Pilot now has "reserved" parking

I was wondering when.. they all do it sooner or later

 

Slowly but surely...
They're adding them everywhere. Or should I say subtracting them from regular spots. :/

http://www.thetruckersreport.com/tr...-reservation-system-at-pilot-flying-j.298877/

 

The Flying J in Oak Grove, KY had 10-12 pay spots when I was there the other day too

 

Those are 12 spots that won't be commandeered for 5 days as someone takes home time. At least they will be available. The company will reimburse or you can itemize at tax time.

I understand the sentiment but it's not the end of the world and some night at 22:00 you'll be glad to pay the $12.00

 

Most of the places I'm aware of will reimburse parking, at least up to so many in a month. I'm not at a mega, but my mid-size company reimburses parking with receipt because they understand sometimes it's just necessary and a normal cost of trucking today.

I used to feel the same way you do until I began to think about it a bit more. Trucking has changed, HOS rules and 24/7 appointments and limited places that offer early arrival and after unload parking so having a paid spot available at midnight is a lot better then having no spot available and having to go into violation.

And like I mentioned before, truck stop operators have to contend with A LOT of their parking being consumed, especially on weekends by trucks where the driver is not even in the truck, but rather at home in their underwear watching Walking Dead reruns. Add in also that many drivers refuse to spend any money in the truck stop, but have no problem taking a 12 hour break there, and clogging their toilets and emptying their trash on the lot.

It's the nature of trucking that has changed, and truck stops have to adapt, and you can find plenty of drivers who appreciate knowing they can run until midnight and have a safe place to park and not have to worry about no parking after a long drive/unload. Some paid parking among a lot of free parking is still better then no truck stop, or 100% controlled parking.

Reefer haulers who often have appointments between 20:00 and 04:00 are especially grateful for the service.

 

my satisfaction is paramount with me
and i will gladly pay for parking anytime
if it only keeps my hood intact from a ramen noodle eater

 

Indiana