Cost of showers/ laundry at truck stops?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Electric_Hyena, May 30, 2011.

  1. Electric_Hyena

    Electric_Hyena Bobtail Member

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    Apr 5, 2011
    Sterling Heights, MI
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    I start orientation tomorrow for USA Truck and driving over the road with a trainer in 1 week so while I have the chance I wanted to figure out how much showers cost at most truck stops, and as well what the average cost of doing laundry is so i know what I need to bring with me on the road until I get my first pay.

    Please don't tell me the trainer will offer me free stuff... I don't want to plan to depend on someone to be nice and get an ####### for a trainer and be screwed. :)

    I just want a average of how much showers cost and then how much it costs on average to run the washing machine, and then how much to run a dryer so I can bring enough money with me.
     
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  3. REDD

    REDD The Legend

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    Showers are free is you fuel 50 gallons or more. Otherwise they are around 10 bucks a peice.

    Laundry is generally $2.00 a washer & $2.00 a dryer
     
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  4. Heirforce1

    Heirforce1 Medium Load Member

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    May 16, 2011
    The Windy City
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    $20 bucks in quarters should last you to the first paycheck. You will have to get the trainer to give you the first shower unless he has you drive immediately the first day to get your shower credits built up. Good look and remember G.O.A.L. (Get out and look)!
     
  5. Pmracing

    Pmracing Road Train Member

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    Arlington Heights, IL
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    Also shower credits are only good for the place you fueled, obviously.

    So if you don't have time to shower at the time you fuel, you may not stop for a break where you have the credits.

    If you are the one fueling the truck make sure you swipe the rewards card before fueling or you miss out on the credits!

    and while you have a moment, sign up for your own rewards cards. I have three for the main places my company assigns our fuel stops. Two were given to me at the fuel desk, one more had to be mailed to me and that took a week or two.

    Mikeeee
     
  6. Electric_Hyena

    Electric_Hyena Bobtail Member

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    Apr 5, 2011
    Sterling Heights, MI
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    Thanks everyone. I'm sure I won't have my own fuel card while I'm training because wouldn't the trainer want to take advantage of getting more points off me during fuel stops? Either way that is fine. I didn't need to know about the cards, thats why I didn't ask about them... Just wanted the prices of things, so thanks REDD for actually answering my question. lol :)

    I'll try to learn the fuel places USA Truck likes so I can get cards for each as well. That is a good idea. :)

    Wait, so you need $20 in quarters, but if showers are $10, you have to stand there like a foul putting in $10 worth of quarters??? lol That sounds retarded. Oh well. I will bring plenty of singles and quarters to be safe. :)
     
  7. SHO-TYME

    SHO-TYME Road Train Member

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    Dahlonega, GA
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    The fuel/ customer reward cars are free at the chain truck stops, you just have to fill out the info and such,you get points and shower credits on them.

    The $20 in quarters is for your laundry........

    And showers at some places have gone up to $11........
     
  8. Pmracing

    Pmracing Road Train Member

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    Arlington Heights, IL
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    Ok then!

    Chump don't like a little extra info, chump won't get a little extra info...

    Mikeeee
     
  9. American-Trucker

    American-Trucker Road Train Member

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    Charlotte, North Carolina
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    Showers:

    TA: $11
    Pilot: $10
    Flying J: $10
    Loves: $10
    Wilco/Hess: $8
    Most small mom and pop Truck stops are $5-$10



    Most TS's shower credits Expire in 7 days so USE them, ALSO you will build points on your Card as well, 1000 points = $10. You get 1 point for every $1 you spend so $1000 worth of fuel is 1000 points.

    This is what I do, I use my showers credits to shower, and then pay when i dont have any, while i build up a few 1000 points on my cards then when you dont have a credit just use your points.

    I take a shower every day 99% of the time so i pay for about 20%-30% of my showers.


    Laundry from what i've seen is a little more then most Laundry Mats. I usually get home for a long 10 often enough to do my laundry at home. In 8 months i've yet to have to do it on the road.





    American Trucker
     
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  10. REDD

    REDD The Legend

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    But if you end up getting the "Platinum UltraOne" card from the TA's & Petro's your showers NEVER expire!

    But you have to do a lot of business with them to get to that platinum status!
     
  11. Sequoia

    Sequoia Road Train Member

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    Tampa Bay, FL
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    Um, those cards that Mikeeeee was talking about is how you get your free showers. Whenever you fuel, you swipe your fuel card then you swipe your loyalty card, then punch in some info and the pump turns on. You'll need those cards eventually when you're a solo driver anyway, so why not apply for them now?

    Your trainer already has these cards and while you're in training with him he'll be using his shower credits for team showers so you both can get a shower.

    TA/Petro you can either apply online for their card or at a RoadKing kiosk at a truck stop. Pilot/Flying J you can get a card at the fuel desk. Love's you can get a card at the fuel desk.

    Don't forget to pack a small bottle of laundry detergent and some dryer sheets! Oh and if you have dollars, you can just go to the game room and use the changer to get quarters.
     
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