Making the Most of Truck Stops

Making the most of truck stops for any business traveler

By Nikki Davis
Truck stop chains aren't just for long haulers anymore--using truck stops has become a convenience taken advantage of by business travelers as well. Truck stop locations are peppered all across the US, and they offer not only fuel, but food and a number of other amenities as well.

Individual truck stops information can generally be found on each company's website, so if you are seeking out something specific, your best bet is to scope it out before you hit the road or to call ahead. Are you looking for a truck stop companies that offer showers? Do you need a truck stop company that offers diesel? Are you looking for truck stop facilities that can handle tire changes? Whatever your need, you are better off checking ahead of time if the services you need are offered before pulling into the station and finding out that they are not.

To make the most of information on truck stop chains:

1. Look at truck stop locations with showers.

2. Check out truck stop companies that are nationwide for the most convenience.

3. Choose truck stop chains with rewards programs.

 

Go for truck stop locations that offer showers

Stick with truck stops that can offer you a nice hot shower along with your fill up.
Try: The North American Truck Stop Network truck stops have showers. Consider becoming a part of their network. They also have VIP frequent refueler programs as well as other member benefits. Truck stops are refocusing to market themselves as "travel plazas" that not only include the much needed shower, but also amenities such as ATMs, high-speed Internet access, self-serve laundry facilities, repair shops, truck washes, truck scales and fueling stations. Learn how Petro Passport Driver Rewards can earn you shower credits. Pilot Travel Centers is the nation's largest operator of travel stops. They service customers in 41 states.

Choose nationwide truck stop chains

Going with truck stop locations that are nationwide lets you more easily use your rewards programs and rack up points faster.
Try: Find out where you can find TravelCenters of America locations coast to coast. Their benefit programs are called the TA RoadKing Club, and their two newly introduced levels Chrome Club and Chrome Club Elite. They also offer a wide selection of foods and a top notch service department. Flying J can also be found coast to coast, and they offer five different levels of loyalty cards. You can also check out their gas prices online.

Consider other truck stop chains

There are other fantastic truck stop chains that aren't quite nationwide yet, but might fall along your route and who offer wonderful rewards programs. Often they offer better rewards because they are trying to be more competitive and win your business over the bigger chains.
Try: Love's Travel Stops and Country Store can be found in over 30 states in the US, and they offer food and fuel. Use their trip planner to help you find their locations along your route, and use their price calculator to let you know what the daily fuel rate is at their locations. Visit Sapp Bros Travel Centers while traveling across the heart of the Midwest. Register for their rewards program, and earn points on fuel, in-store and truck washing purchases.

 

  • When using truck stop chains and various truckstops, keep all of your frequent traveler cards and/or point information in one central location. This will make it easier to pull out each time you stop to refuel or make a purchase.

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