Tractor Trailer Causes a Mess Rest Area 1-81 MM158 Virginia SB

If you got the spot it would still be someone else on the ramp that called in later than you. Theres not enough parking and no one wants trucks around their neighborhood. We can try Wal-Mart or ask the customer if we can park there, but if not we are off the ramps with the other miscreants.

 

Even then there’s no guarantee. Adding fuel to the fire is the fact that in recent months all the TA/Petro and Pilot/Flying J stops have been converting half of the spots at their truck stops into reserved parking-spots that were originally free.
They’re taking advantage of the parking shortage and they know it. That’s one of the reasons why there are trucks parking on on/off ramps,near entrances/exits near CAT scales,etc..

 

They added spots because paying customers were using the ones they had. Besides which, more reserved parking means its even easier to get a spot.

 

BULL****!!! Every truck stop I’ve been to where they added MORE RESERVE PARKING the free spots are all taken up and drivers are “making spots”(by CAT scales,fuel pumps closed down for cleaning/maintenance,anywhere but a legit parking spot)and most of those times,all I’m trying to do is find a spot to park so I can get my scale ticket or take a piss!!!!

 

Pull through the fuel pump and up to the scrimmage line. Any one that pulls in behind you wont be ready to leave in the time it takes you to take a piss.

 

So in the middle of the day, park in the reserved parking area to do your 30 minute break or slide tandems or whatever. You're not going to be thrown in jail.

I suppose you can try and make the argument "they are taking advantage of the parking situation" but I seriously doubt it. They are responding to wants and needs of drivers [and carriers], and are responding to "market forces". Believe it or not, there are drivers who appreciate reserved parking capacity. Those you berate who "create their own parking space" would do so, regardless. If they don't need to do it at 16:00, there will be those who come along at at 22:00 and do this.

I think we can agree on several indisputable facts ...

1. most truck stops along near major lanes are going to fill up to over flowing, just a matter of by what time of day
2. Amount of reserved parking spaces are irrelevant to Point 1
3. Drivers operate 24/7 and have different shut down time needs either because of planned necessity or poor trip planning
4. Many who park for 8-10+ hours, NEVER fuel or spend money there
5. Some have no problem paying this nominal charge for the peace of mind reserved parking provides, and no doubt in certain select areas, more is demanded, especially on nights preceding a M-F work day

With all this said, reserved parking is is here to stay and b###ing and griping about it isn't going to change anything. I guess you think it will make you feel better, but if you truly have a problem with it, then there is a truck stop catering to your wants and needs and it's called Loves Travel Stops

 

That’s what I always do if there aren’t any spots available,even then I try to find a parking spot if I can help it(common courtesy).

 

If memory serves me right did the state a few years back use Eminent domain to take over the ta that had over a 100 spots at the 150. Maybe those drivers that got hit should hire the lawyer that just won big against Werner and go after the state using the logic if the state hadn't leveled with no plans to build another there would have been plenty of safe parking there and not force them to park on the ramp.

 

Let’s not get it twisted here. Ever since TA Petro started the reserve parking both Pilot Flying J and Love’s jumped on the bandwagon and started doing it too. It’s always been about wringing out more money from drivers.

 

Another thing. Ta or Petro are the only ones that have let me get a spot even tho I didnt reserve it ahead. But at pilot I tried that and they wouldn't let even tho I'm right there cash I hand they want keep a spot open for a driver who may not even make it to truckstop on that day. I think the reserve parking should be first come first serve.