What Every Truck Driver Needs to Know About Truck Parking
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- Опубліковано 16 січ 2020
- What Every Truck Driver Needs to Know About Truck Parking. In this video, we give tips and solutions to the truck parking safety problems for the professional truck driver.
Both in the U.S. and Canada, there is still a shortage of safe parking for truck drivers.
Parking space has become even more of a problem at all hours of the day, due to the implementation of E.L.D’s, which will shut a driver down, when out of hours to drive.
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Tips for Big Truck Parking
- Park at the back of the truck stop lot. (Quieter, and get some exercise walking to the truck stop)
- Drive your truck into the spot to protect your truck, especially at truck stops. If another truck does damage to your truck, it can be
undriveable. Downtime can be super expensive to a single truck owner operator. If it’s your preference to back into the spot, that can work too, depending on where you are parked.
- Don’t answer the door if someone pounds on your door when parked, until you are absolutely sure you know who it is.
- Trip planning especially important. Know where you will stop for the night before hand and reserve a spot in paid parking if you’re able. It’s well worth the $.
- Don’t park too close to the truck next to you.
- Don’t count on parking at the customer. Many receivers won’t allow trucks to park on their property. If yours is a night time delivery, you’ll find yourself driving around an unknown area, looking for parking in the dark. Not a good idea at all.
See Our Website For A Post on Truck Parking
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#trucking #cdl #trucker - Розваги
Hey Driver. Thanks for watching today's video. What's your secret to parking 'without' getting into a bind?
When I was OTR deserted exits, and pull offs out in the desert in the middle of nowhere for sleeping.
Little fuel stops and the mom n pop joints.
Urban areas knowing the cities comes in handy, there's lots of parking in the L.A. area if ya know where to go...experience is your teacher and word of mouth from trusted sources.
If ya have to hit a chain truck stop or even the Mom n pop joints park where your truck is protected and the trailer takes the beating in the event Johnny Mega Carrier is on the loose on the lot.
Pretty much avoided chain truck stops, fuel and shower in a truck stop, and leave.
And yes park in a parking space while showering, maybe get a bite to eat.
I ran dedicated routes from North Louisiana, East Texas and Arkansas to Arizona, California and Nevada.
Produce backhaul to Fort Worth mostly.
My comments are based on how life was before getting out of OTR Trucking in 2007.
I did one little stretch of OTR Christmas week 2015 to March 2016, things really had changed.
The guy I was working for had yet to submit to the pending ELD MANDATE.
So I was still free to enjoy trucking and run on my clock not the government's.
Some call it trashing around, okay, ya if getting in a good hike out in the desert, visiting a museum, like The Pima Air and Space Museum or doing other healthy activities, such as riding my bicycle, is considered trashing around fine.
The ELD MANDATE has made it impossible to run like that.
Push all the dead chicken out the back early in the morning slip into East Hollywood, spend the day taking in the sights, riding my bicycle, about midnight ease on out of town bed down around Frazier Park or Bakersfield.
If I was having to wait on the product, most times it was go get washed out and start picking produce.
I always got plenty of rest, made my deliveries on time, usually early, and had some fun.
Picking produce may take a day to a day and half, sometimes 2 days.
On paper a person can make it work.
Again I'm so grateful for my little get home everyday gig.
Rarely do I see a 14 hour day in a truck, and sleep at home in the bed with my wife.
I also learned how to bathe/shower out of a 5 gallon bucket in the Philippines when I was 17, so lots of times that's how I stayed clean and fresh out on the road.
Anyone who doesn't wear some kind of shower shoes in a truck stop shower is asking for troubles.
We are so blessed to have a government that tells us when to work, when to take a break, when to sleep.
Hail to the government our protector.
I'm grateful for my little get home everyday gig.
The United States Navy a government organization didn't have any problems with we the engineers steaming the boat 6 n 6, 6 hours on, 6 hours off, 24/7 from underway to back inport moored or weighed at anchor.
Hole in the wall truck stops,or if you're at a chain stop stop and start early. Never EVER sleep in a close proximity of a major city and Also never park on the street.
I'm a tanker driver, and if I'm going through a place with limited parking and I can't park at a company yard or a tank wash, I start my day early in the morning (3am-4am). That lets me finish my day long before the truck stops fill up. If I know I need to run all day, until I might be racing my clock, I'll pay for parking. I usually will pay on my 30 min break, once I have a good idea where I'll be when my clock is running down. Truck parking with no lights or restroom is completely out for me, as are entrance and exit ramps, Walmart, and any truck parking that looks sketchy. I am allowed to break my 11 or 14 hour clocks to get to a SAFE parking location, and you can bet that I will do that if I have to.
