What to Expect at a Truck Stop

You’ll be blown away by some of the amenities offered by truck stops. They feature mini movie theaters, museums, salons, barber shops, shoe shine stations, chrome shops, cell phone stores, and even a bowling alley. Trucking locations have attempted to make life easier with these few simple additions to fuel and food.

Does it work? That depends on who you ask.

You’ll find just about everything you need to run smoothly at any general truck stop; from shower supplies to laundry supplies, dog food and toys, truck parts, tech accessories and seasonal clothing. We don’t recommend doing your everyday shopping at these trucking locations because the convenience of it will only hurt your pockets. Prices at truck stops can be as much as triple the price at your local supermarket, but in a pinch it is a great convenience that you will experience at some point.

A favorite amongst drivers are the truck stops diners; mostly 24 hours with buffet specials available everyday of the week, offering private seating just for truckers. The food is belt busting, but it’s hot and just what a trucker needs to feel at home. Most locations will also have at least one fast food restaurant in addition to the diner because food is always in demand when it comes to truckers.

One of the most necessary features of a truck stop is the diesel shop and parts section. You’ll be able to find what you need for general maintenance to keep you running. You can expect to find your basic selection of tools, oils and lubricants, and simple parts like windshield wipers. Majority of the diesel shops are 24 hours and offer full service centers.

In addition to the basic amenities, some locations feature chrome shops, cb shops, salons, and mini “movie theaters.” How often you will utilize these options are dependent on your lifestyle while over the road, but it is still necessary to aid in the comfort and ease of access to drivers who are away from home for extended periods of time.

Cleanliness can be questionable depending on where you stop but most corporate run truck stops have someone outside cleaning the parking lot and fuel areas in addition to the store itself. You will quickly find which locations meet your standards, as you will frequent them more than you realize.

As more locations open across the nation, showers are being updated and made to look more modern in turn pushing prices to average $15 per use. They offer a full private bathroom, with bolt locks for added security (a few of us have been surprised by shower attendants accidentally). Aside from that, most showers are equipped with coat hooks, 3 speed fans, and a hairdryer. Corporate named truck stops provide fresh towels, bar soap, and liquid body wash.

Truck stop showers are private rooms that are cleaned after every use. They generally contain a personal sink, fan, towels, bar of soap, liquid soap dispensers, and a hairdryer.

So do truck stops make living as a truck driver easier? That’s up to you to decide. The food can be mediocre, general products are good to have in a pinch but are overpriced, and most truck stops typically lack healthy activities. So though a majority of their features are outdated, trust that they are working hard to catch up to the new generational shift. You might find that some locations simply provide fuel, showers, and a lit parking lot.

Welcome to your second home.

Reasons to Become a Truck Driver; The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

People frequently ask us why we decided to become truck drivers, seemingly due to our age. One of our first steps we took before joining the trucking industry was going to truck stops to talk to drivers personally. In those visits to the truck stops, we were told by some drivers not to bother, to find a better field, and a few sarcastic “good luck” wishes were thrown our way. Though we didn’t let it stop us, it was something we have come to understand 5 years later.

Trucking wasn’t hard to fall in love with but it has come with it’s fair share of monotonous crap. You’ll hear the term “hurry up and wait" used a lot. We work in a demanding industry where your company puts more hurry in the freight than some of the shippers and recievers do. There will be times that you sit for hours waiting to get loaded or unloaded. Customers will drain your clock and they won’t care, or so it seems.

That same customer will have no driver facilities for you to sit and wait in, and some won’t even have a restroom for you to use. It will come to you as a slap in the face, as it does for all of us. One of the serious faults in this industry is the thankless rapport and downright disregard towards drivers but every industry has its faults, regardless of how much you come to love it.

Then you will come across the customer’s who will greet you like you’re human, that will welcome you in and immediately show you where the restroom is after offering you a hot cup of coffee or candy off their desk. Right after leaving the security guard who asked what kind of dog you had in the cab, before asking if they could give said dog a delectable treat. Your next customer will offer you a place to park to wait, or recommend the best restaurant in town to go check out while they ready the freight. So a glimpse of hope still lies before the latter.

After all is said and done, trucking is still the millennials dream job. You get paid to travel the country with the freedom of a self operating business. Your annual “rookie" income will have you grinning ear to ear and you can increase its value by taking what you learn to become a true business owner. The trucking industry has a very serious (and only growing) demand in all areas of specialty, so the sooner - the better.

