Trucker Preferences Unveiled: Survey Highlights Top Truck Stop Amenities

Trucker Path’s recent survey delves into the expectations of truckers beyond mere parking when seeking out a truck stop. Over 86% of respondents emphasized the importance of ample truck parking, alongside a desire for clean shower facilities and dining options. Here are the top-anticipated amenities:

1. Abundant truck parking (86%)
2. Clean showers (67.5%)
3. On-site restaurant (47%)
4. Healthy/fresh food selection (41%)
5. 24/7 truck maintenance services (29%)
6. High-speed diesel pumps (27%)
7. Wi-Fi (22%)
8. Laundry (20%)
9. Driver lounge area (15%)
10. Pet-friendly accommodations (13.5%)

The survey underscores a pressing need for increased private-sector investment in truck parking facilities. While publicly funded rest areas are available, they often lack the amenities crucial to truckers’ comfort and convenience. However, challenges persist at the local level, with zoning laws and community opposition hindering private initiatives.

Discussions at the latest National Coalition on Truck Parking meeting shed light on these challenges. Alison Nealon from Caltrans highlighted the “Not In My Backyard” (NIMBY) issue, while Tiffany Wlazlowski Neuman of the National Association of Truck Stop Operators pointed to zoning laws as a major hurdle.

Despite obstacles, some municipalities have approved parking-only facilities, albeit with resistance. For instance, Greenfield, Ind., approved a gated lot with 240 truck parking spaces, albeit without additional amenities.

ConTrade Holdings aims to tackle the issue on a grand scale, planning to add 45,000 parking spaces nationwide across 100 gated facilities. However, these sites will lack comprehensive services, requiring truckers to seek food, fuel, and maintenance elsewhere, and parking won’t be free.

At the state level, progress is being made thanks to increased federal funding. Yet, federal law prohibits commercial services at rest areas, which typically offer fewer parking spaces compared to truck stops. According to the Jason’s Law Survey, there are 7.63 private truck stop parking spaces for every public rest area space, highlighting the disparity in available facilities.