Try and get a dedicated gig. Find the best spots
You nailed it in the video. Common sense always a goes a long way also!
In my opinion a huge problem with parking is garbage. Drivers need to make sure they aren’t dumping garbage at parking areas. More places would allow us to park there if we didn’t litter. Just my 2 cents.
I agree!
Parking is 1 of the things I hate about being a truck driver. I wish our government would invest in money to provide more big truck parking especially when it's their fault about the ELD's.
Google maps is great for reporting shippers and receivers that allow parking. We can all help report these.
I ain't gonna hold I was broke a few times I pulled over on the shoulder threw them triangles out for 10 hours......Yea baby
Parking in the northeast is the worst.
We as truckers need to refuse paying for parking when we spend $500 on diesel at their pumps. Fuel purchase receipt should be plenty adequate. This $15 and rising "vip spot" fee is trucker extortion, they will keep raising prices as long as people are paying it to have priority over the other guy. The only people who should have to pay for parking are those darned LOCALS that park 5 company trucks at the nearby truck stop because the owner is too cheap to purchase a yard.
You hit it on the head. Truck drivers need to petition government for safe parking areas.
My trick for always finding parking. Start my day at 0030 and land around 10am or 11am
That would sure work!
Nosing in can be dangerous when backing out unless you have somebody to watch other trucks while backing out. That my friend is a fact!
I DESPISE the people who park at the dispensers so they can spend an hour inside the truck stop.
I didn't even do that driving a car. It's lazy and inconsiderate.
Oh and let’s not forget passing another truck to get that 1 mph faster and holding up the go lane. Not using proper turn signal indication
Hunts Point? Back in the 70s& 80s they couldn't pay me enough to take a load in there!
Some DOT Weigh stations that close overnight, fence the station closed, and don't allow truckers, to have a safe place to take a nap, as required by law! New Jersey does this!
i have been guilty of taking a spot while bobtailing, but heres why.... i relay with other drivers. i get there early (around 11am) unhook and go off duty for what is supposed to be a 30min break. i dont find out until 2 hrs later that my relay is going to be too late for me to make it back. ive already been off duty for those 2 hrs. thanks to ELD and safety, i cant move my truck for a minimum of 8 hrs (SB). last time my relay (who couldnt even speak english) didnt show up until almost 2000. so i sat there all day, in that spot, not being able to move..... believe me, i got the looks and i understood every one
One thing I learned from the last few carriers I worked for is if they do store deliveries say like Big Lots for example. I will park behind those stores if along my route. The only issue you might run into is getting a knock on the door because the scheduled driver is not there and they thought you were the one making a delivery. Just make sure it is a safe area you can kind of tell that driving there. Lowes I have always parked at without issue if I park off to the side like near where the shed displays are. Make sure to leave the area the same as when you arrived.
I'd rather be judged by 12 then carried by six if you know what I mean
Exactly right!
I plan parking even if it means shutting down early, the DM just hates it, but to me safety comes first.
Since this video, there’s no more parking in the back. I still park on ramps, it’s risky but also for anyone trying to fuck with me.
And you're right John, you have to protect yourself. Pack heat and keep it close.
I understand the driving in to a spot to protect your hood but I was always under the impression that if you nosed in at the back your truck and yourself were vulnerable because no one in the parking lot would be able to see you.
I don’t really like normal rest areas but the service areas on certain states are usually really nice. Usually clean. Better than the normal getting out at a truck stop and smelling the piss everywhere.
The best way to park your truck safely and cheap. Quit driving the damn thing you're getting screwed no matter who you're working for.
I consider myself blessed to have a dedicated run in northern Michigan. Never any security or parking problems. But for the 28 years I spent OTR. Won't go back.
You should see rest areas in the rural south east... Packed all the way out of the off ramp..
I try to start my day around 02:00 so when I stop it's only around 13:00.
I disagree with you on the rest areas I love them personally it's simply alot faster in my opinion
Yup me too!!
Yup plus I cant sleep at truck stops when there are bunch of reefers nearby.
I agree I prefer a rest area.. just last week I saw a flatbed clip a like-new Peterbilt in a truckstop and the driver was blowing his horn to warn the other driver but he did it anyways. Btw drivers turn down your radios and open the windows when backing so you can possibly hear other people's horns. Anyways.. I avoid truckstops as much as possible because of too many inexperienced drivers.. I fuel up, do my dot break, handle any business and get out.
Go for the lesser known truck stops... They'll always have parking.