Many drivers will tell you they came out here for financial stability. Trucking surely can help pay off large amounts of debt in a short amount of time. Unfortunately, the job comes with many temptations, like gambling. Too many drivers will spend time at the nation’s casinos all along our interstates because they’re also very truck friendly. If you’re disciplined, this shouldn't be an issue. You can find yourself sitting on a nice savings in no time.

Then there’s the opportunity for growth which is very evident. Something that came easy for us when discipline, integrity, and curiosity were steadily applied. This industry was made for the entrepreneurial type when you learn of the amount of divisions available to you just for holding a CDL. Pace yourself, be eager to ask questions, and learn as much as you can under a company before deciding to take on the responsibility of becoming an owner operator.

If you have any questions about how to get started in the industry, give us a shout here.

Healthy Food for Truckers

Within seconds of walking into a truck stop, the trucker diet becomes immediately evident; energy drinks, expansive soda machines, roller dogs, and multiple ascending rows of a brightly lit junk food section to go along with it all. Whether you are a driver or a CEO, the trucker diet should be a problem that you want to solve because our industry won’t survive long on this road.

When we say diet, we don’t mean a strictly regimented schedule and calorie count food plan. We mean the lifestyle of truckers leading to negative eating habits that aid in early onset diseases, which is taking a massive toll on our drivers. It’s hard as a trucker to pass up a hot meal, thus nutritional facts are disregarded, along with their health due to so called “convenience”.

There are few healthy choices at truck stops, though progress is being made because they have to keep up with the generational shift. Beverage options are slowly expanding with more juice and water choices becoming available along with a wider selection of fresh fruit and healthy snacks. We desperately look forward to the day that the junk section is the smallest section at the truck stop.

“The idea that with every purchase you make, you vote for a product, is a sales reality. Truck stops need to aid in the responsibility of driver health and incorporate healthier products to give drivers the chance to vote.”

-J.R. (Founder of Millennials in Trucking)

Truckers sometimes sit between a rock and a hard place when it comes to what and when to eat. It’s immediately uncomfortable to try and eat a sizable meal before bed, and can lead to a plethora of health problems. Eating that same meal before a long shift can lead to increased weight gain and fatigue. It can be hard to find a healthy balance, so we recommend eating lightly throughout the day and being conscious of portion control for larger meals.

Healthy Meal and Snack Recommendations:

Fresh Fruit (apples, bananas, oranges, melons, etc.)

Fresh Vegetables (Carrots, celery, cucumbers, etc.)

Protein bars / Granola bars (Limited Ingredients)

Low Sodium Canned Soups

Applesauce (unsweetened)

Frozen Vegetables in Steam bags

Raw Nuts (Peanuts, Pistachios, Cashews, etc.)

Sunflower and Pumpkin Seeds

Trail Mix (minus the candies)

Pretzels (Low Sodium/Unsalted)

Popcorn (Unsalted without butter)

Veggie Chips

Salad Kits

Dark Chocolate (Higher cacao %, the better for you)

Hummus

Guacamole

Peanut butter

Low sodium Crackers

Dried Fruit (No added sugars or preservatives)

Roasted Chickpeas

Roasted Edamame

Dry Cereal or Granola (High Fiber, Low Sugar)

Oatmeal

Baked potato

Kale Chips

Raisins

Choosing natural and organic products while limiting artificial ingredients, preservatives, and GMOs, can further help your energy levels and your overall health.

“Vote for your health.”

— J.R. (Millennials in Trucking)

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Please note, information found on this page is for entertainment purposes only. Any action taken upon the methods described and information on this website is strictly at your own risk.

Pet Friendly Roads

Our truck travels with 6 heartbeats going down the road at any given moment, and only 2 of which are human.

Yes, I’m serious.

That being said, pets have become a large part of our daily lives. The trucking community has undoubtedly taken part in that statement. You can almost guarantee that within earshot of you at any trucking location, there’s a pet on-board. Dogs, cats, birds, ferrets, bunnies, and even some exotics can be seen sitting passenger in a rig or on a pillow on the dash.

Are truck stops pet friendly?

Yes. Most truck stops have designated areas just for our furry friends. Outside of tight, city limit truck stop locations, almost all truck stops have ample fields of grass for you to let your pup outside for necessities and fun! More truck stops now are implementing gated dog parks and dog runs. Some newer locations are including play equipment for the dogs and picnic style seating for their human companions.

What paperwork do I need?

Always carry a copy of your vet records, rabies tags, chip info, and a tag with identification information for your pet. At minimum you should have their latest/up to date vaccination records. Especially if you might be crossing the Canadian or Mexican border, you can be asked for proof of vaccinations.

