According to the National Association of Truck Stop Operators, there are more than 2,500 truck stops in the United States. These truck stops include showers and parking and sell diesel fuel, providing truckers like you with what you need most when you’re on the road. Needless to say, you have a lot of options when it comes to truck stops to choose from as a trucker. In this blog, you’ll discover what seasoned truckers look for in a truck stop, as well as which ones make our list of the 10 Best Truckstops of America and why.
What the Best Truck Stops of America Have in Common
If you’re new to the trucking industry, you maybe be wondering what makes some truck stops better than others for truckers. Most seasoned truckers will tell you that the best truck stops of America are ones that are convenient to get to from the highway. You don’t want to get too far off your delivery route when you need gas, food or to take a break from driving.
It’s no secret that truck parking is a major issue for the industry and that searching for parking can be stressful. Most commercial truckers are on the lookout for truck stops that offer truck parking. Experienced drivers often start driving very early in the day to ensure they can get parking at truck stops along their routes. Truckers often seek out truck stops that offer added amenities such as parking, laundry, showers, weigh scales and/or truck maintenance for added convenience.
The 10 Best Truck Stops of America According to Truckers
1. Iowa 80 Truck Stop (Walcott, Iowa)
The Iowa 80 truck stop in Walcott, Iowa, has been named the best truckstop in America according to several driver surveys, including those conducted by FreightWaves and Hale Trailer Brake & Wheel Inc. Known as The World’s Largest Truckstop, Iowa 80 offers truckers 900 truck parking spaces, 20 showers, laundry, truck maintenance, truck washes, chiropractor services, dental services, a movie theater, CAT scales, eight restaurants and more. This best truck stop of America serves more than 5,000 customers daily.
2. Kenley 95 Petro (Kenly, N.C.)
Claiming the title of largest truck stop on the East Coast, Kenley 95 Petro is owned by the same folks who own and operate the Iowa 80 truck stop, number one on our best truckstops of America list. Like Iowa 80, Kenley 95 has been rated one of the best stops in America by Hale Trailer, the largest independent trailer dealership in North America. Services and amenities offered at this best truck stop of America include a barbershop, weigh scales, driver den, laundry, 15 showers, truck showroom, truck service center, 350 truck parking spots, truck wash and more.
3. Jubitz Travel Center (Portland, Ore.)
Located off I-5, Jubitz Travel Center in Portland, Ore., was recently ranked number two by drivers in FreightWaves’ survey and has grown from a local favorite to a nationally recognized truck stop. Jubitz Travel Center offers truckers 250 free and 18 reserved truck parking spots, as well as these amenities: showers and jacuzzi access, towels, weigh scales, dog wash, driver lounge, truck service center, fleet services, Jake Brake deli and convenience store. The Jubitz Marketplace, which is located next to the truck stop, includes a barbershop, a cinema, postal services and overnight accommodations.
4. Big Apple Travel Center (Joplin, Mo.)
The Big Apple Travel Center in Joplin, Mo., is located just off Interstate 44 at Exit 13. Named to several best of lists as a top truck stop of America, the travel center is known for its clean facilities and diverse food options. The Big Apple Travel Center includes convenience store snacks and authentic Indian food in its take-out café, Rasoí. Also take advantage of the travel center’s free Wi-Fi, charging stations, showers, dog park, weigh scales, and other services and amenities.
5. Dysart’s Restaurant & Truck Stop (Hermon, Maine)
Open since 1967, Dysart’s Restaurant & Truck Stop in Hermon, Maine, is a 24-hour, family-owned truck stop that includes two restaurants and eight convenience stores. On-site amenities include showers, free Wi-Fi, a bakery, restaurants, a truckers’ lounge, travel stop store, truck dealership, dump station, truck wash, and a full-service truck and tire center.
Dysart’s is so famous that one of its commercial’s has even been the subject of a Saturday Night Live skit featuring Will Ferrell and Kate McKinnon. Say, “Baked in a buttery, flaky crust” three times fast.
6. South of the Border (Hamer, S.C.)
Situated off I-95 in Hamer, S.C., South of the Border is both a best truckstop of America and a popular destination for tourists. South of the Border includes restaurants, an ice cream shop, gas stations, a motel, truck stop, mini golf course, shopping, a motor cross training facility, an amusement park, full arcade, fireworks store, observation deck and the largest indoor reptile display in the United States (!).
7. Flynn’s Truck Plaza (Shrewsbury, Mass.)
Known as New England’s largest family owned truck stop, Flynn’s Truck Plaza is located in Shrewsbury, Mass., providing CDL drivers with exclusive access to its on-site laundry and shower facilities. Founded in 1935 as a gas station with one pump, this independent truck stop today offers 24/7 access to multiple diesel pumps, free truck parking, an on-site Dunkin Donuts, tv lounges, a trucker’s store, on-call repair and tire service, and a convenience store.
8. Big Horn Travel Center (Fort Worth, Texas)
Big Horn Travel Center, a Pilot Flying J travel center off US-287, is located in Rhome, Texas, in the greater Fort Worth, Texas, area clocking in at number eight on our best truckstops of America list. This 24-hour truck stop offers truckers multiple diesel fuel lanes, public parking, truck parking, showers, CAT scales, laundry, Wi-Fi, a wildlife exhibit, a food court, and an in-bay and on-site service facility with TIA and ASE certified technicians.
9. Little America (Little America, Wyo.)
Coming in a number nine of our list of best truckstops of America is Little America Travel Center in Little America, Wyo., off Interstate 80. This 24-hour/day truck stop includes the Fuel Center Hot Grill and Deli, 16 fueling islands, a driver’s lounge, 14 showers and bathtubs, laundry facilities, a convenience store and a U.S. post office. This best truckstop of America also offers daily auto and commercial truck services on-site through its Rocky Mountain Truck Center.
10. Keystone Restaurant & Truck Stop (Loretto, Penn.)
Located off route 22 in Loretto, Penn., Keystone Restaurant & Truck Stop rounds out our list of the top 10 best truckstops of America. The Keystone Restaurant is known among truckers for its tasty homemade meals. On-site amenities for truckers at the truck stop include showers, a deli, trailer drop, convenience store and parking.
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