Why do so many truckers pack themselves into rest areas?

There's a lack of truck parking epidemic. I noticed over the years it gradually getting worse as truck traffic increases. Finding a spot after 5 pm is a challenge. Drivers are shutting down earlier and earlier. Try it around 11 pm and you will find yourself going to several places or driving in circles hoping for someone to leave. That's one reason I didn't mind driving nights as the parking starts opening up around 4-5 am. Though I don't like ones making their own parking spots I understand it to a point if there is no other parking. You can plan but if there is no parking there is no parking. I have stopped as many as five places looking for a spot. That stuff didn't happen 15 years ago.

 

The area of the country makes a big difference. UT is bit different than east of I-35.

 

You're probably right about liability. Many times in the wee hours just before sunup, i've seen drivers raising H### about a damaged truck, when they were illegally parked. The truck that hit them is gone and no one seems to have seen anything. They don't get much sympathy. They're probably the same drivers that block fuel islands.

 

Many times shippers or receivers take forever to load or unload you. How can you trip plan around that. I was at little tikes in Ohio waited for 6 hours to be loaded. Had no hours of drivetime left. Another time fruit of the loom around franklin kentucky....it took 5 hours to load me. Bottom line is if your a non dedicated route driver, you have to wing it and figure things out on the fly.

 

Yeah, try finding a spot at 2am at the Pilot in Milford, CT.

 

I cook in the truck as much as possible so when I have food I never need to go to a truck stop unless I need fuel or a shower. So for me there's no difference between a truck stop or a rest area for 2 days but the third I definately need that shower! Lol

 

I guess we all can not be as smart as you!! Then again I do not think anything is free at a truckstop. I can only hope one day to have your knowledge!!

 

wow! You have a lot to learn as does the op

 

I had a codriver that would just park anywhere. that irritates me, no consideration and pure laziness. i sometimes look for pay to park if im low on time. yeah its a few bucks but you get a spot. The TA in North Bend, wa is one where ill pay to park just cause they do pack in there and just easier to pay. it does suck too to have to have a restromm break and the rest area is jammed up.

 

I avoid them like the plauge. Only parked in a rest area three times. Got hit twice and almost couldn't get out the third. Just not worth the hassle.