Questions to Help Improve a Small Truck Stop

1. Decent sit down restaurant. In my opinion, we're all getting pretty sick of nothing but fast food. Since your client is a small truck stop/convenience store, that's probably not going to happen. Free wifi is a pretty big plus. For the most part, we go to the places we have fuel cards for (Comdata, TCH, etc)because it's a bit of a pain to fuel in one place, eat in another, and park at a third. In-store pricing can be a pretty big issue. If the truckers think they're being gouged, they won't go there.

2. I consult the Fuel Finder or Pocket Truck Stop Guide, or use the built in truck stop finder on my GPS.

Kudos to your client for actually wanting to attract MORE truckers. Most chains seem to be actively trying to drive us away.

 

Make sure their listed on Google maps when you search truck stop. I use that a lot to find places to park. I get cost plus pricing through Comdata, which is a pretty big discount, so I only fuel where I get the discount. Billboards before the exit are probably the best way to get traffic driving by to stop.

 

I rely on the satellite view to determine if I want to go to a small Truckstop sand to see how much parking is available. If they are truly a mile off the interstate, they need billboards going each way with the direction to go once exiting since they most likely aren't visable from the off ramps. That's why nearly every big Truckstop has a tall sign on their premises you can see from the interstate.

 

As for fuel discounts, points and such. Have your client take a look at joining AmBest or otherwise known as America's Best Truck Stop. This is a group of independent trucks stops across the country. It is not a franchise.

One thing that may help us help you is to give us an idea of how much land they are working with and how many pumps.

May want to think about adding a repair facility. If they were to join AmBest then they could offer nationwide warranty with the repairs.

I am in the process of purchasing some land for just such a venture and the land I have picked has about an acre that is on the other side of a seasonal creek. What I am thinking about with this portion of the land is maybe some fenced dog runs, a foot bridge over the creek and some picnic tables with BBQ pits for the drivers to use.

I see many mention on here that more trash cans and bathrooms placed around the truck stop. Even if they are just porta johns. Some times it is a long walk when you really have to let go.

Also have the owner go out and talk to the drivers that stop there now and ask them how he can serve them better. If they see a group of drivers out there then walk up and introduce themselves to start the conversation.

 

I use Tracker Path Pro app, it shows where the truck stop is located, how many parking spots does it have and what restaraurant is nearby.
The trucks top gotta have a quick Chipotle style restaurant, decent parking, accept fleet fuel cards and have free clean showers.
For example I always stop at Pilots or TA, because I get free showers from my fuel card.
Free showers will pay off from selling selling stuff in convenience store and more truckers coming in to get fuel

 

Dude, you show me a truck stop with a Chipotle and I'm not stopping anywhere else. I freaking love Chipotle.

 

Get a place to eat like Chipotes or 5 Guys Burgers or if possible a Real Home Cooked Mom and Pop Restaurant that makes good food and you will have drivers beating down your doors.