I have figured out as a new driver even in the chains. I always park in the back and not near a curb in front. I have had been blocked in so many times by drivers finding real estate.
You also forgot the one about having alternative spots as well; something you look for before you go as well. You cannot possibly know if the spot you've picked will be packed or not when you arrive. Even if you plan on arriving early. So always have a backup so that you don't have to panic.
got stuck in traffic and was forced to park in a weird spot for my 10. Parking is easily my least favorite thing trucking.
" Be armed, get trained, carry. "
-Jan Morgan 2019
"It doesn't do ya any good laying in the bunk under your pillow."
-Me 2020
I can't tell ya how many nights ive spent sleeping on highway on ramps in the middle of nowhere.
Thank you truckers for all you do!!
I'll be starting my trucking career in about a month so I'm doing tons of research and asking questions to some veterans that I know.
I truly appreciate your advice 🙏🏿💯
I always try to land early enough to find a spot to park. I prefer parking at rest areas simply because the spots are pull through so my trailer has the greater danger of being hit versus my truck being hit. Plus there is a bathroom fairly close. Personally I hate parking a truck stops because of the way most drivers are hauling ass through the parking lot. Plus if I park at a truck stop I’m gonna end up going in and buying something to eat rather than eating the food in my truck 😂.
As I reenter the OTR life after a 40 years away from it, this is good info. I cant believe how much it has changed out there.
Parking at bobtail on a full-size parking it’s a fair game unless specified by the property owner. Whatever happened to first come first serve. Just because my trailer is getting unloaded and loaded does it mean I get no space. There are countless ways and scenarios a bobtail is forced to park that way.
If I stay in a dirty lot or anything I make sure all my personal needs are taken care of before parking and don't get out until morning.
I'm not a big fan of nosing in. Not because of backing out, but because you end up sticking out several more feet than normal. If the lot is smaller than normal this just makes it that much harder for the next guy to go into the next spot.
I completely agree with parking outside the main cities. The inner city lots are always full, are usually trashier, and are loaded with lot lizards, junkies, and scammers. And theres nothing like waiting 3+ hours for a shower.
As for the lot itself, its like playing a game of strategy in finding a spot. Dont pick the ends because somebody may not turn wide enough. If a spot has an island, grassy area, barrier, etc across from it, assume that somebody will be illegally parked there in the morning making your exit smaller. I also avoid 90° corners as well for the above noted nose in's. Ive seen drivers back into a spot and then a nose in parks in a perpendicular spot and his trailer effectively blocks in the first dude. And never assume a lot is full because you see a lot of trucker illegally parked around the entrance. Ive gone straight to the back plenty of times and found enough parking for all of them. Many of those guys up front are just lazy.
And I rather enjoy prime parking. It is nice knowing that I'll be showing up late, that the lot will already be full, and that I'll have a spot ready for me. This is especially true in the northeast where people are shutting down as early as 3pm. Some of us cant always run the ideal schedule. The only time when prime parking bugs me is when over half the lot becomes prime parking. Either do like 10 spaces or just fence off the lot and make it all paid (with the usual other payment methods). TA is the most notorious for doing this.
Now for my own story. I had a triple drop load but 2 of the drops was actually the same warehouse. Those 2 were in Detroit and the last was in upstate NY. I was making my way to a truck stop for the detroit stops when my DM called me and said the receiver had truck parking. Me being a first year idiot, I said that's cool, I'll just go straight there. Parking in rough neighborhoods is nothing new to me, because thats where the frozen warehouses generally are. But this was different. I can say to this day that Detroit is the only place that has ever truly scared me. I didnt sleep that night. And as soon as I offloaded, my ass was on the freeway and going balls out to new york as fast as i could. Yeah, they had truck parking, on the outside of their gated and guarded fence, where all the crackheads can come wander around your truck. They knock, and if you answer they ask for money, and then try to talk you into stepping out of your truck. If that doesnt red flag you then you deserve it. If you dont answer, they assume youre asleep and will look at the truck for anything to steal. They'll take lug covers, straps, even your broom. I had to take the paperwork in at 3 am and i knew was gonna have to leave the truck eventually and walk 100 yards to the receiver door. God what I would have given to be able to conceal carry over holding my mace and knife.
Like somebody else noted in the comments, use google maps and read the reviews. They can so help you avoid situations like the one above.
Parking nose in has its own problems. The biggest one is that your tail sticks out farther than anyone else's.
How about people parking at pull through spots... like against a wall when they are pulling a single trailer. If we’re pulling a set of doubles we need those pull Through spots
I remember, back in the day, when the perimeter was left for us guys pulling multi-axles, now it fills up fast with the same fellows who have trouble backing into a dock. :(
You have help me alot in my first year of otr
Glad to help!
