Do's and Don't when pulling into a truck stop?

^It comes with miles and we were all rookies at sometime. When the truck rolls you always can tell who the Big Time Operators are.

 

Someone mentioned it and I'll second it ... SLOW DOWN! Some drive through the parking lots like they're on a side street. Like getting out of the truckstop 30 seconds earlier is going to cause you to make an appointment you would otherwise miss. And if you don't understand why driving "fast" through parking lot is an accident waiting to happen, you need to get out of trucking and get an office job.

 

Park in a actual spot. I know that the truck stops never have enough parking and sometimes you just gotta make something "work". But when there's still spots available park in one, Not good at backing... Here's the time to get some practice. And please if your not in a #### spot don't get on your CB and talk about someone having issues getting in a spot.

 

I think parking is my biggest pet peeve. Those who block fuel islands to go in and get coffee and smokes. Those that park in front of the "no parking" signs, or in front of the doors, because they won't have to waddle as far to get inside. Those who park in the middle of the aisles, or who take up 2 spaces.

 

One of my pet peeves is those drivers that take up two parking spaces (not wide loads) by crowding the line making it impossible to back in to a too skinny space. Or they park crooked so their trailer hangs over into the next space.

 

Those who cannot or will not park in parking spaces when there are plenty to be had. Also, those leaving trash and "bio-hazards".

 

The absolute worst offenders are the jerks that stand there and videotape a driver having a hard time getting into a spot, instead of going over and offering to help. Guess it's more important to have something to post on youtube than actually trying to help a fellow driver out.

 

My pet peeves.....

Not pulling COMPLETELY through the fuel island after fueling. I can't get fuel when your trailer tandems are next to the fuel pump. Come on sparky, another couple of feet isn't going to kill ya.

How about killing your headlights when I'm trying to back in the hole at a truck stop. I know your there waiting for me to finish parking, but your lights shining in my face and/or my mirrors aren't making it any easier. I had some guy hit his brights one night "trying to help".

And one more thing, there is no reason for anybody to be in high range while going through the parking lot. Leave the super trucker mentality on the highway. Use your head in the lot. :smt075
Okay, okay, I'm done.... I'll get down from my soapbox now....

 

OK, Newbies... Here is what you wanna do:

1) Turn high beams on so you can see if it's really dark...

2) Blow air horn when entering and leaving lot, also blow air horn when attempting to back into the last spot... The louder the better... besides it lets everyone know your here.

3) Promptly dispose(if you got 'em) pee bottles under the truck next to you.

4) Turn CB to 19 and say "hey, baby... where's the party...I AM THE LIZARD KING, I CAN DO ANYTHING."

5) Get out of truck to stretch and yell, "Obama Rocks".

6) Move to the front of your truck for some exercise... leaving headlamps on.... Start doing jumping jacks... counting them off as follows...(1 Obama, 2 Obama, 3 Obama, 4 Obama etc etc) all the way up to 10 Obama, then start over.

Newbies, If done correctly... YOU will be the most popular person at the truck stop!

 

Just to add to Shredfit's list,

7) Always do your pre-trip at the fuel island so that there is ample lighting and you can ask questions to the driver next to you fueling if you aren' t sure how often you should change the air in your tires.

8) Be courteous to the next driver fueling so when you hang up the nozzle be sure to leave the nozzle lock on. This way the other driver won't have to wait for fuel to start coming out.

9) If you are hauling reefer don't crowd up with the other reefer drivers. Find a nice quiet spot where the other drivers aren't idling and have their windows down. They will most likely thank you for this.

10) Help a fellow driver out. If it seems as if they walk away frustrated into the truck stop, go ahead and help them out by pulling their kingpin. This will keep them from having to do it later and pull a muscle or get grease on the back of their shirt. You will most likely be thanked for this too.

11) Instead of hiking all the way to go into the truck stop go ahead and take care of your bathroom needs right there in the parking lot. Be sure to pinch a loaf in the path of your, or your neighbors, tires. This way it will be instantly cleaned up when you pull away. Plus this saves the truck stop water by not having to many toilet flushes. Also the rest of the drivers will know the way out of the parking lot by following your distinguishable trail.