Where to find parking when the truck stops are full?

[@TheJoyofTrucking]

If you are interested in driving for Crete Carrier, call Cassidy at 402-479-2709 or Recruiting at 1-800-998-2221. Our referral code is SLOKEV. We’d love it if you would use it. And let us know so we can thank you!! We appreciate it! And we appreciate you!!! If you are looking for any product that we use and recommend you can check the links in the description. We also got you a discount for Truckers Path. Again...the link is in the description. Thanks for watching!! We are happy to have you along with us, discovering the Roads of America and learning about trucking!!

[@harryknutts8428]

Yup and you got a watch the Tail swing in the dark too Try to keep about 4feet from the side of your truck between you and parked trucks

[@lyght3043]

I'm a Crete driver too, they treat their drivers good and the pay is on the higher end from what I've seen. They take care of their trucks, have 68 mph speed cap and use drivewyse pre-pass for weight stations. They can be bad about getting you home sometimes but rarely in the five years I've been with them they got me home late twice, other wise no problems with them.

[@TheNickbrady23]

I’m interested in going with Crete. Currently with a company out of Dallas. I started in January. Do they hirer newer drivers? And what’s the starting cpm?

[@rookietrucker9754]

Safe haven on pc is for hazmat only just letting you know

[@TheJoyofTrucking]

@@rookietrucker9754 Thanks! That was the language we learned at Werner, maybe learned incorrectly…but you are right. Seems officially that language used for hazmat. ‘Safe place to park and rest and comply with HOS’ is more accurate. 😉😆😃🤩

[@gumbydamit4161]

Please remember that when you park at places like Walmart and shipper and receivers, don't be a slob. Please pick up after yourself. Otherwise they will not allow truckers to park there.

[@TheJoyofTrucking]

YES!!!!! Thank you!!! 👍👍👍👍🤩🤩🤩

[@willl7780]

YUP

[@walteraustin9231]

Walmart DC Dont allow overnight parking

[@walteraustin9231]

Walmart DC DON'T allow overnight parking at there DC

[@stevenbelsky1652]

That should be at every truck stop nobody should leave garbage anywhere. Also those people like me who have dogs with them clean up after them

[@redmesa2975]

A driver once showed me, he would “pin drop” on Google maps for places he would park. Next time he would run that way, those locations are saved from past experiences.

[@kevinsloan154]

That's a good one.

[@TheJoyofTrucking]

Thanks!!! Good idea!

[@The_Humble_Hurricane]

Niiiiice! I've done this for years with locations I trained or ate at, and did it for sleeping locations when I was living in my car as well. I'll be starting my trucking career in about a month so this advice will still transfer nicely I see. Hadn't thought about it, so I appreciate the comment 🙏🏿💯

[@MarioMartinez-is1cg]

I do this 😎🤙

[@musclemania30]

Me and a few friends do this on the 360 app.

[@tomflinn9815]

The earlier you finish your day, the easier it is to find a spot. Also, if you see a bunch of trucks "creatively parked," that doesn't necessarily mean the truckstop is full, take a spin through the parking lot, you might just find a spot. If you must park on the side of the ramp (absolutely the last resort) use an on ramp, not the exit ramp.

[@TheJoyofTrucking]

All very sound advice!! Thanks Tom!

[@bensanders7392]

Yes the 'sitting duck' rule. At least on the on ramp vehicles are from a standing start trying to build up to speed....instead of deploying the drag race parachute to slow it down from freeway or Interstate driving speed.

[@jefferypease3920]

yeah, absolutely right man if you park where you’re not supposed to be and somebody hits you it’s gonna be on you not them

[@TheJoyofTrucking]

Yup…

[@harryknutts8428]

start at 4am and when u run out of time u should be able to park 90 percent of time

[@TheJoyofTrucking]

And see all the sunrises. 😆😆😆😁👍

[@harryknutts8428]

@@TheJoyofTrucking I’ve been driving a lot in the dark this week for different reasons I started my day at 3 AM a couple days ago and Sunday and come up until like 815 I don’t know how those guys do it to drive all night long I think it burns you out at least mayor because it takes like more effort because it’s dark

[@whiskeythree1622]

@@harryknutts8428 # circadian rhythm

[@Tpitgr]

I take my test in April I cannot wait to be on the road. I know it will come with its share of bs and it’ll be nights where I want to quit but I worked too hard for this cdl and I’m not a ppl person. A regular job will never suit me I like to be alone. As sad as that is to say I just enjoy being alone and the open road is so calming I can’t wait to be a trucker.

