Love's going to some reserved parking

When I ran OTR, or "somewhat OTR", I liked reserved, paid parking. As long as they were kicking cheap freeloaders out of the paid spots. This has always been a heated topic on TTR but I say let the free market reign. Anymore I don't GAF but I can see everywhere being paid parking eventually.

 

If it’s done the same way as TA /Petro I’m all about reserved parking.

For their loyal customers it is actually free, no charge for reserved spot. These are the people that they need to cater to, not the ones who just need to park and use the restroom.

Who would you want taking up space if you owned one of these facilities..the guy spending 10-15 k per month or the socialist who thinks everyone owes them a parking spot?

How are you going to retain the loyalty of the paying drivers? Make sure they got parking at the end of their shift or just say too bad so sad we’re full..

Here’s what I get from them for my loyalty..Free reserved parking if needed, free shower and two free drinks (large coffee for me) That’s every day. On top of that I get approximately $1,200 per year in points. The points buys all the odds and ends, cleaning supplies etc I need.
Truck service at TA/Petro I’ve spent $3,200 just in the last week.

Imo, they should have a spot reserved just for me with my name painted on the pavement.

Should I have an issue at any of their locations I simply call corporate and they actually rectify the problem. North Bend, WA was the last time I called in. Cashiers were trying to roll me for $25 cash for reserved and wouldn’t let me use an ultra credit. One call to corporate and they had the manager kissing my caboose within 15 minutes. Ended up not having to move my truck or pay or use any credits for two nights. They got nailed hard for trying to scam drivers. I even warned them that I’d make the call but they probably figured I wouldn’t.

I get it that some may be loyal customers buying fuel but don’t meet the threshold of the free reserved. Perhaps give a reduced charge to them $5?

I also get that sometimes you have to make a spot. I don’t like the ones who will block you in or impede the entry/exit Those ones need to be told to move.

Remember, reserved parking is for their loyal customers and it’s actually free. That’s the way it is and should be. The socialist need to be happy that all the spots aren’t saved for their actual paying customers.

And that’s the “rest of the story”

 

Worried about finding a place to park, pay for it, or like loves is planning on doing if you get fuel, you can park for free. I don’t know why truck drivers think the fuel stops should just give you a parking spot at no cost. Half these drivers don’t spend a dime inside, and just expect a spot should be provided for them. Truck stops have to maintain the lots, and pick up after the absolute slobs that are out here anymore.

 

Would be no different than pulling into a motel and expecting a free room. Why they believe any business is obligated to give them free crap is beyond me.

 

Just left Columbiana, OH and saw a new Love's near i76 across from a Pilot with numbered spots. I kind of figured they're changing things. After my Otr hiatus since 2000 driving locally I only remembered Flying J, TA & Petro Travel Centers being the big 3 truck stops. Love's was as commercially in the nirrhern states as far as knew back then. In the last few years being a O/o, paying for spots if I arrive late at Pilot or TA I knew it wouldn't last. Free parking are essential especially for o/o expenses these days.

 

It would help a lot if they would go after the guys who park at a truck stop and then go home. Especially the ones who park their 4 wheeler in a spot. I was at Sapp Brothers in SLC over the weekend and at least half the trucks there were day cabs that sat there all weekend.

 

"Getting up early" isn't always an option and not always the best solution either IMO. Didn't get dispatched til 10:00 yesterday and didn't park til 2200. Still had an easier time parking at the mom and pop truck stop than all the folks that shut down at 18:00 trying to cram in the Love's down the road lol. But that's a personal preference thing, so not knocking it if your company works out well with that schedule.

As for paid parking, I have mixed feelings about it. Locals will take up free spots at the big chains for days. Some drivers just park in the lot and treat it like a rest area without spending money at all. This can very well lead to someone fueling at a Pilot and spending money there for the day because they would rather have the shower credit and parking available if it's the same price to fuel anyways. I think parking troubles are easily avoidable most days and the market can decide if they want to pay or not. Showering on a 30, parking at a customer, paying for a shower at a different chain, etc., etc.

What gets to me is how I'll be rolling at 05:00 and see very light truck traffic on the road, but then truck stops start getting packed at 15:00. The math doesn't add up on that lol. I know there are appointments, people on recaps, etc. causing people to park early, but certainly not to the extent it currently is.

But on the other hand, chain truck stops already provide mediocre amenities, price gouge on everything, have oversized four wheeler lots, can barely empty a trash can, etc. They're not exactly enticing people to want to spend even more money. In the day of Instacart, DoorDash, air fryers, etc., not a lot of people want to go spend 10 dollars on hot case food and pay 7 dollars for chips and a drink.

People will pay and Love's will continue like normal. Not really any solution considering the industry is on a steady decline. People will crowd the entrance and curbs just to avoid having to do a simple backing maneuver into one of the 30 open spots like they got licensed to do lol.

 

I 100% support more paid or reserved parking of any kind. I love it and I use it a lot. I don’t fuel at Love’s much but knowing I can buy fuel and have a parking spot will be a nice option. Hopefully they have a way to reserve spots too.