How do you go shopping while on the road?

Most WalMarts have truck parking, or atleast somewhere near by anyhow. I've never once taken a cab nowhere that involved trucking.

Then again, some walmarts have restrictions, and put up the height barricades to keep trucks out.

 

Yeah, hubby and I shop nearly exclusively at Walmart while on the road.
Sometimes, if we have a little time, we drop the trailer and bobtail if we want to go to a nicer restaurant, or a specialty grocery store, etc.

 

If you do decide to drop your trailer in a truck stop, just be sure that you have permission from the truck stop to do so. It can be quite costly, otherwise.

Also, some companies absolutely prohibit you doing this, for security reasons. And some, for insurance reasons. I worked for one company, (for a short time,) that would not allow you to do any bobtailing, unless it was at the direction of dispatch for spotting or picking up trailers. They claimed that their insurance company prohibited it.

 

Thanks, Big Don!
I should have clarified and explained that, as well as we put a kingpin lock on the trailer, and a hefty padlock on the doors of the trailer when we drop.
Most flying J's will allow you to drop, simply register your trailer at the fuel desk.

 

Walmart is definatley the place to go...huppy always stops at Walmart while on a run...when he just has time off he'll get a hotel with truck parking, and usually within walkin distance for restaurants etc.

 

WalMarts are definitely the best answer... but so many of them no longer allow truck parking because so many drivers have trashed the parking lots. Don't be one of them. A lot of truck stops are near nicer restaurants (in case you get tired of the marginal food and ridiculous prices at Iron Skillet, Country Pride, and the Cookery), and you will learn where these are as you go along.

 

Actually if you can find a strip mall with lots a parking they'll let you park but not overnight. That would give you more options regarding restaurants and such. Don't leave trash or strange yellow colored bottles otherwise you'll ruin for the next driver coming in.

Walmarts are good and actually any grocery store that has a decent size parking lot.

You might want to keep a book on your favorite haunts...places you don't share with anyone else it would be in your best interest. I have a book on several places and when we're going to be in the area I'll call and check they know I need the back of the restaurant for my rig. Hey they get deliveries....I fit sometimes it's tight but it works just fine.

 

Wally World...never had a problem parking and getting stuff.

Home Despots...well they're not all truck friendly...especially the one in Boulder......um let's just say spread axles and the Home Despot parking lots don't get along well......

 

The Homely DePOTS that I've been to are most definitely NOT trucker friendly. They want you there at the appointment time, not even 15 minutes before. Once you are unloaded, they want you out of there, post-haste.

They don't want you anywhere on their property, unless you are being actively (well, that's what they call it anyhow,) loaded. They won't let you idle, no matter the weather, or how long it takes to unload you. They don't want you in the receiving area while they are unloading you. (Exception to this is for small LTL stuff.)

They take more time pissing and moaning about all the work they have to do, than it would take them to get the load off, if they would just shut up and get moving.