rest stops, truck stops in the northeast

I was surprised how little parking there was at rest areas/service areas on the Mass Pike I90.. one had about 6 spots, next one had 8. It was hard to park to even take a leak. It was much different from Ohio, Pa and NY on I90... one service area in western Ohio even has showers and a drivers lounge. The ones in NY State had free WiFi. Mass seems to hate trucks.... The Wal-Mart in Andover off 495 has signs up for no truck parking....

 

This method worked well for me.

 

I don't know how prevalent this is, but a couple of times when I was in a bind in the NE other drivers tipped me off to a nearby commuter park-and-ride lot. I investigated and sure enough it had a designated area in the back for trucks.

 

Use that all the time helps to find one and plan better

 

Besides the apps you can use I regularly buy the truck stop directories so I can plan accordingly. Been doing that for years. Works out well. No surprises. But yes, the NE can be tough at times. I got stuck in a snow storm very recently in RI and there's squat in that state so luckily the receiver let me sleep in his yard so I could do my 10.

 

Just downloaded this and I'm looking forward to using it.

Regarding the situation in NE or mid Atlantic states, I concur with TripleSix and others that have noted that it is best to try to finish your day around noonish (early afternoon at the latest) to snag a parking spot. It does seem that the great majority of truckers try to run daylight hours, so parking in the "off" hours is a great advantage in areas that are tight. When I've run loads (as a solo driver) into the east coast or other areas with difficult parking (LA, Bay Area, Seattle, etc.) I try to plan to park early and well away from the worst of it in order to find a spot, then run in for my delivery and try to make it back out in time to find a spot (or hopefully get another dispatch and try to make a pick up and make it out to a safe place to park).

Google Maps and Street View with a wifi connection in the truck has been an extremely useful tool for me.

 

Is this an I Phone app or an Android app? What does the acronym DAT stand for? I am having trouble finding it at the play store on my Droid. Thanks

 

I downloaded the app on my phone by doing a Google search for "my DAT trucking application".

 

well as you get to know where your going it gets easier
Greenkand NH TA is small parking always at a premium
but the gas station a mile down the street can fit 15 trucks
and the Portsmouth airport back road they don't bother you
and across from the mall is industrial area you can park
2 more small truck stops across the river in Kittery Me
all in a 5 mile radius
but if your not paying attention the TA looks full and you get stressed

 

Back in aimed right at the exit. No lines for showers. Shut her down, close the curtains, power down the phone, plug in your headset and snooze. Get up at 9 PM, fire the engine up, get a light meal (I don't like to eat heavy if I gotta do some serious miles) and a pack of gum. 2200, put her in gear. Around 0200, call a couple of your vampire friends, do a 3 way conference call. 0500-0600, hit an on ramp and catch a power nap for your 30 minute break.

You will cover maximum miles every day...even through the City.