Advice on sleeping at Truck stops

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chazzzzmak1972@reddit

Stay strapped if you don’t wanna get clapped it’s a jungle in those truck stops. The only way he’s really gonna be safe is if he joins a trucker gang.

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Only got a knock on my door by a Lot Lizard once in Memphis. Tell him start early (like 0300) and end early. Get the spot thats easiest to get out of, straight pull away, never along a curb in the corner. You will get people who block you. Parking as close to the front as possible is good too. If you park near the rear that fills up last and you might get people backing next to you in the middle of the night, typically reefers because the schedule is all over the place. If you don’t have a reefer to drown out the outside noise the truck next to you will be your worse enemy if its on start/stop.

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Dlast_sharp_needle@reddit

Let’s just be honest is anybody really safe anywhere lol 😂 I think this is how the boss thinks and not too many can handle that lol

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lord_nuker@reddit

I still haven’t even bothered to lock the doors while sleeping, but I used to drive around in Scandinavia

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ArtDecoModerne@reddit

With the exception of a handful of notorious locations spread across the continent, you generally don't get approached or harassed in any way at all when stopped at a truck stop. Maybe the occasional panhandler lurking near the store, but thats it.

However rest stops are generally a lot more peaceful, and I park at them almost as often as truck stops.

I'm guessing maybe you guys are around West Memphis or somewhere notorious, and his boss is making the suggestion because thats the kind of truck stop he'd be staying at mostly on his lanes.

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G-e-I-s-T-1@reddit

West Memphis is the biggest trash pit in the midwest. Otherwise you are probably okay anywhere else. Been doing this for 15 years and never had a problem except for downtown Memphis Tennessee and west Memphis Arkansas. I've got some stories from over there.

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stevenmacarthur@reddit

"West Memphis...the midwest."

You shut your filthy mouth; Memphis/West Memphis ain't the Midwest.

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Mindes13@reddit

Technically it is, Ohio is Midwest too and Virginia is in the South

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jmcdaniel0@reddit

Laredo is bad….

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Aware_Ad_8675@reddit

Rest stops definitely more quiet but sometimes they dont allow overnight parking depending on state regulations

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ArtDecoModerne@reddit

I've never seen a sign more ignored than a "no overnight parking" at a state rest stop. I've parked in a few like that in California with no issues. I doubt theres more than a handful in the whole country that actually have that rule and enforce it.

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aeroxan@reddit

There's one I know of (weed) in California that says no overnight. I don't think it's really all that enforced though. I think it's because it's a smaller one and they want there to be space for people who need a short break/bathroom.

I think a lot of the rules and time limits only start to be enforced if you're being a nuisance or way overstaying like living there.

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DaSaw@reddit

I remember back in the late 90s I was told that overnight parking at rest areas was illegal generally. I don't know if it was true everywhere at the time, just California, my trainer was just confused, or some combination. But he told me that the reason is that when it was legal little shanty towns would build up around rest areas with people selling drugs and sex, and so they made sleeping there illegal to prevent that.

How the industry has changed.

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lordyarom@reddit

Ya i have stayed there for a 34 1 time ive never been fucked with there staying over night

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Existing_Inside5200@reddit

Yeah I live and drive in California. CHP don't give a shit as long as you're parked safely on an on ramp or rest stop, they don't harass you as long as you're not doing your reset at the rest stops, but if it's a day you're good

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GabtsbyForaDay@reddit

I live in cali and see people there all through the night. I have passed rest areas and seen the same trucks there hours later passing again. If you need to reset that is the safest bet rather than off/on ramps.

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Pitiful-MobileGamer@reddit

Virginia comes to mind.

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ArtDecoModerne@reddit

Can't say I've run it enough to know. Only along the 95 corridor, but I don't think I relied on rest stops much when I did.

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Flyguytruckguy@reddit

I always parked in front of the signs, never a problem. In Ohio, just be ready to roll before Bronco Billy (dot) starts his day checking parked trucks.

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cliowill@reddit

Bathrooms always cleaner

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ImShamallamadingdong@reddit

Most of the ones that don’t allow overnight parking are meant for people staying overnight in their cars and sometimes the apply it to RVs, but pretty much all of them allow semis for at least 10 hours.

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SOROKAMOKA@reddit

Not only that but the boss was a senior driver, which means he is thinking about how it was back in the day. And back in his day it was that bad for sure

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JuzBrittBritt@reddit (OP)

No we are southern Utah

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Existing_Inside5200@reddit

One of my favorite truck stops is the TA in Tooele, very nice people there!

