student documentary / west memphis??

Most likely because they are pretty gross, full of "lot lizards" (prostitutes), and beggars? That's just my guess.
As a matter of fact, just awhile ago, we had to stop at the Flying J there in West Memphis to swap loads with another driver.
I was in the bunk, playing games on my computer.
Hubby had no sooner set the brakes, then here comes this haggard, nasty lookin' piece of work, knocking on his door, asking if he "wanted company".
I popped my head into the cab and said, "nope, he has all the company he needs, so GO AWAY!! Mind you, this was 10 AM....broad daylight!!!
Not a nice place for a young person to be doing any kind of research, especially if you are going to be alone and are female, IMHO.

Judi Kay

 

If you want the seedy,slimy side of the trucking lifestyle, go there,you will not find much of anything else there..If you want a tour,let me know when you will be there..Um,just kiddin about that part. (Really)

 

I think "USA Truck" still has a terminal there, a stone's throw from that Flying J. Perhaps you could pop your head in there and find a few talkative truckers.
IMHO, there's no real reason to "skip it all together", as your friend suggested. It's a little dirtier than some others, but it's not the worst. (For that, you should see Gary, Indiana!)
The real question you should ask is, how will you find subjects for your film?
There's a million approaches, but I would say, go directly into the truck stop, and sit down in the restaurant. Just listen for a little while; and then start a conversation with someone who seems like they have a story to tell.
Good luck with the film, and let us know if we can see it online when it's done.
I'm sure all of us would be interested in your perspectives, and seeing your completed project!

 

Our company doesn't want us parking at any truckstop in Memphis. Fuel and go... If we need to park overnight, we have a secure lot with 24 hour security.

To many robberies, load thefts and assaults.

 

I always stopped in ms a little bit before west memphis. I can't remember what town it has been awhile. I use to run to jw aluminium in russellville, arkansas. It was a nice run from charleston, sc.

 

Well, for the most part no curiosity needed at a truck stop for the most part and especially at night in some of them. Except maybe the Iowa 80 truck stop in Walcott IA. I can see that place being a tourist stop for four wheelers.

Last time I was at the Paulsboro TA in NJ across the river from Philly they found a trucker beat to death and stuffed behind his trailer tandems. Not very lit well there, and this guy was parked as close to the fuel island as one can get there in a marked truck slot.

 

After reading that post of yours: DO not GO THERE,you are not ready..

 

Most folks out on a family trip, who stop at a truck stop, usually only use the facilities, look around the store a bit, and/or grab something to eat in the restaurant.
They don't have to go out to the truck parking area, and see the "seedy, slimy side".
Trust me, some of these places can be quite dangerous.Mind you, not ALL, by any means. But West Memphis is NOT one of the nicer, safer places to do your research.

Judi Kay