Truck Stops

Ok I was looking at info on different truck stops and noticed most charge fees for overnight parking, so do they wave those fees if you use their services and if not is that a cost that you have to absorb or does company cover that? Is it easier to get a spot in a rest area than a truck stop? Typically are rest areas safer than truck stops? Thanks for any opinions.

Danny, I'm not sure where you got that information, but in my first six months on the road I've only stayed at three truck stops that charged a fee for overnight parking. By far the majority of them don't charge anything for parking. The only times I have come upon this parking fee is when in a major city, and even then I could have parked at a truck stop that didn't have a fee. I chose the one with a fee because one time I was in a bad part of town and their lot was fenced, gated, and had armed security guards on duty. (One would expect to have to pay for that) The other two times was in a city where it was the most convenient spot for me to park so I did. All three of those had a policy where if you spent fifteen bucks in their store or restaurant they would waive the ten dollar parking fee. So it was an easy call for me, I just enjoyed a nice meal and slept there for free.

I don't know if it's easier to find parking at rest areas or truck stops. I've used both with the majority of my use being truck stops. Once you get out here doing this you begin to learn the different areas of the country and when you need to shut down in certain areas so that you will be in there in time to get a parking spot. There are some areas that I go to that I know I need to start finding my parking as early as 3 or 4 in the afternoon, and others that I can wait until 8 or 9 o'clock. Of course there's times when you have to drive until 1 or 2 in the morning, and then you just take whatever you can get, but you learn where you are most likely to be able to find something after a while of doing this. The rest areas are smaller of course so usually if it's late at night you may not be able to find anything. I see people parking in all kind of spots, I don't know if it's rookies that are afraid to try parking their rig like a big boy, or just drivers that are exhausted so they pull off on the sides of exit ramps because they just can't go it anymore.

I don't know if one is safer than the other, but in six months of being on the road I've never felt unsafe anywhere I've parked. Of course my wife claims that I wouldn't feel unsafe in a tank full of alligators, but that's just me. It's not like I'm some big tough guy, I just don't have a lot of fears.

I honestly don't know if my company would absorb the cost of parking or not. Like I said I just ate in their restaurant and had my parking fee waived. But I kind of think they might just say why did you park there when four or five miles down the road is a truck stop with free parking?

Hope that answers your questions!

You know Danny I decided I want to address something else here also. It's the subject of Lot Lizards. I know you didn't ask, and I'm not assuming you want to know anything about this, but for the sake of others who may be curious I'm going to share my limited experience.

When I was in truck driving school there was a fellow in our class that seemed obsessed with the curiosity about lot lizards. He never made it to being a truck driver, but he keeps in limited contact with me still, because he still wants to try again sometime. He called me this past week and wanted to know if I have many encounters with the ladies he calls lot lizards. I've only been doing this for six months now but I can only recall even seeing one gal that I thought was engaging in this activity, and even then I wasn't sure. She was strutting around the parking lot scantily clad, but I sure didn't ask her any questions. Maybe I just don't know where to look, since I'm certainly not interested in their services, but just thought I'd throw that in there because it goes along with your question about the safety of parking areas for big rigs.

Personally I think the gals who get involved in this activity are to be pitied if anything. most of them are trying to support a drug habit that has crippled them economically and stripped every last bit of pride and dignity they had as a woman from them. They've dug a pit so deep for themselves they just can't see the way out anymore. Having raised three virtuous daughters, it breaks my heart to see a girl get herself into such a disastrous situation as this. Oh, dang it here I go digressing again. I know you didn't want to hear my feelings on this subject, but they just came out anyways.

Sorry!

Don't worry though,you will be safe and secure in just about any truck stop you come to.

Wow such a diverse range on this one. I'll share what I have been told and/or seen. The last 2 years I have been blessed enough to drive cross this great country of ours 4 times. Although not in a big rig. Twice was on a motorcycle. And I was very concerned with safety. First thing I noticed is rest areas from state to state vary widely. Some are very nice and all the way down to them being called picnic areas. I personally think that Ar. had the best overall. The only state with warning's posted were New Mexico. People were being robbed at night there. Not a place I wanted to be. In Ok. I saw bikers sleeping on benches, and everything was fine. I too took a short nap at that one. I never ran into a truck stop that charged for parking, but I really never asked either. I just parked for awhile and nobody ever said anything. One lady at a love's told me I looked tired and the place was empty, so she told me to crash on a both in the subway for a bit and she would wake me up after a bit. This was very nice of her to offer that. As for the others topic of the lot lizards, I saw a few walking around but didn't seem to be persistent or approach anyone that didn't look interested in them. I too am like Oldschool after raising 4 daughters of my own it really disheartens me too see women putting themselves in those positions. Very bad things can happen to them. Just a few of my experiences and opinion.