When parking late the big truck stops like Pilot and Flying J you can use your Reward Points to reserve parking spot. It save tons of money and time
ratchet strap the handles of your cab doors together. i've learnt that from a guy doing europe runs.
COSTCO terminal in Palestine, Texas sent me to a dark, dirt parking lot accross from an abandoned truck stop that looked like Hades👹. The drug addicts were knocking on my door at 1:00AM💉..
Don't think I'd do a late delivery there again.
Really enjoy your videos I been retired since 2006 and I miss it I am 68 and got prostate Cancer but still love the trucking Industry be Safe out there Dave
Sorry to here about the cancer Ken. Take care of yourself and thanks for writing in!
How about tip number 1. Dont park next to swift trucks
My wife and I were just harassed by a lot lizard and her pimp at the pilot in West Columbia, SC. We rolled in at 2 AM. First time I was actually scared for our safety. We didn't sleep well last night.
I use to haul produce to hunts point and this was recent. I parked on the road for my break. Woke up and did my pretrip to notice someone had opened my trailer doors. I was empty but still. So now I go around to the back of the market cause they now allow drivers to park there. Still a shady place to go.
Truckers need a nation wide bill of rights starting of the right to bear arms no matter what state. I remember I saw a UA-cam video talking about truckers bill of rights didn't have anything about firearms. Just idiotic
I've nearly been hit by one of those nose-in parking fools when they were backing out of their space. These drivers are typically nosing in because they don't know how to back in. There's no skill in backing out of a spot you nosed into - it works or it doesn't. You don't have any ability to maneuver, or more importantly, see what the hell you're doing, when you're backing out of a space after you've nosed in. Getting hit, having your front end taken off, it sucks. But that's part of the job. Taking someone else's front end off because you're too cheap and/or lazy to park properly at night, that'll cost you more than a bit of downtime and a fight with insurance.
Also a lot of truck stops are not doubles friendly.
I bet that's right!
Part of being a professional driver is picking up after your self. The Vincent Lombardi Rest Stop in NJ has a brand new parking lot. I park there a few times. Garbage everywhere. All from truckers dumping their trash. Nasty!
I had a co-driver who liked to dump the trash along the road when stopped. I gave him hell for it. I would pick it up and dispose of when we reach a truck stop or shipper/receiver.
Lol!! "Pickle parks" I can only imagine why they call them that 😂😂
Hunts Point is a hot area cops drive undercover cars that truly cant be identified to get ahead of criminals.
Retired now but you are right about trip planning and it saved me many times but even then things don’t go right and always have a backup plan or two !!!
"...a little detail like the last guy got killed there..."
I'd say that's more than little
I thought so too.
I am new to this industry less than a year of experience and your channel is always helpful! Thank you and God Bless!
I’ve been driving for six months and have used Dave’s information in his videos religiously.
Great video. I parked on a freeway on ramp last night in Oregon for a quick break in the snow, as I was pulling away I almost slid into the on-ramp ditch because it was so slippery
I remember just shutting down and closing the curtains, bam loud crunch. Swift tail whipped the guy next to me. Based on the location he was at, I have no idea why he was even turning.
Awesome video and I wish everyone could watch this. I've been a long time subscriber and this is knowledge at it's best. I'd like to add a tip. Never park on the end of an open row in a truck stop or otherwise. Your guaranteed for a hit and run.
Jason's law should have included a provision making a sleeper cabin a home that can be protected with deadly force. You'd be crazy to travel woke America unarmed!
Pilot/Flying J charge 18 now! Begrudgingly, it is worth it to have a spot guaranteed.
My #1 rule on truck stop parking is to avoid the ends of the rows. Lot of drivers take the turn to sharp and guess who gets hit... The guy parked on the end
Very true. I've been driving a year and 6 months now and I've had to do some very tricky backing at times other times there will be no parking it all depends on the load.
Most drivers are planning the same thing , it’s may just be easier to just driver at night . Til mid morning , and bye pass all the parking issues . daytime on issues . as always good advice.
Some guys get their airlines cut when they go take a shower and leave the rig in the fuel aisle.
Your best advice! Preplan your trip, including parking for your rest periods. Thank you.
Excellent advice!
Why do people park at a fuel pump for 30? Or BT in a full spot? Because they could not care less about anyone other than themselves. Welcome to America. No parenting required.
