truck Stops has amenities to enhance the truck driver’s experience. Clean and well-maintained restrooms and shower facilities and on-site convenience stores with a wide range of products.
Popular Stops
While chain stops are common, they’re not the only type of truck stop you’ll find on the road. There are many famous and popular truck stops you can count on to have parking when you need it. Here are some of the most popular truck stops that aren’t part of the chain locations we’ve already mentioned.
Iowa 80
Located in Walcott, Iowa the Iowa 80 Truck Stop is a trucker’s paradise for parking. Known as the world’s largest truck stop it has 900 parking spots so there’s plenty of room for tired drivers to park and rest. With its size Iowa 80 Truck Stop is a great option for truckers on the highway, a safe and comfortable place to park their rig.
Its big parking capacity takes the stress out of finding a place to park and gives drivers peace of mind so they can relax. For truckers looking for a quick pit stop along the way, Iowa 80 Truck Stop’s 900 parking spots are the place to go.
Jubitz Travel Center
Located in Portland, Oregon the Jubitz Travel Center is a top choice for truck drivers looking for parking. With over 250 parking spots they have plenty of room for tired truckers. Known for their location and services the Jubitz Travel Center makes sure drivers can find a safe and big spot to park their rig.
Big Apple Travel Center
Located in Joplin, Missouri the Big Apple Travel Center is a good choice for truck drivers looking for parking. With 120 parking spots, they have plenty of room for truckers to park. Their well-designed and maintained parking facilities take the frustration out of finding a place to park so drivers can have a stress-free experience.
Trail’s Travel Center
Located in Albert Lea, Minnesota Trail’s Travel Center is a top choice for truck drivers looking for parking. With over 300 parking spots they have a lot of room for truckers to park. Trail’s Travel Center knows how important it is to have parking that’s easy and safe so drivers can find a spot without hassle.
Find Safe Parking Today!
At ShipEX we always want to help our drivers find a safe place to stop. It’s always best to find a rest area that has plenty of parking and high standards of security so our drivers can take a break, grab a meal, or get a good night’s sleep without worrying about their personal safety or their cargo.