[@TheJoyofTrucking]

Hey there…how did it go? We hope you got your CDL and have started your new career!

[@NeeK_Klaus]

The best advice you gave is 1) start your day early 2) plan ahead If you do both of these things consistently you will rarely find yourself in the bad situation of running out of hours with no where to park or having to park the truck in an unsafe area. Great video!

[@driverben8604]

Another good tool I like to use is a truck stop pocket guide

[@TheJoyofTrucking]

Yes! Thank you!! Those can come in very handy too.

[@tmo.48]

Where do you find one of those pocket guides? ❤

[@driverben8604]

Most TA/Petro locations sell them

[@amyw7646]

I joined LA Fitness gym, nation wide membership. Many of those gyms have big parking lots and allow semi truck parking for members. In a pinch, I've also parked in truck areas or in docks at mall stores or around back at a big shopping plaza. If you stay the night at a motel, save the truck parking pass from the motel. Always look out for tow away signs. Sometimes it's just hiding in plain sight.

[@TheJoyofTrucking]

👍👍👍

[@thedale2112]

Boy. For a guy who claims to be shy and doesn't like staring at a camera, you sure do a damn fine job of being unbelievably informative AND entertaining! Absolutely amazing information in this video; great editing. What a team y'all two are! I wanna be just like y'all when I grow up! As always, travel safely...

[@jimb3541]

I will 2nd that.

[@TheJoyofTrucking]

Thanks so much!!!

[@SemiDad]

A couple of things: - Rest areas. Most only fill up after the truck stops. I normally have one planned as backup. - Nearly every state border has a welcome center with truck parking. Some of these don’t show up as rest areas. - Fill up gas & DEF midway through your day when you take your 30 minute break. You don’t want to be filling up at the end of the day and lose a parking spot. Yup, the best thing to do is start early & finish early and plan at least 2 stops.

[@TheJoyofTrucking]

All very well said! Thank you!!!

[@crewchief8013]

Be careful; parking on ramps and even not marked parking in a rest area is illegal. Many states allow parking in their weigh stations. I've never had an issue with being inspected while parked in one.

[@dreaforshort]

This is so real. Start early finish early! So many times I’d park then an hour later the whole lot is at capacity and drivers are making parks. I’ve had to make a park plenty of times as well🥴 I love going through Louisiana because there’s so much parking at the casinos and mom & pops 🚛💨

[@TheJoyofTrucking]

👍👍👍😃🤩

[@Mytho17]

In my 20yrs of trucking, trucker path is 👍

[@wolfsquared]

One trick I use, trucks are always on different schedules. Usually someone is always leaving. If you're patient, and can sit out of the way where you can see a row. Someone will usually leave within an hour or less.

[@TheJoyofTrucking]

Yes…but…Question is…where are you sitting during that time?

[@popplars964]

@@TheJoyofTrucking the fuel island clearly ;p (i kid)

[@TheJoyofTrucking]

@@popplars964 😆😆😆

[@mugetsuu23]

I would just also add to that, start early, finish early, BUT: if you don't want to do that and you don't mind driving all night, start late and finish late. ALSO, Casinos almost always have really clean bathrooms and good food.

[@TheJoyofTrucking]

Excellent additional info! Thank you!!!

[@JASONHJEFFERSON]

i dont worry about parking anymore since i haul fuel my stress has went way down since ive went local

[@coldfusion5153]

What state are you in how much does local fuel hauling pay these days

[@TheJoyofTrucking]

👍😃

[@JASONHJEFFERSON]

@@coldfusion5153 okc i make 30 an hour ot after 40 i run 65 to 68 hours a week

[@coldfusion5153]

@@JASONHJEFFERSON oh wow how is the cost of living in OKC?

[@jesseostone386]

@@JASONHJEFFERSON Did you need experience before you got hired?

[@stevek4449]

Yep, I got about 200 green pins for google maps for previous parking spots and a bunch of yellow pins for customers. Got quite a directory built up over the years.

[@phillipkolcjr7754]

Pull up a ramp throw out your triangles and pop your hood. Triangles are for emergencies and you are out of hours which makes it an emergency

[@TheJoyofTrucking]

😆😆😆👍

[@C3darCr33k]

I am on break from my first time out OTR. I did 20 days. I went ahead and got a paid version of trucker path, like $100 for a year I think. It already saved me a bunch of times. I can't imagine all the trouble I would have gotten into if I had to rely on my company nav system.

