our truckers are getting scammed!

Hmmm...I can certainly feel your pain there, but.....scam? I don't think so. If the trucks weren't parked legally, then they have no defense, in my opinion. Sorry, but it's a cold world out here. If you chose to pull into a lot and park "illegally", then pay the piper when he comes knocking.
I know as well as anyone else who's been out here more than 15 minutes that parking is a HUGE problem, but it doesn't help to add to the problem. I don't know how many times I've pulled into a TS early in the morning, and had to inch my way to the fuel islands because trucks were parked everywhere. 2 wrongs don't make a right....but 3 lefts do.
So, what's the solution? Who knows, but you can bet that it ain't coming anytime soon. Personally, I'd take my chances parking on the street close to my shipper/receiver, or on an off-ramp. Or, better yet, hit a rest area or something outside of town, and drive in early in the morning. I mean, parking shortages are no big secret out here....so think and plan ahead.

 

I feel sometimes driving CA that I spend 50% of my time worrying about where to park! Unfortunately, whether not-familiar with the CA area, or familiar but pulling off too late, too many truckers are causing parking problems for themselves and other drivers. CA shud bear much of the blame, in general, because they dont provide enuf places to pull off (some states call them 'picnic areas' or just 'truck parking,'), having pavement and trash cans. They could use lessons from TX and NV (north of Vegas) in that regards. But I too get sick of pulling in early, planning an early exit the next morning, and have some selfish idiot block me in!! Then if they do answer my knock on their door, they give me the dirty look, like I'm the one in the wrong, and slowly/reluctantly move their rig (some wont even answer--they'll end up with a 'knock dent' in their door if they dont!)......bums!!

 

we bums take offense at your cheap shot
we however support the fact that it is most likly illegal to demand 250 dollars since flying j most likly contracts out the lot security to the police dept.
we alledge it would seem to be a form of racketeering ,
no doubt most states have laws such as ca that if you are in the vehicle even if you are not and you c someone towing the vehicle you tell them to drop it if they dont you call the police appearently due to the mass amount of scamming that was going on. mayb co doesnt have a law like this.
its no doubt most likly illegal for flying j it is their property their ultimatly responsible i would assume to demand cash on the spot.
by blocking the vehicle they are preventing you from moving is that not stupid .this could be concieved as a form of intimidation and harassment
I would immedietly file in small claims and contact the dot if the tow company has any authority at all.
of course easier said then done is to say no to everything and demand the officers sargent come out. or an alternative leo agency such as the state patrol which are probaly the only honest cops you could find in the area at the time.State troopers seem to be the most honest ones around and they dont take #### from towing companies.
seems to me they could attempt to impose their imaginary fine civily in court but by force no that wont jive in court.

good luck

 

I don't answer knocks at more door anymore.

 

I wonder if they charged the motorhomes too. bet they didn't.

 

I understand people parking where ever they can late at night trying to get a few hours of rest, I don't approve, but I understand. What makes my blood boil are the ones who park illegally, right near the fuel island or near the store and there are spaces open. They park here for convience and nothing more.

 

True enough. That's just pure laziness there. As for people parking where ever they can at night to sleep, I can understand that too. I've been there myself, so tired that you can't hold your eyelids up any longer. But, if you're gonna park just where ever, you can't be crying when you get a ticket or something.
Moral of the story....don't run like a big dog if you still pee like a puppy.

 

What I really hate is when a bobtail is parked in a big truck spot. Bobtails can park almost anywhere a car can. I just think its very anti-social. If its late and I cant find a legal spot or at least out of everybody's way then I hafta go to the next exit eventually I can find somewhere to park. As for the origional subject of this thread Im not handing anybody $250 cash, and they will not tow me when I can move the truck. If they write me a ticket then I will pay it, but a cash payment on the spot is definitly not going to happen. Sounds like a scam to me.