Truck stops with internet

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Moneyhungrytrucker, Aug 16, 2017.

  1. Moneyhungrytrucker

    Moneyhungrytrucker Light Load Member

    218
    260
    Apr 21, 2017
    0
    I am a fresh graduate I will be starting with a company soon.

    I would like to know how many truck stops have internet access, I don't need it alot but once in a while I will need to use the internet sometimes.

    How common is it to pull into a truck-stop and have internet available, even if I need to pay for it?
     
  2. Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.

  3. STexan

    STexan Road Train Member

    14,963
    29,156
    Oct 3, 2011
    Longview, TX
    0
    Most Pilots and Flying J have pretty good wifi service across most areas of the parking lot. As a general rule, most of the time it's adequate to easily run Netflix and YouTube. I downloaded a 1.8 gig update in about 8 minutes at the Phoenix J a few days ago (a busy Sunday afternoon)

    $99 year it's a pretty good deal. The other truck stops like Loves and Petro is very hit and miss.
     
    Last edited: Aug 16, 2017
    MachoCyclone and tucker Thank this.
  4. pattyj

    pattyj Road Train Member

    22,474
    20,137
    Jul 19, 2008
    Sioux City,ia
    0
    They all have internet access.But truckstops like the pilot TA Loves you'll have to pay for.
     
  5. STexan

    STexan Road Train Member

    14,963
    29,156
    Oct 3, 2011
    Longview, TX
    0
    Also most Pilot/Flying J have a free wifi network that's available in the main building but it's limited. Example, they block access to YouTube and phone app update servers, but can check email and do light web browsing.
     
    tucker Thanks this.
  6. Dave_in_AZ

    Dave_in_AZ Road Train Member

    59,528
    413,718
    May 4, 2015
    0
    Get Verizon unlimited data for your phone, and use your phone for a mobile hotspot.
    I'm typing this right now on my laptop that way. $98 month for one smart phone and one regular phone.

    Flying J has free inside, that worked pretty good. So did the free inside the Lenny's, they have their own.

    The stuff you have to pay for in the parking lot is ####. And I have only stopped at two Peelot's in the last 2 months, and neither one worked.

    Unlimited data from Verizon is the best. Comfort of your truck anywhere, most rest areas, just about any shipper or receiver is in range of a tower.
     
    tscottme Thanks this.
  7. sherlock510

    sherlock510 Road Train Member

    1,066
    1,058
    Jul 26, 2011
    Intercontinental.
    0
    Your cellphone doesn't have internet access?
     
  8. STexan

    STexan Road Train Member

    14,963
    29,156
    Oct 3, 2011
    Longview, TX
    0
    I agree that at the few PFJ dealers who run the legacy wifi, it's lousy. But I strongly disagree that the PFJ enhanced wifi sucks. Maybe at a handful of locations, but most will nearly keep up with my Verizon LTE hotspot speeds as long as there is a repeater within about 200 feet of your location.

    Have you used it lately? And at more than a few locations? I guess you wouldn't since you're happy with your Verizon hotspot setup. But I maintain both anyway.

    The other caveat is, my phone wifi can rarely perform well if at all with their wifi repeaters but my laptop runs great on them.
     
  9. tucker

    tucker Road Train Member

    12,647
    40,424
    Jun 13, 2008
    IN
    0
    Why didn't you stay at Dave's place?
     
  10. ChristianTrucker

    ChristianTrucker Bobtail Member

    2
    1
    Jul 28, 2017
    0
    Awesome, I was of the impression Verizon would not let you use your phone as a hotspot under the unlimited plan. Did you have to buy an unlocked phone or anything? I would love to be able to use Verizon.
     
  11. driverdriver

    driverdriver Road Train Member

    4,254
    5,284
    May 30, 2011
    0
    No, you don't need an unblocked phone.
    And yes I'm on the unlimited plan
     
    ChristianTrucker Thanks this.
  • Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.