[@trainstractorscarsandtruck7362]

Lots of sound advice. I think the best advice is start early, end early and plan ahead. I'm lucky driving on the east coast for 20+ years and always do the same thing. End at 5PM and slip thru New York City at 4AM. Works every time. Enjoyed the video and all the other advice as well.

[@TheJoyofTrucking]

👍👍👍😃🤗

[@careditor]

I like the truckers parked in the rest stops full and they keep parking on the side of the roads all the way out to the on ramp to the freeway. One time I planned on staying at a loves and thought it was a little familiar then as i got close remembered our Terminal was across the highway....

[@douglasmijangos3327]

I’m new to trucking and these helped a lot thank you bro .. I don’t know if it’s me or does anyone else see it .. I feel Ike Kev is starting to feel more comfortable and having more fun wit the videos he’s making on his own 😂 the videos have always been great but I feel like he’s enjoying the process of making them more ❤️ thank you

[@TheJoyofTrucking]

👍😃😃

[@bensanders7392]

There's also the option to get out of OTR and find a local daycab job. I thought about that....but as of right now I enjoy the scenery and adventure of longhaul/ would not know what to do with "home every night" paid by the hour instead of the miles.

[@jakesstuff3049]

I always get a spot at Rest areas and sometimes u gotta go where the cars park screw it lol

[@TheJoyofTrucking]

😆😆😆

[@jesseostone386]

Be careful parking on the car side in rest areas. I got a citation for Failing To Obey (a traffic control device, i.e., a sign) while stopping just long enough for codriver and me to switch seats. We weren’t even going to park for long! But no, that SP officer needed to meet a quota or exercise a power trip or throw his weight around, idk. This was in Ohio.

[@rinkopr5561]

Im with you on the exit ramp. However in a pinch I have found the top of an On-Ramp to be a bit less risky. I finally gave up and planned my trips for "werwolf" driving. Spots at the Truck Stop are plentiful and generally no wait for the showers. In addition all the eating options in the building are open and the staff seems to be in a better mood.

[@seanfeeney2130]

I'm an off/on ramp king. 20 years this December, never once had a problem. Park near the end of an off ramp or beginning of an on ramp so traffic is going slower. Only takes one time like the recent greyhound crash. So, everything is a risk i guess.

[@TheJoyofTrucking]

Glad you’ve stayed safe

[@delegate104]

Rule of thumb with on/off ramps it's use common sense, i live in bakersfield ca, our town is not small but it's main economy is farming and for the most part is somewhat rural, there's lots of on/off ramps off the 58 with plenty of space for a few trucks some have a tree or two, i see truckers there all the time enjoying some shade under a tree away from the chaos of a busy truck stop parking lot. Anyways thanks for the content I'm new to otr had my license for 4 years mainly driven class B equipment but now I'm jumping to otr. I really enjoy and learned from your videos. Thank you!

[@sharonthetrucker2297]

I use the park my rig app but God first..I've been blessed and am grateful for sure. I will shut down 2 hours early if I have a good spot

[@TheJoyofTrucking]

Thanks for mentioning that app!!! Looks very cool! And yes…God generally gets me good parking places. 😃😃😃🙏

[@sharonthetrucker2297]

@@TheJoyofTrucking I have been using the park my rig app for a few years but I started with their book which used to be sold in truck stops and it has really helped me over the years to find out of the way spots I may have not seen or were not posted on trucker path it's affordable too it's like 2.99 a month and I feel like it's worth it for sure

[@davidwood-g2o]

Loved running mostly dedicated runs, had notebook with addresses from MA and NJ to Colorado with parking spots, usually only one truck and that would be me.

[@amels4620]

Update! Here in Texas the Fire Departments have recently begun druving thru big truck stops from Waco to San Antonio between the hours of 9pm - 4am. Truck's found parking in un-designated areas along the bordering fence lines; the Fire Dept will have Store Mgrs come out, wake you and have you moved or, towed! Fortunately this has not reached Dallas/ Ft. W yet. Crazy times in trucking. And I haven't begun to touch on how bad Brokers, Shippers and Receiving places are now treating us. It's almost like being at war after 4pm - 6am Mon- Sunday.

