The truckstop, where did they go?

it wasn't all better in the "good ole days" Its the SMOKEY & BANDIT type stories that make it appear that things were better but as you posted the truth is that it was not all that GREAT.

 

Fuel and shower is all I do at a chain T/S

 

Not everything was better many years ago. But, the food was usually better than at most of the fast food offerings that are available at the large chains today. There was more variety, since the mom and pops established their own menu's. There also seemed to be more restaurants where you could get a decent meal and park your truck. Some of the truck stops would give you a meal with fuel.

 

The problem is these truck stops became travel centers! It used to be that everything sold in the truck stop pertained to the driver being able to do his job.

Now we see stuffed animals, R/C trucks and cars, toys and other crap that hog the isles and make it hard to walk in the store.

The sad reality is that the good old truck stops have been put out of business by these major chains because of the fuel deals they have made with these trucking companies. When we drivers stop for the night we want to fuel, shower and eat. These trucking companies that mandate where we can fuel at basically are telling us where we will shower and eat at too......Sad to see that!

 

The major carriers may dictate where their drivers buy fuel, but can't tell them where to eat or spend the night. Stop at some of the independents. They need the business and you will likely be pleasantly surprised at the higher level of service and quality of food.

 

I prefer the indy truck stops (for sleeping/eating) as well. I like the fact that they're smaller. They offer better food/service in my opinion. I don't like the circus/Disney World atmosphere of the big chain stores.

 

You know what happened to truckstops? Truckstops!! As Pilot and Flying J and Petro got bigger, drivers soon figured out there was more to the world then a smoky restaurant and a parking lot full of potholes and an old tv in a torn up tv room. And the truckstops forgot that times were changing. Drivers' tastes were changing. And don't forget, JIT delivery hastened the need for fast food options. The only real great truckstop left standing is the Jubitz. Kept the truckstop atmosphere while upgrading and staying with the times. Something the 76's of the world should have done.

 

When the truck drivers disappeared,








they took the truckstops with them..........

 

the only thing better today at truck stops are fuel pumps and showers,thats it

 

I 20 exit 15, Flowers, MS