Are all trucking companies pet friendly?

No! Though the good news is more trucking companies are becoming pet friendly due to driver demand. Some of these companies still come with heavy stipulations. They can include quantity limits, combined weight limits, nonrefundable pet fees, or pet deposits.

i.e. 2 pet maximum with a combined weight of 100lbs with a $250 nonrefundable pet fee per pet.

Are warehouses pet friendly?

It’s safe to say, most customers don’t have any issues with pets. We’ve been surprised with dog treats from security guards, and employees coming out to meet the dog they heard about sitting in the drivers blaring the horn. If the customer doesn't allow pets, your company should know in advance but if not, you’ll surely find out when you arrive. At the very least, a customer will request you keep your pet in your truck at all times while on the yard. This is a given, it’s simple common courtesy as a professional driver and pet owner. Please do your part to follow pet policies at customers.

Dogs Choice Awards 🐕

Dog Parks:

Canterbury Park, Aurora, CO

Cherry Creek State Park, Aurora, CO

Memorial Park, Gibbstown, NJ

Spanish Fork Dog Park, Spanish Fork, UT

Truck and Travel Centers:

Russell's Truck and Travel Stop

Glenrio, NM

Petro Travel Centers

Colby, KS

Bordentown, NJ

Travel Centers of America

Walcott, IA

Hebron, OH

London, OH

Love’s Travel Stop

Conneaut, OH

Hubbard, OH

Road Rules - Trucker Edition

This segment is from trucker to trucker featuring points we all make to eachother sometimes with the use of sign language through our windows, or verbally over the CB radio.

Here’s a brief highlight of what professional truck drivers will agree on and what the rooks need to know before taking the wheel to the highways.

Pull up when you’re done fueling. This can’t be said enough. There’s nothing worse than waiting behind a truck that isn’t fueling and the driver is M.IA. Don’t make another driver wait for you to run your errands or to take your 30. Pump your diesel, DEF, and reefer, and move along speedily. If there isn’t another truck in the pull up, you should be able to get all 3 services in 15 minutes. We’ve all got somewhere to be, so don’t assume another drivers responsibility to adhere to your schedule if you’re the type to throw a wrench in theirs.

Let another truck over. You know first hand how hard it is dodging four wheelers all day than to add to the headache. If you can get over safely, then do so. Be courteous and watch out for one another, give your fellow driver the space he needs, and set the example.

Don’t be a “passhole.” Don’t speed up when another truck is trying to pass you. You didn’t realize your adaptive cruise control set you at 60 MPH in a 70 MPH speed zone but don't punish the next driver for it. You leave them hanging out in the left lane to slow down traffic even though you were the one falling behind. Let the driver do their thing to pass smoothly, and wait to get back to speed when you’re both in the clear.

Stay off my back doors. You wouldn’t expect another trucker to pull up on you, like you personally were the reason they're running late but it will happen. Don't be that guy. The easy solution is to watch upcoming traffic in your lane so you know ahead of time to get over so you can pass quickly and safely. If you think trying to keep a football field distance in front of you was hard, imagine trying to do so with another truck stuck to your bumper, pushing you down the road at 65 MPH. Respect the space behind that trailer in front of you because you know better.

Do not cut off another truck. Period.

No one likes the Jake Brake Jack. You know the guy; bumper to bumper traffic and he’s got his jake brakes set on max to let everyone know he's rolling 10 feet forward. A true professional driver knows how to keep safe distance in heavy traffic with light pressure on the brake pedal. Jake brake Jack doesn’t consider that he’s got multiple team trucks around him and someone’s trying to sleep, he just wants to put his straight pipes to good use. Allowing your diesel motor to roll on a low gear resistance and you will find that you barely need your brakes in a slow crawl, let alone the jake brake.

Utilize your marker interrupter, or don’t? This is an ongoing debate between truckers, with no end in sight. Some truckers hate that you’ll flash your high beams to let them know they’re clear, then there are the rest of us that are less prideful. You’ll find yourself in a blinding storm with rain, snow, or ice building up on your side view mirrors, to the point that you're hesitant to get over, but then the driver behind you gives you a quick flash, and it sets you at ease to merge over. You won’t appreciate it when you’re blinded by high beams in clear weather, but you will understand the calming effect a quick conformation can bring on rough roads. There is no correct way to communicate to other drivers; high beams, marker interrupter, or light control panel - either way you will get your point across. Whichever suits you, this small line of communication makes all of our jobs just a little bit easier. Looking for a rule of thumb? In bad weather, flash your high beams, and in clear weather use your marker interrupter.

