Patience At The Pumps

So I thought I’d share this story I witnessed today. My fuel stop was at the Flying J Winchester Va. exit 323 on I-81. Anyone who’s been there knows it’s a tough stop. Parking is tight and the fuels pumps are usually two or three deep.

What I witnessed was a driver who was blocked in the fuel pump attempt to back out of the spot. Problem was, another truck had pulled in straight behind him. Never saw him and backed right into his tractor. Not much damage...it was very low speed...but, it’s now a hassle for both drivers.

So here’s a couple tips when waiting at fuel pumps.

1. While it seems like eternity waiting for the other guy to come out...it’s really only 5 or 10 minutes...be patient

2. While waiting behind another truck. Try to leave a mirror or part of the tractor exposed so the driver can see it in the mirror. Sometimes I’ll leave my trailer a little offset too.

3., Before you attempt to back out of the fuel pump, do a GOAL...see what’s back there and where your going to back to.

4. If your ever assigned that Flying J , tell your manager ...oops...I missed the exit.

Be safe everyone!!

If your ever assigned that Flying J , tell your manager ...oops...I missed the exit.

I totally agree with that one. That truck stop is tough in so many ways. I always avoid it. About four years ago I spent the night there. I heard air horns going off all night, as in "Hey buddy, you're about to hit my truck over here on your blind side!"

I'm from VA and I completely agree with the fact that the place is a giant pain and slow in and out of that truck stop. Great tips, too.

Another one NOT to go to is the Las Vegas Pilot. Once they are two deep at the pumps, you can't even turn into the place.

If your ever assigned that Flying J , tell your manager ...oops...I missed the exit.

I totally agree with that one. That truck stop is tough in so many ways. I always avoid it. About four years ago I spent the night there. I heard air horns going off all night, as in "Hey buddy, you're about to hit my truck over here on your blind side!"

Another one NOT to go to is the Las Vegas Pilot. Once they are two deep at the pumps, you can't even turn into the place.

If your ever assigned that Flying J , tell your manager ...oops...I missed the exit.

I totally agree with that one. That truck stop is tough in so many ways. I always avoid it. About four years ago I spent the night there. I heard air horns going off all night, as in "Hey buddy, you're about to hit my truck over here on your blind side!"

There are only a handful of places I absolutely refuse to fuel at, but that Pilot in Vegas is right at the top of the list. What a fustercluck. Also, pretty much all of the old "Broadway" Flying J locations in eastern WA. Not one of them has a pump that's less than 20 years old, more than 3 lanes, or pavement that's been upgraded since the Carter administration.

Another one to be careful at is the Love's in Ellensburg, WA. Not that it's hard to get in and out of or in bad shape, but the fuel lanes are NARROW. They're only maybe 10' wide. 9 times out of 10, you're going to whang the pump when you open your door.

Next time you happen to find yourself having to fuel at a place that an accident waiting to happen.. constantly backed up fuel islands causing incoming trucks to get hung out blocking the street, etc. While you're sitting there waiting.. take several photos highlighting the obvious dangers of that fuel stop then send those photos and a description of the location and the inherent dangers in stopping there. You may discover that your company will delete that problem fuel stop in the company's routing system. I know West Side does that for us.

Luckily for me maverick let's us fuel at any loves/pilot/flying j whenever we want. not too many fuel options in certain areas so I end up at the dumpy ones sometimes.

Another one to be careful at is the Love's in Ellensburg, WA. Not that it's hard to get in and out of or in bad shape, but the fuel lanes are NARROW. They're only maybe 10' wide. 9 times out of 10, you're going to whang the pump when you open your door.

I hate it when that happens

The TA off of I95 Exit 41 in Jessup, MD has a pretty messed up entry and exit for fuel.

Choose wisely what pump you pick otherwise you will get blocked in

The TA off of I95 Exit 41 in Jessup, MD has a pretty messed up entry and exit for fuel.