Every trucker needs a break from long hours on the road, and truck stops are designed to do just that. These rest areas allow drivers to sleep, refuel and service their vehicles, and take care of their personal hygiene all in one place. When you plan your breaks, choose truck stops with amenities that fit your needs.
The following are six of the top truck stop amenities:
1. Showers
A clean, hot shower is one of the most sought-after amenities on the road. Luckily, most truck stops offer showers to truck drivers. Each location varies slightly on the requirements for drivers to utilize this amenity. Some are coin-operated, while you must purchase a ticket from others to reserve a shower for a particular time.
2. Laundry Facility
A laundromat is another covered amenity for truckers and road trippers alike. If you are on the road for an extended period, you’ll likely run out of clean clothes. Some truck stops provide quality machines, folding tables, and drying racks to clean your clothes, linens, and towels. Not all truck stops offer laundry services, however, so be sure to plan to hit a rest area with this amenity when you need it.
3. Fuel Station
Every truck stop offers a fuel station as part of its amenities. Filling up your fuel tank whenever possible will ensure you never run out of fuel and helps maintain your vehicle’s fuel economy. The better your fuel economy, the less often you will have to stop and get fuel. Many truck stops also advertise high fuel quality, which reduces engine damage.
4. Parking Spaces
Truck stops are built to accommodate semi-trucks and supply spacious places to park. Depending on the size of the parking lot, some rest areas designate spaces for overnight parking to allow truckers to sleep. It is a safe place to rest and recharge to finish their route.
5. Service Station
If you experience mechanical problems on the road, truck stops are one of the most convenient locations to stop and examine the vehicle. These locations offer a truck service station that provides preventative and light mechanical services at a lower price than repair shops. They are equipped with the tools and mechanics to get your semi-truck driving again. Many truck stops also have 24/7 roadside assistance.
6. Driver Lounge
Truck stops with a driver lounge area can be a trucker’s home away from home. While each location varies slightly, most driver lounges include comfortable furniture, a TV with cable or satellite hookup, and free WiFi. These features allow drivers to take a break, catch up on the latest news, or watch a few minutes of a game before hitting the road again.
Truck Driver Training in Albuquerque
Before you can hit the open road and enjoy all the amenities truck stops offer, you first need to earn your commercial driver’s license (CDL). At Phoenix Truck Driving School, we offer a combination of classroom, range, and on-the-road training to get you driving in as little as four weeks. Our Albuquerque location is the only truck driving school in the area that has a trucking company at the facility.
