Walmart Anxiety

How do you guys figure out how to get in and out of Walmart parking lots without getting stuck somewhere that you can't get turned around in? I know someone mentioned on here before about truck route signs, but I have only seen that once. I have stopped at two Walmarts since I have been out here. The first one was where I ran over a small tree trying to get turned around, and the other store was crazy tight trying to get in and out while dodging car traffic. I have even tried to scope out places on Google maps beforehand but end up intimidated by the number of cars when I get there.

Look for the entrance for delivery trucks. Usually more feasiable. I drive in and around the back and find my spot

Would google earth work in a situation like that?

I have even tried to scope out places on Google maps beforehand but end up intimidated by the number of cars when I get there.

That was going to be my suggestion. I have delivered to a number of Costco retail stores, same type of situation. Google satellite view is your best bet. Zoom in and find the Docks, there is always a way in and a way out. Write down specific turn by turn. Example: second left turn past Wendy's, 1st right will take me to entrance at back of store towards docks. You get the point. Swing wide and wait for cars to stop. Own the Space. It can be a bit intimidating! Remember, Trucks make it in and out of those docks hundreds of times a month! As G Town would say, "Mind your Wagon Driver"

They are all different.

The newer stores have side entrances or rear entrances designed for tractor trailers. Some entrances are isolated from the front of the store. Older stores, it's hit or miss (no pun intended). Many of them (at least in my territory) have truck route signs. However if you enter through an entrance that prohibits trucks (look for no trucks) you won't see the truck route signs anywhere.

Good rule of thumb, follow the perimeter of the parking lot, the edge, stay out of the middle of the lot...this is where you get into trouble.

If you know what store you are going to visit, call them ask to speak to a manager for help. They deal with tractor trailer deliveries all the time.

You can also look up their phone number and call the shipping/receiving. Ask them first if they allow big rigs (some do not these days), then ask them the best way in and out.

If you're delivering to the store, find those Truck Route signs. As noted, Google Earth makes things easy. A hint for access: most of the truck entrances have a traffic signal on the main highway.

If you just want to stop and shop, again, look at Google Maps satellite view. You'll often see one or two trucks parked out in the parking lot. Also, check with the Trucker Path app. The reviews should say something about truck parking at each store.

You can also look up their phone number and call the shipping/receiving. Ask them first if they allow big rigs (some do not these days), then ask them the best way in and out.

Shipping and receiving,...at a store? That's funny. Call and ask for a manager or asst. manager. Rarely will anyone answer the phone in the dock area.

Check out the Trucker Path app and see if you can find a Wally world with "truck parking" chances are if it says yes to truck parking it won't have it but it won't be super tight.

After that check Google Earth and chances are your entrance will have a light at the turn. Early AM and late PM are the easiest times.

And surely someone has pointed out that you should stay to the outside of the lot. And at the very least, point yourself on an easy exit when parking just to make life easy when you wake up to leave.... If all else fails, Mark where your tandems are and move them forward to get out if need be then move them back to the mark you made when you get to the on ramp.

Walmart 101.

You can also look up their phone number and call the shipping/receiving. Ask them first if they allow big rigs (some do not these days), then ask them the best way in and out.

Shipping and receiving,...at a store? That's funny. Call and ask for a manager or asst. manager. Rarely will anyone answer the phone in the dock area.

I did not write this info as a joke or to be "funny". Sorry I did not write it the way a MODERATOR would have preferred.