Another brand new truck hit at the truck stop

Amen.

I think the question mark screwed up the context. I was trying to answer you by directing a question at the OP, if that makes sense. The solution to OP's problem has been answered multiple times already, just to be met with some kind of excuse as to why they can't (won't) park there. I don't get it. If you're getting harmed, then take yourself out of harm's way.

I guess the whole thread just kinda has my BS meter pegged out. OP's luck sucks.

 

I know a guy that drives for a company that hauls secure loads.

the shipper pays for a security rider , that stays awake to keep an eye on the load while the driver is sleeping.

And the shipper has done a very thorough background investigation of the driver and rider.

The shipper that owns the cargo doesn’t allow cameras on the trucks. And collects the drivers / passengers cell phones, GPS , laptops , etc , while they are inside the gate.

Those loads are usually oversize and can’t run after dark, but if they are not oversize they team drive and stop only for fuel.

At least you can have cameras.

you might want to try leaving the parking lights and possibly the interior lights on, and , or setting out a couple of orange cones at the corners of the truck ?
Maybe some of the tall plastic poles with mercury switches and a loud noisemaker if they get hit before the truck gets hit?

I don’t drive anymore, but when I did, I built a shower and chemical toilet in my sleeper, that way I did not have to use the showers at the truck stops. Having my own private shower and toilet was wonderful, even if they were tiny and cramped.

 

If your cameras are as good as they should be , you were able to track down the previous two?

if your compensation is good enough, and the time window for getting delivered right and could cause you to lose the contract, I’d just reserve two spots and park in the middle and set pit a few cones.

also you should consider a sturdy bull bar on the front so a deer collision won’t cause several days delay.
And a spare tire so a road service can get you changed out and rolling again quickly.

Wonder if you can get a bull bar rub rail down the side ?

 

I've perfected the art of the European spongebath. Fold a wet washcloth into quarters and administer to the face and dishonourable regions. A 32oz gatorade bottle holds enough water for a hair shampoo and rinse outside the truck. Bend over when applying water to prevent it from running down your body - that way you only need shirt off. Water bottle can be warmed at the bunk heater vent if needed. Open tractor or trailer door usually provides sufficient screening from curious onlookers. But if they see you, hey, I drive long haul, whaddaya expect?

 

Might be a requirement or preference of the shipper.

I know someone who hauls secure cargo and the shipper would be asking a lot of questions if something happened to the cargo or truck, while it was parked behind a strip mall or someplace that’s not a rest area or truck stop that was directly on route. The shipper has a tracker on the cargo and if they see it go off the designated route , they start calling and wanting to know why.
If you have to go off route , you gotta call them first, advise them of whatever situation , and get permission.

it’s not consistent work, but it pays very good when you are working.

 

Man, some people seem to think that just because *they* don't have nice things, NOBODY can have nice things. ####'s ####ed, y'know?

 

This. ESPECIALLY if it's GSA freight (read: government contract load) that involves any number of things we consider to be SI (sensitive items), there's basically nowhere the truck is allowed to park. And if you ARE allowed to park there then it's because some GS-15 with ### backwards priorities and zero usable experience decided that the place is a "safe haven"

 

I hate most of the big truck stops, last resort for Awhile back on a run in Texas and pulled into a Loves. It was complete chaos, trucks parked everywhere on side road, fuel lines 3 deep, one or two spots in the entire stop and people fighting over them, I boogied outta there ASAP and 5 minutes down the road is an independent, brand new, clean lot. Super nice store with tacos, open fuel pumps, super nice parking, well lit lot. This was like 3-4pm, big truck stops....hate them, I will fuel up there once in awhile because I get decent fuel savings but often the smaller ones are cheaper. Also, rest areas for the win.

 

Wait?

sorry to be abrasive but you do high value/high security loads and you don’t have a lawyer?

my suggestion is get at least one, if not a second on retainer. First one being a good business liability lawyer and the other an aggressive ambulance chasing type. Or work with a diverse firm where they can move an issue to the right person in house.

You need to let the latter go after those who are hit your truck for damages including potential lost loads.

 

Reserve all 22 pay spots and deny parking to anyone else.