Is It Safe To Stay at a Louisiana Truck Stop...?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by BandBSowards28, Aug 13, 2018.

  1. BandBSowards28

    BandBSowards28 Bobtail Member

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    So, I’ve been driving for a year and four months and will be trucking through Louisiana this week. My father has been driving a truck since he was 17 and is now 60. Most of it was long haul stuff but not all.

    Anyway, he became concerned when I told him I’d be in Louisiana and told me not to sleep there but to go to Mississippi or Texas to stop instead. He said the truck stops aren’t safe there.

    While I don’t believe that can be true of every truck stop in Louisiana, he’s been driving for a lot longer than I have and so his warning has me apprehensive. Is it any less safe sleeping at a truck stop in Louisiana than it is anywhere else?

    Any input would be great, thanks!

    - Jimmy
     
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  3. Numbnuts69

    Numbnuts69 Light Load Member

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    I've personally never had any issues at trukk stops in Louisiana but that's probably because I have issues. The rest areas on I 20 are decent if that's a viable option for you. Good lukk and be safe.
     
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  4. lilillill

    lilillill Sarcasm... it's not just for breakfast

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    Petro in Shreveport is overrun with beggars. Most of the other truck stops on I-20 are ok.

    Hammond is a ####hole and the Petro fills up early, but you won’t have any trouble.

    Don’t stay in New Orleans or east of the bridge in Baton Rouge. Cash’s in Port Allen is ok.
     
  5. Cattleman84

    Cattleman84 Road Train Member

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    If you are concerned don't get out of the truck in the dark, sleep with a tire thumper, carry a tire thumper in the daylight, and use a 1 inch wide ratchet strap between the door handles inside to add extra security that someone can't get the doors open very easily.
     
  6. x1Heavy

    x1Heavy Road Train Member

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    I would not sleep in Louisiana. I cannot remember the last time. Hammond became really bad and I 20 got overrun with parasites after about the mid 90's for me.

    The most I will do is hit one of the states bordering Louisiana and sleep there. Or... SLEEP PRIOR to Louisiana on your 10 hour break.

    If you did make a meal stop anywhere. DO NOT bother the gambling machines or casinos. It will take all of your money in a few minutes very easily. (*I should know. I only won about 200 against 2000 spent there. I usually do much better in NM or Vegas tables)
     
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  7. justa_driver

    justa_driver Road Train Member

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    Ive stayed at many truckstops in LA and never had a problem other than finding a parking space.
     
  8. x1Heavy

    x1Heavy Road Train Member

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    Lake Charles is another thought. There used to be a wonderful 76 there. Just one problem active refinery. (Or plural refineries)

    Some nights when the wind or inversion layer sets in and the air gets really tough, Im sorry I stopped there. But man, I gotta have my french roast with aujus...
     
  9. BandBSowards28

    BandBSowards28 Bobtail Member

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    Louisiana has really gotten that bad that you won’t sleep there anymore, eh? Crazy! Thanks for your input.
     
  10. x1Heavy

    x1Heavy Road Train Member

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    You are welcome. What with all the prettys here and there and good food who has time for sleeping eh?

    I tease my dear neighbors down in Louisiana way, used to run a 10 foot spread with pipe one way and chain the other. If they can fit a gator between the axles then it's safe.

    On a personal note, Gulfport is a road trip of about two days now and then. There is a little B&B above Hammond where it's quiet and out of the way. Get some rest there coming and going and all is well. That plus the .45 ammunition.
     
  11. Dave_in_AZ

    Dave_in_AZ Road Train Member

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    Haven't been there in a few years, but never had problems.

    In fact I had a root canal done at a dentist up the road from the Petro in Slidell.

    And attended the prayer meeting Shreveport.

    In fact I spent lots of nights there.

    But haven't been there in a good 3 years.

    I think it's about the same as anyplace, if you look for trouble, you'll find it.
     
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