question about truck stops

I found it way less stressful to avoid them at all cost. Fuel and shower then find a rest area or out the way area at Wal-Mart or such

 

Truck stops are safer than rest areas, especially if you don't know the area. If you find a spot out of the way in the car parking area you can get some sleep no problem. You can download an app called truckers path and it will show you all truck stops along your route, with reviews and restaurants they have there. Could be a good time to enroll in rewards programs. Loves, Flying J/Pilot you get card right away. TA/Petro you sign up and they mail the card to your mailing address. It takes about 10 days. You wont get free showers till you use it for fueling a truck but you may get some points when buying food or whatnot. Some truckstops are almost like malls like Kenly Petro on 95 in NC and of course Iowa 80.

 

Only problem I've ever had at rest areas, beside other truck drivers parking like morons, was from creepy gay guys hanging out there. Don't think I've ever felt unsafe at one, but bad stuff happens everywhere I suppose, even pickle parks.

 

Rest areas can seem safe when theyre not. Driving along the interstate everything looks about the same. You pull into a rest area everything looks normal, but thing is you have really no idea if theres a trailer park or housing project 100 yards through the woods. A truck stop in a bad area you will have no mistake as to where you are lol.

 

On a side note, your new company should provide transportation to orientation. If its far enough where you need to overnight you should definitely leave your car at home. I drove only 6 hours to my first orientation and at was a major PITA to get my car home once I was issued a truck. I know the bus is slow and miserable but you will save bigger inconvenience later. Basically your first hometime you will be trying to figure out how to get your ride back home.