Petro In Joplin

So Tuesday will mark my first full week solo, since being upgraded after training. My backing is getting better. Although, I did have a little trouble getting into the angled parking spot last night, however, another driver helped by spotting me. I noticed a lot of trucks, at least 1/4-1/3 of all trucks went nose in. Some drivers even went as far as to create there own parking spaces, to avoid backing into a spot, even though there was plenty of spaces available. Why is that ?

Some of it is just plain being lazy. As far as nosing in the angled spots, some drivers do it because they aren't that difficult to back out of and at that Petro, there's plenty of room to make the cut without fear of hitting something.

Another reason drivers will nose into a parking spot is to get their cab away from a running reefer unit. Some drivers can't stand those things. I myself pulled reefers before my current tanker job and they didn't bother me at all. Always sleep with one of those Tornado Fans running and the truck idling.

Another reason drivers will nose into a parking spot is to get their cab away from a running reefer unit. Some drivers can't stand those things. I myself pulled reefers before my current tanker job and they didn't bother me at all. Always sleep with one of those Tornado Fans running and the truck idling.

So you're saying that in order to avoid the sound of a reefer, you should replace it with the sound of your own idling truck and a fan that's about 2 steps away from being a jet engine?

The two main reasons for nose-in parking have been discussed here. The big problem is you must have a full, straight in plus more space to line up and pull into the spot. If you have an angle set-up and pull in, when it's time to back out, who will steer the tandems for you?

Later in the night, when all the spots are full and more trucks show up, they will just park anywhere because their time is up. Some truck stops begin to look more like a trucker maze than a parking lot. This is from bad trip planning on their part. Rarely will truck stop operators or even cops go through and shew them away.

The two main reasons for nose-in parking have been discussed here. The big problem is you must have a full, straight in plus more space to line up and pull into the spot. If you have an angle set-up and pull in, when it's time to back out, who will steer the tandems for you?

Later in the night, when all the spots are full and more trucks show up, they will just park anywhere because their time is up. Some truck stops begin to look more like a trucker maze than a parking lot. This is from bad trip planning on their part. Rarely will truck stop operators or even cops go through and shew them away.

Especially true for the roadside rest stops typical on Pennsylvania Interstates (the ones that require parallel parking)...by midnight they are gridlocked, everything is blocked except for the fortunate few with front-row spots. Trucks parked as if they were "litter". I only use them for 30 minute breaks, that way I can hightail it out before it before they get too congested.

The two main reasons for nose-in parking have been discussed here. The big problem is you must have a full, straight in plus more space to line up and pull into the spot. If you have an angle set-up and pull in, when it's time to back out, who will steer the tandems for you?

Later in the night, when all the spots are full and more trucks show up, they will just park anywhere because their time is up. Some truck stops begin to look more like a trucker maze than a parking lot. This is from bad trip planning on their part. Rarely will truck stop operators or even cops go through and shew them away.

Especially true for the roadside rest stops typical on Pennsylvania Interstates (the ones that require parallel parking)...by midnight they are gridlocked, everything is blocked except for the fortunate few with front-row spots. Trucks parked as if they were "litter". I only use them for 30 minute breaks, that way I can hightail it out before it before they get too congested.

I laugh when they get so crowded that you see guys parking on the car side. I try to avoid them even for a 30, I'll take the next exit and sit on the on ramp first.

G-Town says:

Especially true for the roadside rest stops typical on Pennsylvania Interstates (the ones that require parallel parking)...by midnight they are gridlocked, everything is blocked except for the fortunate few with front-row spots. Trucks parked as if they were "litter". I only use them for 30 minute breaks, that way I can hightail it out before it before they get too congested.

A while ago, I found an official document that basically covered the history of truck parking on interstates. The original truck parking areas were like those G-town describes - parallel spots for trucks. The document points out truckers hated the idea. Later more stops were built with the better pull through layout.

I can't remember where that document is posted, but it's an official US government document.

Good to know. Thanks guys

Another reason some drivers park nose in is to protect their tractor from an accident. Which do you think is gonna cost more to repair and be a bigger problem... the front of your tractor... which has all those expensive engine parts... or the trailer which is just sheet metal, botls nuts and screws n stuff... ok axles and tires too but those prob won't be damaged as bad. Mostly a concern for lease and o/o but even as a company driver I would not be happy if my means of making money got damaged, the trailer can be replaced for much less. Also you might still be able to drive if the trailer gets hit... the truck... not as likely.

so some might do it to get away from reefer noise, other's are lazy and then the 3rd are those trying to protect their tractor. The last one also is a reason why some people park as far away from the services as they can, most rookie drivers (heck even I might at first) will want to be close to things like the bathrooms, showers, food, etc so they want those close spots but more experienced might value the tractor more so they park far away to reduce the risk of being hit.