New Here. Wanted To Say Hello. Not Your Average Member

She's not CEO of 595 Truck Stop in Davie is she?

BK said something that got me thinking… whatever you end up doing, make sure the flow of traffic in and out of your truck stop/parking area is well thought out and that the parking is set up for drivers to be able to “sight side” back instead of blind side back (ideally the spots will be to the driver’s left as he is driving through the parking lot). If possible, having a dedicated entrance and exit is very very helpful instead of traffic coming in and out through the same place. Having a certified scale on your property (a CAT scale if possible) will bring more business as well. Like Kearsey said, plan on spending money to keep it clean—alot of drivers have no dignity and it’s good to know that beforehand as I’m sure you’re already aware since your MIL owns a truck stop.

Having a restaurant of some sort is a great idea but I’d recommend having hot and ready healthy to go options 24 hours a day. Kinda like what Pilot/Flying J does but with some healthier options as well.

I am overlapping some of what has already been stated just to emphasize the importance of those ideas for a parking area.

1) Near an interstate adjacent to but not in a metro area with easy on/off access to the interstate.

2) Well lit in parking areas, fueling areas, and store entrance/exit.

3) Clear signage indicating entrance and exit.

4) Adequate space for maneuvering according to the number of spaces available.

5) Easy access to the fuel island from both parking areas and the street. Some drivers like to fuel and park afterward. Other drivers like to get that parking spot and fuel before exiting.

6) Security that is willing to bang on truck doors to tell drivers not properly parked to move.

7) Plenty of trash receptacles in the parking areas. Some drivers won't use them, no matter how close to the truck they are, but it reduces the chances of trash thrown on the ground.

8) Sizeable grassy area for pets to be able to do their thing.

9) Friendly staff who understand what a truck driver's job is. Those who understand the job know that we can be cranky at times, but we generally respond well to reasonable requests and friendly attitudes.

10) Dedicated parking area for RVs so that they don't try to use the truck parking area.

11) Well-maintained lot. Asphalt needs to be repaved every few years. Gravel/silt lots need to be resurfaced more often.

12) Be either a place strictly for long-term parking or a place strictly for overnight parking. I can't recall seeing a place trying to do both being anything more than a dump.