Tips / Etiquette when parking Oversize at Truck Stops

Discussion in 'Heavy Haul Trucking Forum' started by Nightcrawler99, Oct 9, 2022.

  1. Nightcrawler99

    Nightcrawler99 Bobtail Member

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    I've got a trip coming up that is going to require 2 overnights in a truck stop while loaded OSOW. I'll be about 10 foot, 9 inches wide with a rubber tired machine. I won't be wider than the parking space, but close. Other than making sure I'm perfectly centered in the space, is there anything else I can do to be as courteous as possible to the drivers who might park along side of me, potentially after dark.

    I plan to idle all night, so I was thinking I could leave my load lights on to provide some better visibility. I was also thinking about trying to get an end spot, and hugging the line on the end to give the driver to my other side more room.

    Any thoughts or comments people might have is appreciated.
     
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  3. MartinFromBC

    MartinFromBC Road Train Member

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    Don't over think it for starters.
    10'9 is barely over width.
    It's very nice that you are concerned about others around you.

    I prefer to get far away from truck stops, and prefer an empty parking lot, parking on a frontage road, anything else but a truck stop.
    Remember that its hard on the engine to idle all night, and likely unneeded, noisy, and that would be the annoying thing to me if parked nearby.
    Enjoy your trip, relax, have fun, and if over height watch the power lines, bridges, over passes, etc.
     
  4. stwik

    stwik Road Train Member

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    Try and find the widest single spot you can find that still provides a relatively straight back for those on either side of you — TA/Petro is notorious for having some spots skinnier than others.

    I prefer pull throughs and I’m not usually long enough to leave the trailer in the spaces behind me. But it also allows those on my left and right to pull through as well, usually.

    I’ve parked up to 12’ in a single spot so I wouldn’t worry about needing 2. But like I said — not all spaces are created equal and I have many co-workers that will gladly angle across two spots with a 10’ wide load if their 80+ feet long.





    If you don’t want to put it in a spot consider a curb out of the way — I’ve parked next to the Cat Scale as long as I’m not blocking others. I tend to not park at spots I’m unfamiliar with when I’m wide and I’d gladly end the day 2-3 hours early if it meant getting GOOD parking rather than traveling down the road another 150 miles and having to get creative.


    That’s just my two cents. Martin said the rest.
     
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  5. Nightcrawler99

    Nightcrawler99 Bobtail Member

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    Thanks both of you for your valuable advice!
     
  6. roundhouse

    roundhouse Road Train Member

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    Don’t be afraid to take two spots if you need it
    If you gotta be parked by sunset ,
    plan your spot so you won’t get blocked in when you’re ready to roll out when you’re allowed to , either 30 min before sunrise or 30 mins after sunrise depending on the state .
     
  7. Judge

    Judge Road Train Member

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    When i did long loads, say 70-80 ft steel I beams, I’d always park to rear hanging the tail swing out over the grass.
    But got to park where you can get out and not have to maneuver without slapping a truck with swing when leaving.
     
  8. roundhouse

    roundhouse Road Train Member

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    And if you’re gonna be doing it regularly a new iPad is way better to look at Google maps than a phone , to see the entrances and exits and looking for wide ramps to pull over for your first 100 mile load securement checks etc .

    and don’t forget that in almost every state , all permitted loads much pull into the weigh station and walk your permits inside .
    Some places , the clerks will walk out to you in the parking lot when they see you roll in .
    And get some good lights .
    Don’t get the cheap flashing lights.
    If your load requires a flashing light , get a good brand name one , and a spare .
    If your required beacon light stops working enroute you will want to have a spare to install before you get to the next weigh station where they WILL be looking to see if it’s operating .
     
  9. rch10007

    rch10007 Medium Load Member

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    Most OSOW trucks I've seen in the truck stop usually park along side a curb near the exit or along the scale. Many of the newer Love's and smaller stops don't have the room but older truck stops seems to have thought of OSOW trucks in their design. Mostly, I see guys taking up 2 spots. I've never thought anything of it. I think the majority of big loads I see on my coast to coast runs are parked at weight stations for the night or rest areas. If you have a radio, ask other driver's where they see space for you before you come in?
     
  10. RickyDickyDo

    RickyDickyDo Heavy Load Member

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    On your permits you have a designated route you have to follow. Check along the route and find a large parking area. Easy in, easy out. Try to stay away from truck stops. Some ####### will block you in just because. Been there. Remember safety 1st. You are someones hereo.
     
  11. LoneRanger

    LoneRanger Road Train Member

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    I would suggest a corner parking where you can park as close as possible to the side of the parking spot that is open. Allowing the possible idiot who parks next to you some extra room for his possible idiocy.
     
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