[@dannyshemtov576]

Church parking lots,many restaurants like buffets,event halls,community centers and if you look at Google maps satellite view it’s not too hard to spot large parking lots and then go to street view to see what kind of place it is

[@journeythroughus]

Lots of Walmarts near exits always work for me. Gotta look them up.

[@TheJoyofTrucking]

👍👍👍😃

[@leonardoalfonso3235]

Thanks, I'm a new driver. I just got my truck yesterday and I have a lot things to learn dicen by myself. Your video help me a lot.

[@TheJoyofTrucking]

Congratulations!!!!🎊🎈🎉 We are happy our videos are helpful!!! There’s so much to learn we wanted to share the hard won insights we gained from our experiences to make it easier for other rookies. Best of luck with your new career!!!

[@lyght3043]

Oddly Truckers Path doesn't list any of the adult toy/book stores that have truck parking. However you might feel about those kind of stores a fair amount of them do allow overnight truck parking. I have a few saved in my GPS just for parking.

[@AnthonyLagunas-yv6br]

They may have security cameras covering the lot. So you have some form of security.

[@koloradob5807]

truck stop parking shortage needs to stop took me 5 hours to load today done at 6:30. Drive 30 mins to a large pilot jammed packed

[@TheJoyofTrucking]

Terrible! Yes…need more parking!!!!!

[@uptempotransport28]

Ive been driving for 5 years and I've never paid for parking. Nor have i ever parked on an off ramp. There is always somewhere to park if you use truckerpath correctly

[@TheJoyofTrucking]

👍👍👍👏👏👏🎉

[@robertschied7484]

Also, if you are in an industrial area, you may find a company that has no fences or security, I stopped at a few back my truck up to a dock. That way you secure your load and get your rest

[@vendingdudes]

Even if it's not a place you're delivering to. Been there done that. Many times you can get a 10 on someone else's property and bail before anyone shows up for work at 6 or 7 and wonders who you are. Lol

[@TheJoyofTrucking]

😁😁😁😃😆😆😆👍🤩

[@deesimmons7704]

I appreciate the list of safe parking options.

[@TheJoyofTrucking]

👍😃

[@nvrbetrwhoohoo3941]

I’ve been trucking 1.5 years. This is great advice! The only thing I would add-on is his advice about driving at night. In certain places in the country and depending on my delivery appointment times I will change to a night shift. It’s kind of like as far as parking goes, you zig while they zag. Don’t wing it, plan for it.

[@TheJoyofTrucking]

😆😆😆👍👍👍👍

[@cthulhusepterian855]

If your in the NY area look for signs that say Tandem Lot, off most major highways, you can park there and most nights HWP will pull in and sit there. Never had one bother me, but there are no services so might need a few bottles in your truck if your there for you 10.

[@sweetjamesjones2440]

Say what you want about swift but I can honestly say they have terminals and drop yards in dam near every state which helps out alot

[@glennfoster8707]

Hope u Kevin n u Tonya are doing well... ❤️ yall videos.. been dedicated watching long time since beginning.. u2 be safe,,god bless.. your number 1 viewer.. Foster...❤

[@davidhowerton3434]

I have trucker path and it has been a big help to meal.

[@TheJoyofTrucking]

👍👍👍😃yes!!!

[@harryknutts8428]

you always plan ahead ,,,,,,, buy that little book that has all the truckstops in it , its easier than apps cuz u open it to state and interstate and see everything in a glance ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, do not plan on parking after 4pm anywhere within 50 miles of chicago or 150 miles of east coast ,,,,,, out west is nice and easy and down south too

[@TheJoyofTrucking]

Or southern PA. 😳😔☹️

[@davidbenjamin7165]

I especially like the idea of leaving early. It can be almost impossible trying to find parking after 5pm.

[@TheJoyofTrucking]

👍👍👍

[@thetexastrucker7934]

I normally shut down late. This is true at the major truck stops so you have to think outside the box. Wal-Mart, hobby lobby, target, strip mall, a side st close to the shipper/receiver with a cul-de-sac. Some motels have small dirt lots next to them. Sometimes you have to get creative. But yes the popular truck stops will be at capacity. I spend a lot of time on Google maps looking for places when I know it's going to be late. And also just stay at a shipper/receiver o/n if possible. But when you run days you probably think parking late at nt is impossible. Just plan ahead.

