Findlay, Ohio Travel Center

Located at 11471 State Route 613W, the fully rebuilt Findlay location now offers 80 truck parking spaces and 59 car spots. The center features a Taco Bell for quick meals, clean restrooms and showers, public laundry facilities, a hot and cold deli, fully stocked beverage coolers, and three self-checkouts for faster service. Drivers can also take advantage of mobile fueling and exclusive perks through the Pilot app.

Eagle Pass, Texas Travel Center

The Eagle Pass location at 4392 El Indio Highway is a brand-new addition to Pilot’s network, offering 85 truck parking spaces, 65 car spaces, and eight diesel lanes. Amenities mirror those at Findlay, including clean restrooms and showers, public laundry, a hot and cold deli, beverage coolers, and four self-checkouts. Mobile fueling and Pilot app perks are also available.

Pilot emphasized the importance of driver comfort and efficiency in both locations. “Whether drivers need fuel, a meal, or just a place to recharge, these locations are designed to keep them moving comfortably and efficiently,” the company said.

These two travel centers are part of Pilot’s ongoing upgrades across the U.S. and Canada, aimed at supporting professional drivers with safer, more convenient, and driver-focused stops on the road.

Source: The Trucker

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For drivers running routes through the Midwest, the Findlay stop at 11471 State Route 613W has been redesigned from the ground up with truckers in mind. The site now features 80 dedicated truck parking spaces, clean showers, and public laundry facilities. There’s also a Taco Bell on-site, along with a deli offering both hot and cold meal options that make it easier to grab a quick bite between runs.

The Findlay location now includes three self-checkout stations to cut down on wait times, plus mobile fueling and exclusive driver rewards through the Pilot app.

Down south in Eagle Pass, Texas, Pilot’s newest stop at 4392 El Indio Highway brings even more to the table for drivers hauling through the Lone Star State. This location adds 85 truck parking spaces and eight diesel lanes designed to keep fueling fast and efficient. Inside, drivers will find the same clean showers, laundry access, and deli options that make Pilot a trusted stop across the country. Four self-checkouts make for quick in-and-out trips, and mobile fueling through the Pilot app offers extra convenience and perks.

Between the two locations, Pilot’s latest openings are helping to close the gap in truck parking availability, one of the biggest challenges professional drivers face on the road.

With hundreds of locations nationwide, Pilot continues to upgrade and expand its network to make life easier for drivers who keep America moving.

Image Source: Pilot

Source: Truckers News

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A Project Built Around Drivers

The effort was led by CEO Dean Ash, who said the goal was to put drivers at the center of the design.

With nearly 200 pull-through parking spaces and what Ash described as “five-star hotel-quality … showers and restrooms,” the facility was created with time and comfort in mind.

Mobile fueling is already available. Instead of lining up at traditional pumps, drivers can park and request fuel delivery. A mobile truck wash works the same way.

“We come to them to fill them up,” Ash explained. “Thirty-five gallons a minute, and they can just relax.”

Why It Was Built

The idea came after Ash heard about the challenges faced by a close friend, a veteran truck driver who lost his truck to an axle fire. While staying with Ash, the driver shared stories about the struggles of the road and how few truck stops truly offered a positive experience.

“After 25 years on the road, there are about four truck stops that I can name that I really enjoy going to,” the driver told him.

Ash, who is not a driver himself, said those conversations helped him understand the need.

“I’ve never had a CDL, never driven a truck, never even been in a truck that’s moving down the highway. But I can relate because these are people and, you know, I think too many people, at least in the industry, don’t treat truckers like a human being, like they ought to.”

Parking and Access

Parking access was a top priority.

“For the guys that are doing their short reset or their 34, they’re welcome here, and we will never have a financial requirement for them,” Ash said.

The site currently features 186 pull-through diagonal parking spaces, each with six feet of clearance on both sides. Overflow areas could push that number to 300 spots, and online reservations are free.

Located just one mile from a welcome center with only 23 spaces, Truckers Paradise has coordinated with TxDOT to redirect drivers when that lot is full.

