The “Knock On The Door”

How do you feel when you are in your sleeper and you get the KNOCK ON THE DOOR? I’ve learned where not to park to avoid this, but I recently got two surprise door knocks. One was after I left a Costco delivery south of Atlanta. I had asked Costco security where I could park nearby because I was almost out of driving hours. The security guard directed me to a street about a block away. Sure enough, the street was lined with parked trucks, so I found a space and pulled in. About 4 hours later, there came the dreaded knock on the door. It was a policeman with a parking citation in hand. No, he couldn’t have just told me to move, he gave me a $20 parking ticket. Then I watched him go down the street writing every truck a ticket.

But in general, the knock on the door almost gives me a heart attack every time it happens. I hate it with a passion. Fortunately, with experience, I have learned to park in places where the “knock” won’t happen.

What are your thoughts and advice about this?

The dreaded knock lol. Dude it plays tricks on my brain when someone knocks on my door now when I’m awake after being woken up so many times with it. Like I get a mini heart attack for a second and then I’m good haha

First of all did you take notice of any “no parking” signs? If there was, and it cl army stayed no parking then the Officer was well within his bounds to write you up. If nothing was posted then I’d try to fight it on principal alone.

Was he a jerk? Yes, primarily for waking you up.

And yes I’ve gotten a few knocks at backhauls to let me know my trailer was ready.

I would just pay the $20 because it doesn't show up on your DAC record.

Not too long ago I parked on a ramp in Nebraska and didn't see the No Parking sign as it was blocked by another truck. I was out of hours and Grand Island was full. Got a Level III inspection. Had I been offered the ticket, which he said was $10 plus court costs, I would have taken that instead.

Then I asked him about ramps in Nebraska that aren't posted and he said no ramps anywhere in the state are allowed to be parked on, that's why you see the green T-posts with reflectors blocking parking on the ramps in rest areas and off/on ramps.

Laura

Knocks on the door take many forms.

It could be a "social worker" checking to see if you need some company.

It could be another driver asking if you could back up a little so he can get the trailer to clear your hood.

It could be the person with your paperwork, after a 7 hour unload.

I have gotten one parking ticket (along with more than a dozen other friends) in Richland, OH on a deserted street and a Saturday night. That guy did not knock, only left a "Welcome To Town Drivers" card for everyone. I did not pay that one.

Knocks on the door take many forms.

It could be a "social worker" checking to see if you need some company.

It could be another driver asking if you could back up a little so he can get the trailer to clear your hood.

It could be the person with your paperwork, after a 7 hour unload.

I have gotten one parking ticket (along with more than a dozen other friends) in Richland, OH on a deserted street and a Saturday night. That guy did not knock, only left a "Welcome To Town Drivers" card for everyone. I did not pay that one.

Where, in Richland (County) Ohio? That's our neighboring county; seats Mansfield. The only 'deserted' streets (in town) are shady areas; perhaps they were just making sure you were okay ?!?!?

~ Anne ~

The old grain elevators; Westinghouse (abandoned) and Ohio Brass (repurposed) are right along the rails. Was a huge hub.

Y'all got me feeling blessed over here. I have yet to have a knock for any reason whatsoever. OTR driver just for clarification. No dock worker, lizards, or dot.

I had to park on an on ramp just outside Atlanta one time. Thankful I woke up without any incidents from that one.

I try hard to park at a consignee. The parking issue is a pain in the ass.

Just got done reading an article about truck parking in lack of it. I guess some legislatures are taking notice and trying to help. Unfortunately it's going to be a long time before we see any improvement.

I try hard to park at a consignee. The parking issue is a pain in the ass.

Just got done reading an article about truck parking in lack of it. I guess some legislatures are taking notice and trying to help. Unfortunately it's going to be a long time before we see any improvement.

It’s unfortunate that so many big distribution facilities will not permit overnight parking.

I got a knock on my door once from a hooker. I hollered out the window "sorry honey, he's taken. Try the blue truck 4 doors down"

She smile and thanked me. Yes people will complain that I was not asking her about human trafficking and sex workers. That I am making light of a serious situation. But it seemed a better response than ",go away"