[@rooseveltrainesjr7618]

That's the number 1 downer about trucking. No parking. I pull on ramp I'm most cases. Depending on what state but it not safe.

[@TheJoyofTrucking]

👍👍👍

[@sheshnag-z5s]

Great tips. I personally think you would make a great actor in Hollywood as you have great soft skills.

[@TheJoyofTrucking]

Wow, thank you! Maybe a talent scout will notice. 😁😉

[@skydivingisfun]

Been driving 6 years and i still watch these vids Incase there is something that I hadn't thought of. You did great covering everything there is. One more suggestion some hotels will let u park there overnight even w/o renting a room, just gotta call and ask.

[@TheJoyofTrucking]

Thank you for that additional tip!!!

[@robertcameron5364]

if you find yourself in the middle of farm country, a lot of small towns have grain elevators, usually there is room there to park

[@TheJoyofTrucking]

Thanks for that tip!

[@mackdog3270]

Yeah, don't ever count on finding parking in a big city unless you know all the ins and outs of the place. The truck stops filled up 30 years ago with local drivers and never emptied out. You might find one or two spots between 1100 and 1400. I'll park within 100 miles of my delivery point and that both reduces aggravation and opens options. I'm a big fan of weigh stations. Good video 👍

[@TheJoyofTrucking]

👍😃😃😃

[@rudyflores6898]

Great video! Parking is always an issue for us truck drivers. The information was great. I am going to install that app. Thanks

[@TheJoyofTrucking]

Glad it was helpful!

[@larrythorpe-tc4vi]

I finally got my own truck, and finished with having a trainer. The goal was for me was to practice the 45 back at the end of each day, but the parking was so crazy we sometimes had to park “creatively” as my trainer said. He was really good about not doing that unless he had to. We even parked at a place and bought a spot, and someone parked in a way where we couldn’t get in it without asking him to move. Side note I was never shown how to do the 45 until being in the middle of a busy parking lot. The company I got my CDL has their own school. I actually like the company a lot,but my initial instructor only showed us enough to pass the CDL test which was only parallel, offset, and straight.he was supposed to show us the 45. If I didn’t pass the 45 back driver skill evaluation I’d be fired and sent a bill for 7,000$.

[@TheJoyofTrucking]

😳😳😳Most CDL schools only teach to the test. Very sad! Not even backing. Which is the most parking a driver will do!!! Hope it went well for you and you got to practice in less stressful situations! Let us know how it’s going!

[@larrythorpe-tc4vi]

@@TheJoyofTrucking I ended up barely passing. It took so long and he had to tell me to make it straighter, so the tester made me do 3 times in a row lol I eventually got my own truck and I practiced at almost every truck stop I stoped at. I figured out my own way of correcting the approach, and I definitely want to be a trainer, so I can make sure whoever I train doesn’t feel so lost lol

[@TheJoyofTrucking]

@@larrythorpe-tc4vi 👍👍👍🤗🤗🤗

[@seanfeeney2130]

Talk to the local ltl guys if you see one. They usually know good spots in industrial areas off the beaten path nobody else would know about

[@TheJoyofTrucking]

Good tip! Thanks!

[@markphillipson1330]

I also look for motels with parking . If you park at one be smart turn your truck off so no one will know . And keep it quiet for paying customers . Has paid off for me several times . Hope it helps .

[@TheJoyofTrucking]

Good tip! Thanks!

[@mikeGp2023]

I love Trucker Path

[@lamontpugh9790]

I been driving for 3 months and I’ve learned so much from your videos. Thank you.

[@TheJoyofTrucking]

We are so glad our content has been helpful!!!! Congratulations on your new career. It’s a steep learning curve at the beginning. That’s why we share what we learn. Hang in through your first year and you’ll have lots of options!! Thanks for watching!!!

[@bigwu100]

I stay mostly on get on ramp. There is always room.exit ramp no good. In the a.m. I can make my coffee. Brush my teeth. Take care of most of my buisness in the truck. It's sorta like camping. You gotta improvise, adapt,overcome. Be thankful for what is available. Truck stops are a necessary evil. Stock your truck with what you need. Keep a 5gallon bucket with plastic liners and a screw on top. You will be surprised how handy it is. Keep a case of water. En electric tea pot .and or microwave. Don't shop at the truck stop. Walmart are everywhere. Be safe.

[@imochima5978]

Thanks for the Safe Heaven 🙏 didn't know about that.

