Drivers are responsible not only for the delivery of the cargo, but also for a well-designed route with stops. They need to consider all the practical aspects of being on the road and understand where they will eat, shower and rest. Any journey can be enhanced by a quality stopover.
In recent years, car parks in America have been transformed into places equipped with cinemas, restaurants, and even nightclubs! Every driver who knows about them can feel at home and have a good time.
To make it easier for you, we have prepared a list of truck stops and the full range of their services.
What Are Truck Stops?
Truck stops are not just points on a map. They form the basis of every trucker’s journey.
Below, you will learn about the best truck stops in the USA and the importance of quality rest on the road.
Why You Should Choose the Right Semi Truck Stop
When we talk about the profession of a driver who spends a lot of time on the road, the importance of choosing a good truck stop cannot be overstated. They are both pit stops and rest areas that play a key role in the well-being and overall experience of the truck driver.
The quality of the stop has a direct impact on all aspects of the journey:
- ensuring adequate rest;
- proper nutrition;
- compliance with safety standards, etc.
Pitfalls of Choosing the Wrong Travel Center
Drivers can face a number of problems if choose the wrong place to rest:
- Inadequate sanitary conditions affect not only comfort but also hygiene (possible health problems).
- Insufficient amenities (lack of showers, restaurants) can be a serious obstacle for drivers.
- The absence of a rest area makes drivers ill-prepared for the journey ahead.
- Poorly lit, or unsafe parking areas pose a risk to both drivers and cargo.
The quality of the driver’s rest is directly proportional to the speed and compliance with delivery conditions. That’s why we choose the best truck stops for our drivers.
Key Aspects of Choosing Truck Stops
The identity of a truck stop is shaped by aspects that depend on its geographical location, available amenities and size. Let’s take a look at what to look for.
Geographic Data: Mapping Your Route
Visual maps are an indispensable tool for truck drivers. They offer real-time statistics that influence the choice of stops. In most cases, these maps help you plan efficient routes and anticipate potential obstacles.
Amenities: A Better Stopping Experience
Today, truck stops have evolved from simple petrol stations to integrated centers. Many of them boast a unique set of amenities designed to meet your needs and beyond (pet-friendly).
Size: Well-Designed Space
Space is important at truck stops. Having enough parking spaces available is key to ensuring a comfortable stay.
Branch: Independent or Part of a Truck Stop Chain
There are different types of truck stops. Some are not subordinate to anyone and operate independently. Others form national chains and provide a consistent brand experience in different locations across the country. Knowing where you belong gives you an idea of the amenities, services, and overall environment you can expect.
How Many Truck Stops Are There in the USA?
Truck stops are densely and fairly evenly spread across the country. All of them are equipped with the necessary facilities:
- showers;
- car parks;
- petrol stations.
Some are comfortable and provide visitors with workout rooms and basketball courts.
They can be either private or public (the latter are often referred to as rest areas or overnight stops).
According to the Jason’s Law Truck Parking Survey 2020, the total number of truck parking spaces is 313,000. This includes: 40,000 in public places, and 273,000 in private car parks. So drivers definitely have an alternative.
What Are the 3 Major Truck Stops in America?
After a whole day on the road, the only thing a truck driver thinks about is: “Where is the truck stop near me?” to get a good rest. However, not all truck stops in America are the same! Some are small, while others are huge, like a shopping center with entertainment and full-service restaurants.
For us, quality rest for Hugo Hunter drivers is really important, so we select locations in the best tourist centers, the largest truck stop chains and well-known truck stops. Let’s take a closer look.
The Best Truck Stop Chains
The largest truck stop chains include the following:
It is the largest operator of travel centers in North America. Together, they have more than 740 locations in 44 states and Canada. Due to the fact that they are part of the same network, they operate in similar ways, and drivers have access to:
- CAT certified scales;
- fuel stations;
- truck washes;
- service centers;
- laundries;
- showers, etc.
Their main difference is that Flying J stops are usually a bit larger and have a restaurant (Denny’s) on their territory. However, Pilots have a higher level of service.
The myRewards Plus app allows you to get free credits for showers and drinks at Pilot Flying J.
This network is one of the biggest truck stops in the USA. It has been around for 70 years (since 1964) and has more than 600 locations in 41 states. It has all the standard amenities you would expect from a truck stop, such as:
- a convenience store;
- fast food restaurant;
- showers;
- a wide range of truck services (fuel, tire care, repairs);
- necessary things for traveling.
With the Love’s Connect app, it’s easy to redeem additional rewards for purchases made at Love’s or Speedco stores.
This network has 270 stops across the country, with many unique restaurant chains with home-cooked food. Several locations have their own concept restaurant, The Kitchen. Other facilities include:
- showers;
- truck care;
- gyms;
- special places for pets.
The network’s slogan is: ‘Return every traveler to the road better than they came’, and this is only possible through individual approach and care.
For Hugo Hunter drivers, we select truck stops from these chains – below we will talk about the most famous ones.
10 Most Popular Truck Stops in America
We prefer the most convenient and largest truck stops in America so that drivers can eat, wash, and rest before the next day’s work.
This list features stops that are in high demand, and some of them are recognized as the biggest truck stops.