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Ancient_Alien_@reddit

I just drove through southern Utah. No idea what his boss is talking about at all. Every truck stop I’ve ever stopped at in Utah was fine, never have had anyone harass me. I think the only time I’ve ever had someone approach me was in Elko asking me for a shower credit a few years ago.

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ArtDecoModerne@reddit

Hmmm, no idea why he made that suggestion then. Some guys just develop really specific hangups in this job, and he probably had some bad experiences way back in the day that shaped his outlook.

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xoneboyx@reddit

I’ve lived at truck stops and rest area’s for over a year. Not a single issue. And I’m not even a trucker yet. 😅

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Zaphod-Beebebrox@reddit

Nothing wrong with Truck Stops... I would suggest keeping a list of little known truck parking spots - Sometimes it's tough to find a spot. I have had good luck at weigh stations...

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groovyinutah@reddit

There are a few truck stops I avoid for various reasons (Looking at you Memphis) but for the most part I've never been hassled in truck stop.

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BeanFiend96@reddit

As long as you avoid the back row / party row an have some decent window covers an sleep like a log you will be fine.

Just tell him to double check his trailer / tires before leaving as sometime dickhead drivers like to pull the fifth wheel on you or disconnect air lines.

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Connor4543@reddit

I’m only 3 years in but I’ve never been bothered. If anything, I’d avoid the Walmart parking lots to avoid getting a boot on my truck. Not all of them let you park there

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Great_Value91@reddit

There’s a few places it would be a problem, west Memphis and Chicagoland are 2 examples.
It’s mostly to protect the equipment from idiot drivers hitting the truck with theirs. I have been driving almost 15 years, the first 10 years I slept at them
with little problems. Zero problems at rest areas and weight stations that allow parking. Currently I stick to Walmart and rest areas due to my employer it’s easier and practically guaranteed with out the worry of getting booted.

If he parks at stores, remind him to stay away from the docks, park on open areas, preferably at the very far area in the parking lot. But those come with their own challenges, not everyone Walmart lets him park, just because a truck is there doesn’t mean anything, rest areas can be closed with no notice as well. Florida weight stations are a safe haven and you can park there they even have bathrooms. DOT isn’t allowed to both you after your break even if they are running inspections, unless they see an obvious out of service violation.
( this came directly from a trooper sgt I had a chat with at the WS).

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opinionated_penguin@reddit

Idk, I think truck stops are a very different beast than maybe what they were pre smart phones/modern surveillance. Nowadays it’s mostly just dudes staring at the ground as they drone in and out of the store.

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Dknowles391@reddit

Ive been harassed exactly three times. Each was approached by a lot lizard that knocked on my door. They left me amone after I told them no.

Those were St. Louis, West Memphis and a luttle rest stop on hwy 69 in ks.

Otherwise in my time on the road, ive been left alone. Worse otherwise was having a reefer in bad need of service parked next to me. So yeah, no issues and not sure why he said it.

Besides, some of the best diners ive ate at have been attached to truck stops. Over at one in Maine now that is one of my favorites.

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Leaf-Stars@reddit

I prefer truck stops. Gives me a place to eat, shower, sleep and grab a coffee before I head back out the next day. Never had any issues with being harassed or lot lizards.

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sstandnfight@reddit

I've been at it for fifteen years. The suggestion to park at Walmart is actually going to get him bothered and towed in a bunch of locations. I park about 90% of the time at major truck stops and they tend to be well-lit and much better for peace than just about everywhere.

Sometimes a customer will offer space for you to take a rest break, but that is not common for most shippers or receivers.

Have him download trucker path and keep it in mind for parking as well as planning trips.

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nomadic_memories@reddit

Agreed. I can think of 3 walmarts specifically that have towed their own drivers. Walmarts are a bad risk unless you speak to the manager.

Hell, I had a night manager give permission to park, only for a morning manager to threaten to have a boot put on me.

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sstandnfight@reddit

Walmart is a pretty frequent contract with my company. Even then, I call ahead and speak to a manager just to shop for a quick thirty minutes. Once inside, I let the manager at the service desk know I am bobtail, my truck number, and that I'll be gone in approximately thirty minutes. I almost got towed once being onsite every bit of twenty minutes. I understand why they aren't open to truckers parking at most of their locations for a multitude of reasons, but they can be pretty aggressive about those policies.

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aFrothyMix@reddit

As a walmart driver this comment is spot on.

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jqmallah@reddit

That is strange advice. A normal truck stop or rest area is usually safer than random retail lots, mainly because parking is expected there and other drivers are around.

The bigger practical issue is planning the stop early enough that he is not hunting for a spot tired. Pick known stops, read recent reviews, avoid blocking anyone, and keep the curtains closed when parked.