[@TheJoyofTrucking]

Better check with your company. Seems different companies handle it differently.

[@davidjones8680]

An excellent episode. Many thanks. David in the UK.

[@TheJoyofTrucking]

👍👍👍 Thanks for watching a lot of our videos recently!!! Good to have you along!

[@robertcolfack26]

Rest area, well lit up industrial park, Interstate shoulder exit and Walmart I drove a truck for 30 years...

[@TheJoyofTrucking]

Good tips!!! Thank you!!! And thanks for all you’ve hauled in 30 years!!!

[@DarrkMane]

Walmart options depend on the city's ordinance if they allow overnight camping rules.

[@royworkout9232]

Thank you for the tremendous informations ! Keep It up 👍

[@johngilmore744]

Thank you so much for your help, the stress of finding a place has gone down considerably.

[@TheJoyofTrucking]

So happy to hear that our video helped!!! 🥰

[@FoehnLeigh]

Trucker Path sounds great! Too bad they aren't up to speed on the newer model phones. I wanted to download the app, but it's not available for my newer model Samsung Galaxy.

[@TheJoyofTrucking]

Oh. That’s too bad. Because it is a really good app. Hopefully they will catch up soon! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@l.t.madeawaytrucking602]

Hey I’m proud of you sir. I remember when you first started with Werner. I would watch you and other truckers everyday. I got my CDLS and been driving for over a year now. Keep trucking sir

[@TheJoyofTrucking]

Awwww….Thank you! Nice to ‘see’ you again! 😉 Congratulations!!!! You are one of the few that made it past the one year mark!!! Good for you!! And thanks for recognizing how far we’ve come in our journey!!! Hope to meet you on the road some day!

[@justinlight7288]

Tons of Super Helpful information... TY driver

[@TheJoyofTrucking]

Glad the video was helpful!!!

[@4real775]

This is a great video.. there are slim truck parking in DMV area.. heading south on 95 to Richmond, va

[@jarvisjones9530]

Really great information for the new truckers. Awesome Video!!!! I am always impressed with quality videos like this that has ***Substance*** to it, and can truly make it worth my while to be on this Channel. Thanks Kevin & Tanja. Stay safe & Happy Trails Truckers!!!!!!☺

[@TheJoyofTrucking]

Awwww. Thanks so much for your compliment!!!! We are happy to share what we learn to help new drivers. The learning curve is so steep. So we hope this type of video helps minimize some of the stress for rookies. 😃

[@Bendigo1]

One reason I prefer night driving and driving regional so i know when and where to avoid going. I always have backup plans, I start at option A, then b then c if needed, but never wait till my clock is too low for backup plans to even work.

[@ShanntahnPininchula]

Excellent advice. Common sense and planning prevails every time.

[@Bendigo1]

@@ShanntahnPininchula well, most of the time, some days, you just can't win.

[@ShanntahnPininchula]

@@Bendigo1 haha I hear you

[@stephenray8337]

There’s been times I would wait until the next morning to pickup or drop off a load to avoid parking problems.

[@TheJoyofTrucking]

Yes! Well said! Thank you!!!

[@scottv1977]

The Love’s truck stop in Waddy Kentucky is almost full by 3:30pm There is a Speedway gas station across the road that has truck parking and there is a Flying J on the other side of I-64

[@TheJoyofTrucking]

Wow that’s early!!!Thanks for the tip!!!

[@francorama]

Thx for the tips driver. This is especially an important issue for the drivers.

[@TheJoyofTrucking]

👍😃😃😃

[@evand8682]

I love driving otr but finding parking is the number 1 stress lately in my opinion. Especially since most companies dont allow driver's to park on exit ramps or side of road

[@TheJoyofTrucking]

Indeed! 👍

[@mackdog3270]

Paid parking is also good. I always reserve parking at the TA in commerce city when I go to denver. But even then, getting there early is the best bet. They got mixed up when painting the lines and put them in backwards, so it can be rough when almost full.

[@TheJoyofTrucking]

🤦‍♀️😆👍

[@williamgalan883]

Great video! I just got my license and this content was one of my worries, especially when the company makes you take the truck home with you and you live in a residential area. Thank you!

[@TheJoyofTrucking]

Glad it helped! Congratulations on getting your CDL!!!!! Hope to see you out on the road sometime!!!

[@williamgalan883]

@@TheJoyofTrucking me too

[@michaelmerta8956]

I never drove an truck ever expect one an farm. Find it very interesting.