Yup excellent advise, I used to haul reefer beef from Alberta to Chicago or OK city, yup always land and take off early, always fuel up in morning, that way coffee is fresh, showers aint plugged and pretty much ensures another repeat 11 hours later.....just my .02......
Hunts is no joke. That place is like a third world country. I used to go there twice a week. really enjoy the content. Thanks a lot for bringing awareness
Parking in the fuel lane is a good way to get into a fisticuff.
I love those Trucking stories 👍🏽👍🏽
Thank you 🙏 I enjoy your videos and always gain so much knowledge from you. Godspeed...
Thank you!
If company guys don't take good care of the company's truck , they don't deserve a spot in the business.
Company or Owner OP , a truck is a truck and you should take good care of it.
Agreed for sure!!
My wife and sister-in-law asked me why I always back into parking spaces at the end of a parking lot.
1) backing in allows pulling out when you leave
2) it saves front spaces for those that need it, handicap, disabilities, elderly, single moms etc
3) people rush for front spaces
4) walking is good for you
5) it’s easier you load the pickup truck because no one is around and it’s safer especially if you have kids
6) I like our pickup trucks, others don’t have the same respect.
Cooking the books would sure help with this problem. Instead of rushing with barely any time left.
From personal experience, if you're picking up or delivering to any kind of chemical plant, paper mill, or refinery, it's very, VERY likely you will not be allowed to park at the customer and you'll need to find somewhere off-site to park. It's a liability thing for them. They don't want anyone on site who may be in trouble if there's a chemical release.
No trucker here, but you got a great my friend.
Thanks for watching Len!
If I was bobtailing, I wouldn't even bother parking at a truckstop!
What's worse than a bobtail is seeing a non commercial vehicle taking up an entire truck parking spot.
As a bedbugger, I usually park at one of our agencies. Great video Dave!!
Thanks Bruce!
Watching this while I’m stuck at a rest area haha dam 😆
I usually haul oversized with a 3 axle sleeper and a 3 axle RGN and I feel absolutely horrible just pulling through the fuel island and sitting for 10 minutes waiting for food.
I noticed at some truck stops, if you nose in to a spot your trailer sticks out a lot because there a curve that prevents the front tires from going over that, however if you back in the trailer tires are up to that curve and the tail end of the trailer is well backed in all the way. It sucks because like you said nose is better to prevent damage to the rig.
Thank you
99 % of the time I drive from 2-3 am and stop it at 3-4 pm. always parking, and always get the best spots.
Exactly what I would do when OTR plus less traffic
Being that you cannot bring standard defense in your truck. What about black powder or crossbow type weapons? Melee is also a good idea
Thanks. Always help!!!
That's why I love Google Maps. I use the satellite image to help find parking.
Other parking spots I will go to is Walmarts. If the stores allow them. But will go there if running late into night. Allows parking spots for trucks, a well lit parking, and very quiet. Don"t really have problems parking in a walmart parking lot here in the west lime I did over in the east coast.
When your getting fuel please don't take 900 years to do it. I see this all.the time. Drivers pull into the pump and may sit there 5 minutes before they even think about getting out. NO!!!! As soon as you get to the pump immediately get out of the truck and start fueling. Don't waste time.
Multiple bob tails each taking a spot when they could fit 2~3 in a spot
Wouldn't it be nice if the gas taxes were used to build additional rest stop / truck stops along the interstates. You know where trucks spend a lot of their time.
Or salt the roads
That was the original idea, till the states figured out they could use the funds for other things.
@@SmartTrucking isn't that always the way
Those idle air parking spots will have you nose in, as opposed to pilot's reserved parking which leaves it up to you. Good video/repository. 👍
I own the truck, I pull trailer's owned by someone else. Thus while I'm totally responsible for my truck, though I attempt to be resposible to those that own the trailer; The bottom line is, I'm not responsable for it. I was taught among other things by the old hand that I learned from that having a mentality of me and mine before thee and thine. Is far more important than the reverse.
Your story of the meat hauler, reminds me of a time back in the day. Where as I was hauling a load of meat, deliberately stopped by a couple of four wheeler's and one large six wheeler. Stated that there is but two ways this is going down. And it's my choice as to which. One was to accept sufficent funds to purchase a bus ticket home, the other would not have been conducive to living the rest of my life, if ya get my drift. Now days, there's no such offer when being hyjacked. It's simply easier and faster to perform the second of the two choice's one use to get.
Thank uu✨
Truck stop here bought a wrecker and puts a 15 minute limit on fueling at the pump. If your over the 15 threaten they will move your rig and charge you for it. I don’t think they have ever used it.
My last couple of years of OTR i parked at hotels..alot have commercial parking
Good idea!