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GreyGhost878@reddit

I always avoided the truck stops in or around big cities. The truck stops out in the country are safer and quieter. Never had a problem (and I'm a female driver.) The only issue I have with truck stops is the chance that someone will hit you while backing in. I don't think it ever happened to me but as a night dispatcher now it happens to my drivers from time to time. It's just a hassle to deal with. I often parked behind shopping plazas and other rogue locations just to have solitude and quiet and not have to worry about waking up during the night to an accident I then had to deal with.

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firstblush73@reddit

I'm gonna venture a guess and say, his boss is concerned about truck stop parking lot accidents and is hoping to have the driver park where there are less vehicles around. That USED to work, until the stores started banning truckers from parking there. Truck stops are fine, rest areas are great, and some customers actually provide overnight parking.

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IBringTheHeat2@reddit

Just tell him to keep away from the lot lizards and he’ll be fine

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jmcdaniel0@reddit

You know, I ain’t seen one in years. Used to, couldn’t park some places because of em…. The petrified in Atlanta comes to mind, but I haven’t been bothered by one for years now.

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RoadRatzzz@reddit

Everybody has a different opinion about things.....20+ yrs and I've never had an issue at a truck stop.

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deezkeys098@reddit

Unless you park in reserved and don’t pay or park so you block someone in you don’t ever get bothered at truck stops.

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voyerruss@reddit

Avoid Memphis, Birmingham, and most of southern California and you should be alright

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Frac_Hauler@reddit

Only thing I have ever been scared of in a truck stop is another driver backing into me trying to park. There are some areas I try to avoid if possible in some cities. Houston, Chicago, Memphis. 99%of the time no issues.

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Tricky_Big_8774@reddit

It's like you're gonna find at parking spot at those truck stops anyways.

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ursisterstoy@reddit

I parked in West Memphis Arkansas and I had less problems there than some of the truck stops in Indiana.

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JuzBrittBritt@reddit (OP)

Thank you for the reply. I appreciate it. Yeah we are out of southern Utah. He’ll just be in the western states.

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ferrum-pugnus@reddit

Biggest issue I’ve had while at truck stops is people not turning off their headlights while facing someone already there sleeping. That’s the most inconsiderate thing aside from just rudely making noise, yelling, slamming doors or not shutting your barking dog.

I’ve been at truck stops across the country and there are places I wouldn’t go spend a few minutes walking let alone a few hours sleeping. Use judgement and be aware of your surroundings.

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Bamfurlough@reddit

Most Walmarts won't allow truck parking anymore unless you are delivering there, and sometimes not even then. I doubt Lowe's allows truck parking.

Truck stops are fine for the most part. Rest areas are nice too if you carry your own food with you like I do.

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ud_frosty@reddit

It seems more like his boss doesn't want his truck getting hit if anything, the truck stops are only as dangerous as the area its in or how it looks if its raggedy as hell then its probably a bit sketchy if the lot is clean and new its probably chill just dont be going to no Lamar Ave loves lol

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ConsciousAwareness69@reddit

I’ve never been harassed. Most truckers stay to themselves.

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kanethegod19@reddit

Yeah, ummm... actually could you leave me alone bro, im trying to go to bed right now.

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Requettie@reddit

Walmart & Lowe’s are the worst spots lol

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aFrothyMix@reddit

as a walmart driver this is accurate info. if he wants to park at walmart keep his license clean and come over to the best driver job in trucking when he has 3 years DOT reportable free

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bizzywhipped@reddit

That was a quick update lol! Yeah no, he should park there especially at first, drivers will actually come out and help a n00b driver

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Existing_Inside5200@reddit

I know everyone shits on the Indian drivers (especially lately) but I tell ya as a still newish driver, they've always been the first to stop what they're doing and spot me or give me advice on how to get into a tough spot. The Russians too. I had one guy notice me struggle and it was very apparent he didn't speak any English because he just motioned towards my steering wheel, hopped right in and backed it in like a pro. Cool guy for doing that because my clock was out and I was in no-truck-parking-anywhere Georgia on my first cross country OTR run as a driver of 4 months. Talk about a huge relief when someone lends a hand!

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aFrothyMix@reddit

I would NOT recommend Walmart for a quiet parking option depending on the store or proximity to a major highway or major city. Most stores have specific signage restricting outside carriers (non Walmart Private Fleet) from parking for layovers. Mostly depends on the store manager or leased property owners discretion. They can and do tow non walmart trucks. (I am a Walmart Private Fleet driver).