The left lane is for passing. For truckers, the middle lane is our left lane. Due to a ridiculous and outdated road system that will cut us off from using the 2 left lanes on a 4 lane highway, or the 3 left lanes on a 5+ lane interstate, you will notice the battle between these lanes in your first few days of driving a rig. Use your defensive driving skills with full intention to keep traffic flowing. Yes, you will have to be on constant alert for merging traffic entering the interstate, and yes, you will come up on a slower truck eventually - but there is nothing worse than being hung to dry out in the wrong lane when you're attempting to pass impeding traffic. If you block the left lanes, you are causing a much greater slow down behind you while contributing to unnecessary brake checks. The left lane is for passing, so get back over.

Road Rules

Let this be the direct line of communication from the trucking industry to the two wheelers and the “four wheelers.” Professional truck drivers have learned to respect the roads, and all of the travelers, road trippers, and commuters sharing it with us. Though the only point becoming a lesson to us, is the influx of avoidable accidents we see on a daily basis. These simple tips and motivation on your part to practice these tips, will show you how to become a better driver and allow truckers to more easily share the road with you.

We have compiled a list of “Trucker Road Rules” for driving around rigs and big trucks alike.

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▪︎ First and formost, stay off your phone. It’s sad to have to say, but it’s become a game of frogger to swerve around all the texters drifting into our lanes. Pay attention while you’re behind the wheel and wait to find a safe place to use your phone.

▪︎ Let the truck merge. If you are coming up on a big truck with his left blinker on yet you decide to accelerate to get past him - you are slowing the driver even more which will in turn, lead to a much longer slow down. If a driver turns their signal on, trust that it’s for a good reason and our prompt timing can be crucial for everyone on the road. Allowing the truck to merge will keep traffic flowing smoother and safer. So keep in mind, the next time you come up to slow truck trying to regain speed, know it was likely caused by the individual who decided not to allow that truck to merge due to their own ignorance and disregard.

▪︎ When merging onto a large interstate or highway, freeway traffic has the right of way. As soon as you turn onto the on ramp, you should be getting to highway speed and checking your mirror for vehicles traveling in the right lane. This will allow for a smooth and safe merge. If there is a large truck in the right lane, respect it, because if you try to argue with the rig, you will not win.

It takes the length of a football field to stop a big truck safely.

▪︎ When driving next to a big truck, be mindful and do not sit in our blind spots. (Next to the doors of the cab and along side the trailer) We are not racing so please pass and keep it moving.

▪︎ Heed the golden rule - “If you can’t see my mirrors, I can’t see you.” This mean when passing a large truck from behind, please pass to the left as it will give the driver a quicker line of sight of your vehicle. The blind spot is much larger on the passenger side of trucks. If you pay attention, more than likely we are trying to get back into the right lane, and you’re simply slowing us down from getting over and “out of the way.”

▪︎ When passing a large truck, you should wait until you can see the entire front of the cab in your rearview mirrors, from the pavement to the roof of the truck. This is a good rule of thumb for leaving safe space in front of a rig for everyone’s safety.

Simple gauge for a safe distance when merging in front of a big truck.

▪︎ The same goes for riding behind a big truck. If you are riding too close behind a truck or, “knocking on our doors”, it’s going to be impossible for you to see what is happening in front of the truck. Therefore if an unexpected situation leads to an emergency stop, you won’t know where to turn to avoid the issue or have enough time to react, and it will be too late.

Victim of Texting while Driving

▪︎ When traveling in a mountainous area, it’s key that you understand what is going on with that big truck. When traveling on an incline, trucks lose speed and will likely be traveling well under the speed limit. Those losing speed or traveling under the speed limit, will turn on their flashers to alert others. Be cautious for these slow moving trucks. Please stay to the left and pass promptly.

▪︎ This is opposite for the downgrade, trucks will start to gain speed due to the weight they’re carrying and will need to keep it slow, as to not lose control or lose their brakes. You will notice lines of trucks continually braking going down the grade. So the same rule applies, stay to the left and pass promptly.

Truckers all across the states use the same language when traveling down the highways and it’s all in the lights…

• Consistent braking combined with four-way flashers mean traffic is slowing rapidly or coming to a complete stop.

• Flashing high beams is a simple signal for clearing you to get over safely or, the more commonly known, request for you to merge to the right so we pass safely.

• Quick use of the four way flashers can also be a way to say thank you for letting us over.

• Flashers (while traveling normally) can also communicate that there is a hazard up ahead or on the immediate shoulder. You might notice the truck inching closer to the dotted lines or split the lane, to allow more space from the shoulder. Allow the truck space for the hazard to not be made worse.