“That’s kind of the bigger picture of where this has evolved, is that we want to work with TxDOT and even federal DOT to really take a stab at the truck parking issue,” Ash added.

Food and Amenities

The property uses the old mall’s food court for multiple restaurants. Five are already open, serving pizza, Mexican, Indian, and other meals, with room for more vendors.

Showers and restrooms were built to stand apart from standard facilities.

“With multiple jets that can massage your midsection. And it’s a marble finish,” Ash said.

Other features on the site include:

• A chrome and truck accessories store
• A cigar lounge
• Massage therapy services
• DOT physical and chiropractic care

Drivers also check in at a tiki hut entrance where staff provide a quick rundown of available services and fueling options.

What’s Ahead

Truckers Paradise isn’t stopping with what’s already open. Ash is working on:

• Expanding chrome and accessories offerings
• Adding a repair shop
• Building a 30,000-square-foot entertainment complex with batting cages, virtual golf, pickleball, pool tables, and poker.

Long-term, he aims for the model to expand nationwide across the U.S.

“The long-term goal: a frictionless environment where [truckers] just don’t have to think,” Ash said. “It’s really like a five-star resort kind of thing where things are done for them, they don’t have to think. They can just be a real person.”

Source: Overdrive

Image Source: Truckers Paradise

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“Our partnership with this program is both an honor and a privilege,” said Larry Vannatta, Averitt’s regional vice president of sales for Texas. “Seeing the impact of our efforts is truly rewarding.”

A Team Effort to Uplift Morale

According to an Averitt press release, their associates rallied together across 17 facilities—primarily in Texas—and their corporate office to collect and prepare the holiday cards. The corporate office alone contributed more than 4,000 cards to the initiative. Ensuring no detail was missed, the cards were carefully organized, counted, and prepared to make certain they reached service members in time for the holidays.

This marks another chapter in Averitt’s long-standing collaboration with New Country 96.3 KSCS, a program designed to show appreciation and boost morale for service members during the festive season.

Driven by Purpose Beyond Cards

Averitt further demonstrated its commitment to giving back by pairing this initiative with a financial contribution to Averitt Cares for Kids, the company’s philanthropic organization. Averitt matched the time given by employees to the card program with a donation to the charity, which primarily supports St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Through initiatives like these, Averitt continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of military personnel and local communities alike, ensuring their holiday season is brighter and filled with appreciation.

Source: The Trucker

Image: Averitt

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This innovative truck parking availability system aims to install digital signs across California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. These signs will display real-time data on available parking spaces at upcoming rest areas, aiding truck drivers in planning their stops more efficiently.

To address any challenges truck drivers might encounter when parking along this route, the I-10 Corridor Coalition is conducting a survey. Truck drivers and dispatchers are encouraged to share their experiences and insights regarding operations and parking conditions along I-10. Rest assured, all survey responses will be treated with strict confidentiality.

If you’re a trucker navigating the I-10 corridor, your feedback is invaluable. Take the I-10 corridor truck parking survey here.

While the new system won’t add more parking spots, it will significantly enhance the ease and safety of finding vacant ones. The American Transportation Research Institute reports that truck drivers typically lose about an hour daily searching for parking, which translates into an annual loss of $5,500 in earnings per driver.

This parking availability system will be rolled out at 37 locations along the nearly 1,700-mile I-10 stretch. This includes six spots in California, eight in Arizona, five in New Mexico, and 18 in Texas.

According to the I-10 Corridor Coalition, there are plans to further enhance this system by integrating real-time parking data into existing smartphone applications.

The concept of truck parking availability systems isn’t new. It mirrors the approach used in the Midwest, where in 2015, eight states received part of a $25 million TIGER grant to develop a regional Truck Parking Information Management System, spanning from Kansas to Ohio.