[@harryknutts8428]

also some truckstops are harder to leave than it was to park because how it filled up ,,, always a good idea especially in the dark to take a walk and make sure u know where exit is and a plan for getting to it

[@TheJoyofTrucking]

Good tip!!! Thanks!! Just this morning, coming out of our spot, we had to turn the opposite of where we should have because someone parked in a way that blocked our exit.

[@douglashanlon1975]

​@@TheJoyofTrucking those are what a dozen eggs are primed for.

[@TheJoyofTrucking]

@@douglashanlon1975 😆😆😆Well…hello there!!! Great meeting you today!!!

[@douglashanlon1975]

Nice talking to you two in Carlisle today

[@TheJoyofTrucking]

Yes! Great meeting you and spending Christmas together! 😳😃👍🎄🎄🎄

[@BlackBear15909]

I'm on RDO-21 and outside of winter months/ scheduling needs of the load (pickup/ delivery), I primarily drive nights. It makes deciding where/when to park a lot easier. Out of the list you mentioned, I just make sure to pre-trip/ mid-trip/ post-trip route plan and have a full list of options.

[@TheJoyofTrucking]

👍👍👍👍👍👍🤩😃

[@longshankdrills8799]

Thanks a lot brother. Just getting into it right now. Very helpful, much appreciated ! 👍🏼🙏🏼

[@TheJoyofTrucking]

Glad it’s helpful! We wish you all the best in your new trucking career!

[@jesseostone386]

I prefer parking at weigh stations. Less likely to be vandalized or accosted since I think those parking areas are covered by state patrol cameras.

[@AJ-cg7zc]

nicely done. kept it to the point and very informative.

[@TheJoyofTrucking]

👍👍👍Glad you enjoyed our video!

[@douglashoward2735]

Thanks Kevin for the great information, many don't understand that they can use personal conveyance to find safe truck parking hopefully more truck parking will be available in the near future be safe and thanks again

[@TheJoyofTrucking]

🤩🤩🤩👍😃

[@MakeshiftApollo]

I try to start at 3 o4 unless my drops have schedules that run me later in the day than I planned or wanted. At this moment I’m that last guy in the row where it’s not quite a spot but it is out of everyone’s way .

[@steveclark4291]

I'm not a OTR driver but when I travel I talk to truckers about places with good service , good food and security ! There's usually places to park cars out of the way for overnight or a few hours rest . Thank you for sharing this information with me as it will help in my travels ! I lack 4 states west of Mississippi River of driving through all of them but still need many East of the Mississippi River to get all 48 states !

[@danstafford5977]

I have used drop yards padlock the rear door and put a Kingpin lock on... if there's a restaurant nearby... likewise for a school yard.... behind mom and pop restaurants has some dirt parking space.

[@TheJoyofTrucking]

👍👍👍

[@GBTKTV]

Personal Conveyance (Safe Haven) info is what I needed. I had an emergency situation and was never informed of this. Thank you so much sir! 🙋🏾‍♂️❤️👍

[@TheJoyofTrucking]

Glad it was helpful! But be sure to check with your company if you are a company driver. We heard Werner got rid of PC altogether. And at Crete we had some misunderstandings about it recently. So make sure to check your company's policy. Might be different from how DOT has it written.

[@kassimabdullahi5143]

I ran out of time at customer on the south side of Chicago on an evening delivery. Had a 3 hour drive time when I arrived for my delivery time. They were late unloading me so I ran out of drive time. Had to call my company and they end up adding PC button to my eld tablet soI can get to a safe haven.

[@stevesteil8412]

Some restaurants allow parking, Google earth satellite and a simple phone call sometimes. Found one last night in CO. Some motels have truck parking. Big box stores best to ask managers buy many do allow parking. And yes please police yourself.

[@TheJoyofTrucking]

Thanks for the extra information!!! Appreciate your input!!!

[@jamarcovington5258]

Plan ahead with every trip

[@bobbihutchinson1963]

Hello , I love your videos me and my wife were otr for 4.5 yrs I'm a local driver in MI for the last 8.5 yrs !!your videos bring back memories....we love you guys be safe and God bless!!!!! Billy t and bobbi

[@TheJoyofTrucking]

Thank you so much!!!!! Happy to have you both along with us relieving some good memories!

