So, this will be my life moving forward. When I’m not driving, chances are I’ll be at a truck stop somewhere. Here is my first experience, and one I probably won’t ever forget. Not because something extremely dramatic happened, but just because I’m soaking everything in right now.

After delivering our load this morning, we were told freight is light and there was nothing for us yet to pick up. We headed over to a TA Truck Stop just outside Los Angeles, CA. My first impression is that this truck stop is extremely busy! I don’t know where all these trucks come from! Luckily, we were there early and got a spot pretty easily.

My trainer and I got some fuel, which also gives us a free shower. We went in, grabbed some Subway, then went back to the truck for a quick nap as we were both pretty tired. After that, it was time to grab a shower. I took a shower once before at my companies terminal and those were very nice. But this would be my first shower at a truck stop. First my instructor and I had to use a little kiosk which would give us a number. When our number was called, there would be a display showing which shower room to take. The estimated wait time was 114 minutes. Did I mention they were busy!? Turns out that wait time was not even close. I got my shower room in about 20 minutes.

They actually aren’t all that bad. It’s not a home shower, but my shower room was clean. For those of you who aren’t familiar with the showers at truck stops, I’ll describe it a little for you. I was assigned shower room #7. So I walked around, found the correct door and outside the door is a little keypad. You have to enter the pin number they gave you to gain access. Once inside, there is a deadbolt lock for added security. The room looks a bit like a hotel bathroom, but not quite as nice. Tile floor, white brick walls, a sink, mirror, power outlets, toilet, and of course the shower. The appearance wasn’t too bad. I mean, it looked like it’s been used a lot and it isn’t a 5 star hotel, but it beats what I had in my dorm at college! Heck, I didn’t even get a private bathroom there. It may have looked old, but everything was in working order and it was clean (no hair laying around, no surprises in the toilet, no standing water or other fluids around, etc.). Luxurious? Nope. Does it get the job done? Absolutely!

The shower itself wasn’t bad. This particular shower had a cheap shower head (the kind you’ll find in locker rooms), but there was plenty of hot water and the shower head had no obstructions. They also provide you with a clean towel and washcloth, along with a little bar of soap if you need it. I didn’t see any shampoo or conditioner there, but I didn’t really look for it as I have my own. Pretty straight forward stuff. I’m sure there are very nice truck stops for showering and really bad ones for showering. But from what I understand, this particular truck stop isn’t the best one around, and I thought it was just fine. Though, I’m easy to please. I left feeling clean, and that’s all that matters to me. continue to the next page –>

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