Variable message signs, or truck parking availability systems, have proven their worth. According to a survey by ATRI, 70% of truck drivers found these signs beneficial. However, the effectiveness of such systems often depends on drivers’ experience. While less than half of surveyed drivers reported acting on the information provided, those with one to five years of experience were the most likely to utilize the signs effectively.

Your insights could help shape a more efficient and driver-friendly experience along the I-10 corridor. Share your thoughts today!

Source: Land Line

The post Call for Trucker Feedback on I-10 Parking Information System appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Empowering Future Truckers

Phil Byrd, the chairman of TCF, expressed his admiration for the Academy’s impact, stating, “The South Dallas Driving Academy has been instrumental in removing roadblocks to rewarding careers in trucking. Providing young Texans with the tools they need to succeed empowers them to break the cycle of poverty and build a bright future for themselves and their families. This organization has grown exponentially in such a short time. It is truly amazing to witness. The Trucking Cares Foundation is proud to continue our support of this transformative program that invests in the next generation of our industry.”

A Legacy of Support

This recent donation builds on TCF’s history of backing SDDA. Initially, TCF contributed $15,000 in 2021 to help launch the program, followed by an additional $20,000 in 2023, showcasing its unwavering commitment to the Academy’s success.

Chris Petersen, vice president of Rally Fleet Services and chair of SDDA, remarked, “When so much of our energy at the South Dallas Driving Academy is focused on helping young men and women overcome seemingly insurmountable barriers entering our industry, the continued support of ATA leadership and the Trucking Cares Foundation is incredibly encouraging. I will always remember ATA Chairman Andrew Boyle’s emphatic endorsement of our vision when we first presented the concept just over three years ago. Shortly thereafter, TCF began its support of our program. Thanks in large part to TCF’s support, SDDA has expanded from a 7-student pilot program to one that has graduated 110 Class C and 5 Class A drivers in the past 14 months. TCF’s ongoing sponsorship will ensure that we can continue providing these crucial life credentials so we can help fill the pipeline of the next generation of trucking professionals.”

Breaking Barriers with Education

The press release highlights a stark reality—almost 40% of low-income individuals in urban U.S. areas, and nearly half in South Dallas, lack a valid driver’s license due to the scarcity of affordable driver education. The South Dallas Driving Academy offers a unique dual-pathway program, enabling South Dallas residents to earn their driver’s licenses and prepare for a career in transportation. This trailblazing initiative, exclusive to Bonton and South Dallas residents, boasts an impressive 90% course completion and graduation rate.

Von Minor, president & executive director of SDDA, emphasized the significance of TCF’s contribution, saying, “Because of the continuing support of the Trucking Cares Foundation, the SDDA is able to provide the tuition and scholarships that are required for men and women to matriculate through our quarterly Class A/CDL Commercial License Program and launch career pathways into the trucking industry. What was once a barrier has become an economic pathway.”

Source: The Trucker

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Expansion Details

• Chicago, IL: The 30-acre site located at 70 Airport Road in West Dundee will provide over 1,000 semi-truck parking spots, boosting Illinois’ truck parking capacity by nearly 9%.

• Fort Lauderdale, FL: Located at 12754 Wiles Road in Coral Springs, this 14-acre facility offers 370 parking spaces, serving as an entry point to the Southeast U.S. and Latin American markets.

• Fontana, CA: Outpost’s first California yard at 15122 Ceres Avenue encompasses 4.5 acres with close to 100 parking spaces, ideal for logistics operations throughout Southern California.

• Laredo, TX: The 11-acre yard at 18702 Metropolitan Rd, close to significant border crossings, provides 320 spaces, facilitating smooth cross-border trade with Mexico.

“As our network continues to expand, motor carriers increasingly look to Outpost as a strategic partner for positioning their fleets, improving asset visibility, and optimizing their real estate investments,” said Trent Cameron, Outpost co-founder and CEO. “This can only be accomplished through our combination of purpose-built technology and the operational expertise of managing yards at scale. Our four new properties strengthen our ability to help these fleets operate more efficiently in critical freight corridors across the US.” To reserve a space or learn more about the facilities, visit Outpost’s official website.

