The Ultimate Truck Stop

Thank you for responding. The research is going well. We're close to the final stages of putting together the plan. We intend to cater specifically to the truck driver and working to provide ways to move trucks as quickly as possible through the fueling system, including dedicated fuel desk, a fuel kiosk, the ability to pay at any register in the store, room to pull forward, and, if we can find the pumps, the ability to fuel both sides of the truck at the same time, utilizing the assistance of a staff member.

If anyone can think of anything else that we can or should do, please let us know.

David and Suzanne

 

We would like to thank everyone for replying. The feedback has been helpful.

We think our best thought is to start with a fueling center. This fueling center would provide fuel islands for trucks only and would also be a convenience store with showers, laundry and a truckers' lounge.We would start with a grill type restaurant with reasonable prices.

Later we would add more things like a larger convenience store that would sell passenger car fuel. There would be a nice sit down style restaurant with a special truckers only section that would have televisions and telephones at the table. A truckers first policy would be in place so that they could get served fast. A limited time of day buffet would be provided for those who prefer a buffet but a full menu of cooked to order items would also be available.

Here is what I have heard out of what you have shared. I tried to boil it down to what seemed to be the most common statements.


Food
Something other than Subway to eat.
Something other than fast food
Good food at reasonable prices.
Full Service Restaurant
Quality Healthy food
Call ahead
Take out
Prime rib buffet on Saturdays
High protein diet
Big burger contest 4'lbs eat it all in an hour win, get picture on the wall etc.



Facilities:
Free clean showers and plenty of them. Make showers tile from floor to ceiling. Good ventilation
Marble Showers
Clean Restrooms and plenty of them.
Free Wi-Fi
Have travel center separate from truck stop
Shower water supply should be separate from kitchen to provide ample flow


Parking Lot:
Plenty of parking.
Parking for oversized loads.
Most trailers are 53' long. Add the cab and the
wheel base is at least 240" wide.
Spaces should be at least 80' long and 12' wide. 3' space on each side with solid block painted (Fluorescent)
Some that are 100' long and 15' wide
Keep parking lot clean
Safe haven parking lot for explosives (40 acres)
Keep area for truck separate from cars.
Dedicated area for Hazmat parking
Diagonal spots need at least 40' in front of them
Good signs in English
Pet walk around lot
Separate parking for bob tails.


Amenities
Trucker's Chapel
Laundry Service
Movie Theater
Swimming pool
Good truck wash
Truck repair facility with responsible mechanics
C. B. Shop
Dentist
Barber Shop
Nice motel
No fee ATM
Phones at the tables
Trucker's lounge, comfortable chairs, televisions, rest room, phone,
arcade


Fueling
Plenty of fuel islands
Room to pull forward while paying
Dedicated fueling desk just inside the door.


Other things:
Since it is a truck stop respect the truck driver.
Keep the place clean
Provide ample security. Get rid of hookers and other forms of soliciting and pan handling.
Friendly competent staff
Truckers get priority
Have decorative items like at Cracker Barrel
No cheap announcements on P.A. system.
Bank
Exercise gym
Full bakery
Chrome Shop
Cat Scale
Transflow
Faxes
USB capable printers
Printing from I phone
Better non soda drinks at fountains
Limited buy one get one free get one for half the price.
Ample trash cans



Thank you for the feedback. The plan is proceeding well. We are aware that the most important thing is a good clean Truckstop with fair prices and friendly service.

Hope we can get this going soon and will see you there soon. We have set up an e-mail list that you can sign up for on our web site at
www.luckylogans.com

Thanks again

David and Suzanne McClendon