Where I got this info was off MyDat Trucker app that Redgator talked about I was just looking at truck stops near me in Cartersville Ga and most all said they had for parking fee just got me wondering that's why I ask the question. Thanks for clearing it up. Every piece of advice is a great help.

Most truck stops that charge a fee do so because either there's no where else for a truck to park without getting towed, or are in an are where real estate values are high, and most rest areas are fine and safe, but if you see people wandering around at night with no real purpose, then you might either want to find elsewhere or stay in the truck until morning, all in how you feel if it looks shady, likely it is.

Most TA's and Petro's are free, but do have some spaces that can be reserved for a fee. There is a TA in Jessup, Maryland, that charges a fee, unless you get fuel.

It is the TA with a Knights Inn built into the truck stop.

Dave

Paid parking at the truck stops seems to be hit and miss in my travels to date. For instance, I am staying just outside of Memphis tonight, and the Petro stop here does charge for parking your rig. There was also a place in TA in California that charged for parking. Of all the places that DO charge, the fee is waived if you buy $50 in fuel or $20 in store merchandise, food included.

At the same time, I must say there are NUMEROUS places that do NOT charge for parking, but it is 1st come 1st serve. On that note, there is rarely a time day or night that I have not seen a truck leaving, but certainly, you want to be there earlier to get the choice spot.

As far as lot lizards go, sure, I have heard the stories, but as yet, have not seen any myself. Of course, I have only been driving a few weeks, and I am certain I will not be employing their services. I don't want to go home with more (or less) than I came out with, you know what I,m saying?

Other ideas for free parking include rest stops on the highways (again, get there early) and walmarts (check with the manager, and be respectful regading your trash and .... Other waste).

Danny you will get to know the differences in truck stops as you continue to travel. Most do not charge a fee, but some will. You need to be on the look out for the rip off though. Unless someone comes to you from the truck stop itself, (staff member) then I would not look to be paying. I would not ask either when at the counter. You have to look around at all the signs in the truck stop for the information that is there. It's just like being on the road and watching all the road signs.

You will come to find as you continue to driver that your awareness of things begins to sharpen. A truck driver see's about 80% more than the normal person does. Our perceptions are greatly different from your every day joe.

I would go with my gut feeling on what is safe and what is not. I read a post on Daniel B's Facebook about being at a truckstop on Cascade road. A very rough area still. But, not as bad as Bouldercrest. That is why a CB radio can come in handy. That is also why this website and forum are so important. I have not checked yet to see if we have a list of safe truck stops, but would be a good idea of something to start. It would be helpful for us all.

I will say this. Their is a lot of bad things that go on in truck stops only because they are more accessible to the public than say a airport. You have to be on your guard at all times. But it is that way in normal life now a days. Sad, but true. Always keep your truck locked. Watch to see if some body is watching you. Their usually is! Most important though is this: It's how you carry your self. You know this I am sure. If you look or act scarred, they who would do you harm, see it. If you look or act weak those who would use you will do so. In the trucking industry we really see some of the worst. But we some some of the best as well.

My heart hurts for your fellow classmate on his interest in Lot Lizards. His spirit is troubled. I can only pray that he will be safe and wisdom will enter his spirit. It is a sad situation what takes place in the truck stops. It has always been that way. That is a part of the fabric of our society. TAT (Truckers Against Trafficking) is working hard to help those who get caught up in that fabric. Their are many organizations out there for truckers to be a part of. I think that is something every one should look into. Be a part of something to help make a difference. Shoot you have already started, you are here at TT.

Prayers for traveling mercies and safe journey's.

Where I got this info was off MyDat Trucker app that Redgator talked about I was just looking at truck stops near me in Cartersville Ga and most all said they had for parking fee just got me wondering that's why I ask the question. Thanks for clearing it up. Every piece of advice is a great help.

Danny, alot of those parking fees are bogus. Usually the only truck stops that ccharge for parking are in the northeast and its usually a TA or Petro. To name a few: Petro-Atlanta Bypass, Petro- Little Rock, AR, Petro-Bordentown NJ, TA-Middletown, CT,TA-Jessup MD. And actually I believe the parking in bordentown is free the time being. If you get 50 gallons of fuel or spend $15 parking is free or the first 2 hrs are free. Im more than sure there is more but off hand I just cant think. LikeAs for lot lizzards. Ive seem one in Glouster City, NJ down at the port. And a traveling "free spirit" down at the TA in Albuquerque. Knowing where to park and when is a learning experience but youll get the hang of it quick. TAs and Petros typically have more parking, space and more food options. I like Pilots but they are PAINS to get in and out of. As far rest areas being a woman I never felt quite safe in one at night plus if I dont get a shower in the am Im a total witchy poo! Lol If all else fails you will learn to make spaces;) Ive gotten pretty creative lol