Truck stops are those little oases that every truck driver is looking forward to when beginning a trip, and, more than that, they are a necessity. We know how hard it is to find a perfect place to fill up your batteries while on the road. It’s almost impossible to get everything you need in one truck stop while on a long haul.
For this blog, we set out to find spots just like that, and here are our top five picks.
Iowa 80 in Walcott, Iowa
Interstate 80, Exit 284; 755 W. Iowa 80 Road
Often dubbed “Trucker’s Disneyland”, Iowa 80 is the world’s largest truck stop, and one of the most famous truck stops in the United States. Given that they have 900 parking spots, and 5,000 customers served every day, it’s safe to say I-80 is a small town!
They offer an array of services that are not typical for truck stops – a dental office, a custom embroidery shop, a chiropractor, a barbershop, a workout room, and a super truck showroom. It’s understood there are also laundry facilities, showers, a movie theater, and a CAT scale.
Every experienced trucker will have their own story of I-80.
Image source: Robby Virus, Flickr
Jubitz in Portland, Oregon
Interstate 5, Exit 307; near the Portland International Airport
Although it’s not as large as I-80, Jubitz is still pretty impressive with its 27 acres of services for truckers. This includes 300 parking spaces, a dog wash, showers, and jacuzzis.
You can also have your shoes repaired, your hair cut, and much more. Called “World’s Classiest Truck Stop”, it’s a great place to kick back and relax. They also offer places for dining, dancing, or resting.
Image source: Jubitz
Little America in Little America, Wyoming
Interstate 80, Exit 68
Flagstaff’s Little America is an institution among truck stops. Here you’ll find private showers, a lounge for drivers, truck scales, and much more.
There’s also a nice hotel for drivers that need a good night of sleep, and a 24-hour convenience store, for anything else you may need.
Their truck center offers any maintenance for your vehicle while you enjoy the rest of the facilities.
Image source: Trip.com
Pilot Flying J Travel Centers located throughout the States
Pilot Flying J Travel Centers can be found all throughout the USA, with more than 750 locations in 44 states. They are quite common in favorite lists, and for a good reason.
In most of their locations, you’ll find a CAT Certified Scale, as well as shower and laundry facilities. You can reserve the parking spaces online and choose between an array of restaurant options (Subway, Wendy’s, and so on).
They claim to serve 1.6 million more than guests a day, which makes them the largest operator of travel centers in North America.
Image source: Pilot Flying J
Whiskey Pete’s in Primm, Nevada
100 W Primm Blvd, Primm, NV 89019, United States
Whiskey Pete’s is an entire hotel and casino complex, and an opportunity to experience Vegas without actually going to the city.
It’s also the last place where you can fuel up on either side of the California-Nevada border. Whiskey Pete’s is part of a much larger resort that also has a movie theater, an arena where you can catch a live show, and several golf courses. For true Vegas vibes, visit their enormous casino.
There’s also a drivers’ lounge, laundry facilities, and showers.
Image source: Wikimedia
While it seems that every truck stop tends to cover a wide array of services and include everything one truck driver may need, it’s clear that each one of them has its own charm and presents a unique experience. Which one of our picks is your favorite, and did we miss out on any specific ones that are important to you?
If you liked this article, be sure to check out our post on Routes With Most Beautiful Picturesque Scenery.
Mia is a Fleet Manager and Recruiter at Extra Mile International, based in Chicago. Mia is over 5 years in the trucking industry while driving trucks for more than 3 years.