1 . Iowa 80 (Walcott, IA)
Does your route take you through I-80? Then make sure to stop by this truck stop. With 900 parking spaces and a variety of services, it deserves the title of ‘Largest Truck Stop in the World’ and serves more than 5,000 customers a day. Services include:
- truck maintenance;
- car wash;
- CAT scales;
- chiropractor;
- dental office;
- showers;
- laundry;
- hairdresser;
- cinema;
- gym;
- museum (where you will see a 1911 Walker Electric truck and many other unique vehicles);
- eight restaurants, etc.
This truck stop in America will satisfy almost any driver’s need.
2. Little America Travel Centre (Little America, WY)
If you’re heading southwest on Interstate 80, it’s a great option to stop here and enjoy the beautiful pine trees. You can check in anytime, 24/7. Amenities include:
- 16 fuel islands;
- driver’s lounge;
- 14 showers and baths;
- laundry room;
- USA post office;
- swimming pool;
- grill.
This truck stop in America offers daily services for passenger and commercial trucks through its Rocky Mountain Truck Centre. It has three other locations in the west of the country: Little America, WY, Cheyenne, WY, and Salt Lake City, UT.
3. Trail’s Travel Centre (Albert Lea, MN)
Are you near the intersection of I-35 and I-90? Then, you are definitely on your way to the 24-hour truck stop center. It is equipped with:
- a restaurant with home cooking and Pizza Hut, McDonald’s, Taco Bell and Caribou Coffee;
- a tavern (in the style of the Vikings);
- shop;
- comfortable seating area with TV and internet access;
- showers and laundry facilities;
- large truck parking area;
- petrol stations.
4. Jubitz Travel Centre (Portland, OR)
Located near I-5, the Jubitz travel center is close by. By visiting it, you will get access to:
- car parking spaces;
- showers and jacuzzis;
- scales;
- dog wash;
- a restroom for the driver;
- truck service center;
- fleet services;
- Jake Brake Deli and convenience store.
There is a Jubitz Market nearby, where you can get a hairdresser, post office, cinema, and more.
5. Johnson’s Corner Truck Stop (Johnstown, CO)
This is a historic truck stop with a homely atmosphere, known for its cinnamon rolls. It’s located off I-25, so if your route is close by, you should definitely stop by.
You can park in one of the 110 spaces and refuel your car. If necessary, you can also use the chapel and banquet hall.
6. Morris Travel Centre (Morris, IL)
Located on I-80, Highway 47, exit 112B. This stop is equipped with:
- petrol stations (gas/diesel);
- parking spaces (292);
- showers;
- laundry facilities;
- a restaurant and numerous amenities.
You can also visit the convenience store here.
7. Dysart’s Truck Stop (Bangor, ME)
A full-service truck stop that operates around the clock:
- trucker gas stations;
- garages;
- car washes;
- showers;
- Internet;
- full truck service center;
- dining rooms with hearty home-cooked meals, etc.
8. North Forty Truck Stop (Holladay, TN)
If you’re passing through, stop by this 24-hour complex, which features:
- petrol station;
- car park;
- tow truck;
- restroom;
- fast food;
- ATM;
- shop;
- chapel;
- showers.
It has everything for a good rest for the driver and car diagnostics or repair.
9. Coldfoot Camp (Fairbanks, AK)
Located at mile 175 on the Dalton Highway near the Arctic National Park and the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. In addition to meeting basic needs, you can enjoy:
- Hiking;
- rafting;
- fishing;
- excursions.
In the colder months, travelers can see the aurora borealis here. The truck stop is open all year round and has everything necessary for stopping trucks.
10. Boise Stage Stop (Boise, ID)
Serves a variety of travelers with maximum comfort. It is a favorite destination for truck drivers and travelers alike. It has everything you need, including:
- a healthy food restaurant;
- own bakery;
- a gift shop.
Wherever you are in the USA, at least one of these stops will come across your path. They are known for their exceptional facilities, services, and hospitality. That’s what makes them a top choice for truckers and travelers alike.
Welcome Home: Visit Our Hugo Hunter Terminal
Hugo Hunter is not only about quality logistics and a range of transport services that are tailored to the needs of each customer. First and foremost, it is about taking care of our drivers! After all, we have a professional team that provides perfect services, makes individual decisions and does it at an affordable price.
Our specialists are able to:
- pack and deliver goods from containers;
- transport complex, temperature-sensitive cargo.
We can do this on:
- a cargo van with a carrying capacity of up to 2,000 tonnes;
- Sprinter minibus (up to 3,500 tonnes);
- van (up to 4,000 tonnes);
- straight truck (10,000 tonnes);
- Hotshot (14,500 tonnes).
Where you can order:
- Expedite and Last Mile. The best option for small and medium-sized shipments.
- FTL and LTL. Full truckload means that you order a whole truck for your cargo only. This means that it will only be filled with your belongings.
- Specialized. Individual conditions are additionally negotiated.
Our drivers deserve the best rest in the most popular truck stops in the country. We value everyone and want them to feel at home, at least for a while on the road.
After all, employees are the heart of our company. We are confident that with a team that values trust and care, we go beyond the usual delivery of goods and provide the most important thing – peace of mind. It is this proactive approach that guarantees customized solutions for your transport needs, with an emphasis on safety and accuracy at every step. And it’s not just words.
100% of Hugo Hunter employees say it’s a great place to work, compared to 57% of employees at a typical USA company, because:
- leadership is clear about their expectations;
- You can get a direct answer to any question;
- management communicates easily with every employee;
- the management is competent in all matters related to business;
- every employee is in the right place in the company.
If you want to join our team, please follow the link and fill out the form – we will be happy to welcome you to our family!