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Bottom Line

Paying attention to big trucks over the road can deter you from danger or even save you from a traffic ticket. Watching truck traffic can tell you a lot about your surroundings and current road conditions. For example, if you notice multiple trucks getting over from the right lane, it’s likely that there is a hazard up ahead, either in the right lane or off the shoulder. You’ll quickly find out that’s not a lane that you want to be in. You can also easily avoid a ticket; when you notice a convoy or large group of trucks going slow, there’s a good chance of a smokey up ahead. With that in mind, remember that not only is our line of sight better and our driving skills more refined but statistics prove we are more likely to survive a crash. Don't end up on the other end of that statistic and learn to share the road with the ones who watch over you. At the end of the day we want to get home to our families, as much as we want you to, too.

Sincerely, The Trucking Community

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“Drive like your family is in front you, and the state trooper is behind you.”

— J.R. (Founder of Millennials in Trucking)

CDL School

If you’ve noticed all the trucking ads claiming they will pay for school, and set you up in a career, it’s real. The reality is, they will set you up with the CDL school nearest you and will cover your costs in full - in exchange for you signing their contract… and what they won't tell you is what you should be weary of.

CDL schools range significantly in cost, anywhere from a few thousand to upwards of $10,000 at private institutions. Sticker shock much? Here you’re going to find what you need to know to make the best choice for your situation.

Company Sponsored Training

The CDL school we went to was a partner CDL training school to a large trucking company, so most of our peers were company sponsored students. Their pay rate out of school was less than half of ours, because we had our expenses for schooling covered; allowing us the freedom to choose what company we wanted to join. The company sponsored students also didn't get to take advantage of quarterly bonuses, yearly raises, or weekly guarantees, as per their contract. (All points you should be raising when discussing your career with the recruiter.)

There are pros and cons to going about company sponsored training. You will sign a contract to work an average of 9 months to 1 year after your training. They will start you out at a much lower RPM (Rate Per Mile), likely to recover the money they invested into your schooling. You will find yourself upset when you start to talk to other drivers at the truck stops, because they are making double or triple what you are, and they're doing the same job with the same level of experience (or less). The good news, is that you can expect a raise after completing your time under contract and you have the flexibility to move on to a better paying position with the experience you have. Fortunately, you'll be joining an industry in demand, and you can be in a new truck in a matter of weeks. It's really that simple (though not suggested). You might even find that it's slow, you're not getting a lot of miles, sitting around, and burning a hole in the jump seat; but most large companies have a weekly guarantee, (if applicable) which is another safety net to keep you from going unpaid. These can range anywhere from $500-$1500 a week. The guarantee is that if you don't earn a certain amount of revenue or drive a certain amount of miles, they will still compensate you a flat rate. Be careful though, there are usually a few stipulations that come with these guarantees. (i.e. being available, running less than a said amount of miles, etc.)

A general recommendation is to get a solid 2 years under your belt at one company to show stability, safe record, and put some seasoned miles under your belt. It will make you more desirable for other trucking companies and start to qualify you for local driving jobs, if that's your goal.

With that being said, company sponsored training is a pretty solid guarantee that you will have a job right out of school. There is no better feeling than going through schooling with a job waiting for you on the back end. Not to mention, free of debt associated with CDL costs. Bottom line, the pros are no debt and guaranteed job placement. The cons are the lengthy contract, a lower rate per mile, and possibly no pay guarantee.

Financial Aid

Financial aid is an option that most people don't think to take advantage of. Contact your local schools with CDL programs and invest some time inside of their Financial Aid offices. You will find there are many grants and scholarships available to you for trucking school costs. Whether you are a displaced homemaker, a military veteran, or a 21 year old kid that wants an alternative to college, you'll see there are ways to get the cost fully covered or at least partially.

Other options include local colleges, technical schools, Goodwill Career Centers, and/or your local County Office for job placement programs and/or secondary schooling programs.

You should also inquire about a cash discount at your local CDL schools.

The benefit of having school paid on your own behalf is the freedom to choose a company, freedom to move yourself to a better fitting position at any given time, and getting to take advantage of everything a company have to offer.

Loans and Lines of Credit

The last option we would ever recommend are charging your credit cards, taking a loan, or opening lines of credit with private CDL schools. You need to be financially responsible and know for certain that trucking is what you want to invest yourself into, considering CDL school costs. If you are looking to join the industry because of current financial burdens, you have better options than increasing your debt before joining a field that’s new to you.