Source: The Trucker

The post Outpost Takes a Big Step Forward with New Facilities and 1,700 New Truck Parking Spaces! appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The primary objective of SafeDRIVE is to lower the incidence of accidents involving commercial motor vehicles (CMV) by boosting the presence of law enforcement in areas recognized as critical for safety. This proactive approach will encompass monitoring both passenger and commercial vehicles. The enforcement will focus on various infractions such as aggressive driving, speeding, tailgating, non-compliance with seatbelt laws, distracted driving, and driving under the influence. Moreover, CMV operators will be scrutinized to ensure they comply with industry regulations.

Important Safety Recommendations from DPS

To enhance road safety for all motorists, the DPS suggests the following precautions:

• Be Aware of Blind Spots: Large vehicles often have considerable blind spots, so remain vigilant.

• Safe Passing Practices: Make sure you can see the CMV driver in their side mirror before you pass. Always signal and ensure you have ample room.

• Avoid Cutting Off Large Vehicles: Large trucks need significant distance to stop, often equivalent to two football fields.

• Steer Clear of Tailgating: Following too closely can put you in the truck’s blind spot and increase the risk of accidents.

• Always Buckle Your Seatbelt: Wearing a seatbelt is crucial for your safety and can be life-saving in emergencies.

• Stay Off Your Phone: Remember, texting while driving is against the law in Texas.

Troopers are urging all drivers to take part in sharing the road responsibly and to stay alert in order to ensure safer travel for everyone. Your driving behavior not only impacts your safety but also the well-being of fellow road users. Use these tips to contribute to a safer and more secure driving experience on Texas highways.

Source: Truckers News

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Among the recent improvements, two sites now offer truck wash services. These enhancements have introduced five new service bays, four truck wash bays, and three additional service trucks to Love’s extensive maintenance network nationwide.

Here’s a look at the new and upgraded locations next to Love’s Travel Stops:

• Salinas, California (new)

• Calvert City, Kentucky (upgraded)

• Wells, Nevada (upgraded)

• Sidney, Ohio (upgraded with added truck wash)

• Columbia, Tennessee (upgraded with added truck wash)

• Ranger, Texas (rebuilt)

These facilities provide a range of services, including tire replacement, lube services, light mechanical repairs, and roadside assistance, all at competitive prices. Love’s Truck Care and Speedco also serve as the exclusive warranty repair and recall service provider for Freightliner and International trucks.

With over 430 locations across the United States, Love’s Truck Care and Speedco boast more than 1,300 service bays and a fleet of 900 roadside service trucks, ensuring professional drivers and fleets receive top-notch care wherever they go.

Source: Truckers News

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It all started on June 19, when the Purcell Animal Shelter received a new resident—a dog dropped off that very morning. Nicknamed “Trucker” by the shelter staff, the friendly canine quickly became a social media sensation as the shelter posted about him on their Facebook page, seeking to find his owner. The power of social media came into full swing as people across Facebook began sharing the post and trying to track down the dog’s owner. For several days, dedicated animal lovers and members of the trucking community worked tirelessly to solve the mystery of “Trucker’s” true identity.

After days of searching, the true name of the dog was revealed to be “Nacho.” The breakthrough came thanks to the collective efforts of Facebook users and the trucking community, who spread the word through social media and their radio networks. On a memorable Tuesday, the trucker—hailing from Houston, Texas—made his way to the Purcell Animal Shelter. The reunion between the trucker and Nacho was nothing short of emotional, as both man and dog had clearly missed each other dearly.

The Purcell Animal Shelter took to Facebook once more to share the happy news, thanking everyone who helped in the search. They extended their gratitude not only to the many Facebook users who shared the story but also to the trucker community, whose efforts were instrumental in reuniting Nacho with his owner.

If you’re interested in more stories like this or want to support the Purcell Animal Shelter, visit their website or follow them on social media. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of animals and their owners.

Source: KOCO News 5

Photos: Purcell Animal Shelter

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