Parking Or Pulling Over For Rest

So, one thing that concerns me a lot is the choice of where to park the truck for the night to rest (or any reason at all). So far, in my month's worth of driving, it has been Walmart lots, rest and truck stops, and shippers/receivers (at approval request). Aside from trying to find an adequate, legal place to park, you also have to worry about any obstructions, dangers, size of parking lots, and permissions. What are some tips on finding a good spot to park or how to even set yourself up for a good park?

Also, I'd like to share a pic that happened within the past 2 weeks relating to parking. I know that this is a big No-No, as there is mud and rain involved, but the driver did so anyways. Plus, his trailer was sticking out halfway in the driveway to a Caterpillar Warehouse.

So far, in my month's worth of driving, it has been Walmart lots, rest and truck stops, and shippers/receivers

I'd say you pretty much just summed it all up right there.

Someone recommended The Ultimate Truck Parking Guide for about $20 at some truck stops. He said ... well he said a lot of good things and it might be what you're looking for, so google it.

I use mainly the trucker path app and also my truck stop book to find places. I start my days between 1AM and 3AM generally so when I am shutting down I rarely have any issues with the parking lots being full. If I am running later in the day or near a major city where the lots fill up earlier, I will read up on the review/and parking history on the app. If you know where you are thinking about stopping, take a look at the lot on google satellite so you can see how it is oriented or if it is too tight to maneuver properly.

I like rest areas for the quiet and because I am not as tempted to spend money on food instead of cooking what I keep in the truck with me.

You never will really solve this problem, but you will get better at dealing with it. It used to be very difficult for me to find a spot but now I can use my expertise to quickly find a spot on instinct. For example after 7pm I rule out all major truck stops. Use satellite imagery to see whether a spot, like a walmart, is reasonably safe to navigate, but you get an idea of that just based on the city you're in. Just keep grinding at it and I promise it'll get easier with experience.

Hrynn shares:

I start my days between 1AM and 3AM generally so when I am shutting down I rarely have any issues with the parking lots being full.

This is the best schedule! Except when you get home and sleep all evening!

I like rest areas for the quiet and because I am not as tempted to spend money on food instead of cooking what I keep in the truck with me.

My thoughts exactly! Though I use Trucker Path to find "non-chain", local stops. Hardly ever as crowded.

I actually have a pretty difficult time adapting my sleeping schedules at home vs in the truck, Errol. My boyfriend works nights so I try to get on his sleeping schedule for the week I am home, and then flop back over while I'm on the road. Eeeugh. I've kinda gotten used to it though

I actually have a pretty difficult time adapting my sleeping schedules at home vs in the truck, Errol. My boyfriend works nights so I try to get on his sleeping schedule for the week I am home, and then flop back over while I'm on the road. Eeeugh. I've kinda gotten used to it though

That sounds like a plan! I have the "normal" situation: my wife & I watch TV together in the evening, I konk out.