If he is traveleing the same corridor regularly he will be able to find plenty of decent safe parking options. If he DOES find himself at a walmart parking behind the store away from the front car parking is the best option. Do not block fire lanes and stay clear of turn around areas in front of the docks. Tell him to picture in his head if he was trying to deliver to the docks at a walmart store to stay out of the way of U-turns and pullup space for backing and he likely won't be bothered. I started my career based out of SLC and I miss driving out west for the plentiful parking and wide open spaces. I don't miss the winter weather or the wind holds in Wyoming and any of the other common wind zones along I-40 and I-80.

Keep his license clean, free of DOT reportables and come to Walmart when he is ready. They are ALWAYS hiring out of Grantsville, Hurricane and if you are brave Cheyenne Wyoming walmart DC's.

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AgapeAnus@reddit

Only time I've ever had a problem at a truck stop it was because the only open space was next to the loudest piece of shit clapped out refrigerated trailer in the country, and that's what prescribed sleep aids are for. He'll be fine. As a general rule I don't stay overnight anywhere within an hour of a major city unless I'm totally screwed though.

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Existing_Inside5200@reddit

Man I need those reefers to sleep! I purposefully park between two reefers lol

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Existing_Inside5200@reddit

I've never been bothered or harassed by anyone in this industry. Slept in truck stops, rest stops, on ramps, dirt lots, etc and only once did security at a TA knock on my door because I accidentally parked in a paid spot (he was cool though because he gave me the spot for free cuz he said my cat was cool lol)...

One thing that has been invaluable for me is the Trucker Path app (or any trucker app really) and have him read the reviews. That'll tell him what he needs to know. Maybe his boss kept ending up in the worst truck stops and lot lizards were hounding him (btw I've NEVER seen that IRL except at Vanco in Stockton and they don't knock, just hover a lot. Tell him not go there, it's gross and not even free parking! West Memphis is another notorious one. Stay miles away from any truck stop there...

I don't think he has anything to worry about other than that. As a woman driving solo out here I've never once been worried or scared at all of the places I slept or the people parked next to me. Trucking is a brother(and sister)hood and we tend to look out for each other for the most part. If he's cool, others will be cool to him . Good luck! 😁👊🏻

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ursisterstoy@reddit

I park at truck stop, rest area, casinos that have parking for trucks, and at customers, drop lots, and terminals. Certain truck stops are best avoided but in a place in the Midwest except for Chicago they’re not bad, small gas station with truck parking or some out of the way rest area if you’re going through the Rocky Mountains, in New Jersey if you’re not on the turnpike and the customer doesn’t allow overnight parking good luck. Rhode Island at the customer or some mom and pop truck stop is fine. Texas I like stopping at the Texas barbecue place close to Oklahoma but truck stops and rest areas are fine. My company terminal in Texas is a shit hole.

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No_Teaching_8273@reddit

Been driving for 8 years I've never had an issue, I'm always respectful to others and I've always received the same in return

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Legitimate_Diver_699@reddit

Keep to yourself and stay away from hookers. Ok?

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Alaskagal@reddit

I never had a problem parking at truck stops. Another option is casinos. I always loved to park at casinos because I could get some better food options.

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Exciting-Car-3516@reddit

Never stay at a truck stop. Stay at a customer or restaurant areas

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TheRiftsplitter@reddit

Ive never been talked to at any love's from Michigan all the way to the bottom of Alabama

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AsphaltPirate74@reddit

Never had any issues. I've even parked on dirt lots on the side of the highway, in an unlit parking lot for an abandoned building in a sketchy part of town and other places like that, and never had issues, but truck stops are a lot more safer. Stick with the big name truck stops if you guys are worried and he'll be fine.

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Responsible-Sail-701@reddit

8 years and never got harassed at a truck stop, but rest areas are more peaceful.

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rig53official@reddit

Truck stops are actually where most of us sleep most nights. The big ones (TA, Pilot, Loves) are full of other drivers doing the exact same thing. He'll be locked in his bunk, dead asleep in 10 mins. The boss probably had one specific spot in mind, not the whole network.

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SexyWampa@reddit

Truck stops are fine. I always preferred a nice rest stop over one. Get the big wash cloths from the adult diaper section, not the dude wipes. They're bigger and can fill in on the days you don't get a shower but want to freshen up. I'd stay out of small truck stops with limited parking, stick to the big ones. Mom and pop shops where you can find them. He'll figure it out.

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sk8zero0619@reddit

I stay at rest stops and recievers unless I need a shower

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_GRUMPY_@reddit

Honestly it depends on the location of said truck stop. Obviously you will get a lot of the riff raff around the Memphis area. Most drivers know not to park within 30 miles of that shit hole.

I have only been bothered a few times during my career. And only had two be serious.

Just park in a well lit area if possible and pay attention to your surroundings when walking around.

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