[@martypezzeca4487]

Good job Kevin!😊

[@TheJoyofTrucking]

Thanks!

[@jeremyberry9422]

The part about "Safe Haven" is absolutely INCORRECT. That specific term is reserved ONLY for certain classes of Hazmat, and refers to a location where you can leave a load unattended. I know Kentucky has those safe haven signs at the scales, but that has NOTHING to do with the words as they exist in federal law.

[@TheJoyofTrucking]

Looks like you are correct. It’s a term used for Explosive loads. At Werner it was an option on the menu for when Kevin we t in PC. Maybe it was only for Hazmat drivers? He’s been using that expression instead of “safe location.” No one has ever said anything about it. Thanks for educating us.

[@jesseostone386]

As an AA&E driver, the Save Haven official sites are almost exclusively at military bases and at some government contractor locations, such as Lockheed Martin or Raytheon. It is a term of art in that segment of logistics, and not just a generic term.

[@kevincarlin8576]

Great info! Thanks

[@TheJoyofTrucking]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jimmcfadden1438]

Good advice driver! You can save favorites on the trucker path if you have found parking there b4. Your strategy is good to start early and stop early. If you plan on staying in a big city ,you better get there early. I drove 22 years . I like to work when most people are sleeping. I looked for parking after 1 to 3 in the morning and found that drivers are leaving then. There are drivers always leaving most truck stops all through the day. You are right about checking the ones that are showing to be full. You are right about your advice. It also works to do the opposite of everyone else. If you Finnish your day in the morning after 8 or 9 most truck stops are half empty by then. Thanks for your video. It is very informative. It would be good for all new drivers to watch it. Thanks for trying to help our fellow drivers out. 👍🇺🇲

[@TheJoyofTrucking]

Thank YOU!!! 😃👍

[@michaelhurst6562]

Sage advice....

[@driver3605]

You're right.....start early, finish early. I always tried to do that and it almost always worked.

[@TheJoyofTrucking]

👍👍👍🤩

[@ronniehill8213]

You're right, after pretrip, I'm usually on the road between 0600-0700

[@danielbueno9913]

For those guys and gals that have planet fitness memberships and like to get a workout in those are also good places for 10 hr reset I've done a 34 at few most are in big strip malls hope that helps stay safe drivers

[@TheJoyofTrucking]

We’ve thought about that. Are most of them accessible from interstates? Good parking?

[@danielbueno9913]

@TheJoyofTrucking it all depends on location of the PF I always look for suburb PF never directly in the city and it's always best to call ahead and ask or just use Google map satellite view and of course trip planning 😉 and if u have a membership you can use the PF app to locate PF locations along your route hey showers massage chairs and exercise I'd say better than truck stop lol give it a shot 😉

[@TheJoyofTrucking]

@@danielbueno9913 👍👍👍

[@Diddley_Squat]

The only time I've ever had a consistent problem finding a spot is in the south east. It happens in other places, but not often in my experience.

[@sir_junzz8158]

Florida truck stops fill up at 3pm

[@Diddley_Squat]

@@sir_junzz8158 Florida is bad. I had to just stay in the center left turn lane for an hour going to Tropicana (OJ).

[@donmunro144]

With the personal conveyance, don't make a habit of using it. If they see it once in a while, it won't be questioned. But if they see you doing it a couple times a week, you may get hassled. Also I start looking for a spot at the 10 hr mark. I don't wait till the last minute and hope to find something, unless I know without a doubt there will be room for me and I'm positive I can get there in time.

[@TheJoyofTrucking]

Yes!! Thanks for watching and thank you for your comment! All good points!

[@PARMYGUY]

We old timers prefer the get on ramp. They have to get up to speed.

[@David_Boyd_]

Great video. I used trucker path daily

[@TheJoyofTrucking]

👍👍👍👍🤩

[@jesustorralba2360]

Manage your hours of service diligently especially if you are a solo driver. Keep in mind that truck stops start filling up at around 3pm. When you get a load, you have to figure that factor in and let your driver manager that its not going to work. This is one of the biggest pitfalls in the trucking industry that the carriers do not care to address that was why I got out of it because it is the number one factor that gets the driver into an accident but the industry always blames the driver when it is the carrier that causes it. Because the contract between the carrier and the customer does not include it in their contractual stipulations.

[@TheJoyofTrucking]

Well said! Sorry it pushed you out of the industry! The shortage of safe parking really needs to be addressed!