Fuel Centers And Laptops

dhalltoyo

Veteran Expediter
Which fuel centers offer Wi-Fi?

Which is your favorite?

Do any offer an area where I can plug in my laptop to an AC outlet while I do some work?

As always, thanks in advance for your help.
 

davekc

Senior Moderator
Staff member
Fleet Owner
We have always liked Flying J. Petro is good as well. Pilot went through many changes but my drivers are still saying that many locations are unrealiable.
There are some free hot spots but most tuckstops require a subscription for service.
Again, Flying J seems to be the favorite on internet access.
Hope that helps


Davekc
owner
21 years
PantherII
EO moderator
 

Tennesseahawk

Veteran Expediter
I have the J wifi, and sprint wireless. I always try to use J so I wouldn't use up my limit with Sprint. But since I signed onto their new package (unlimited for 59.99/mo), I guess I could cancel J. But their connection is always so GOOD!!!
 

LDB

Veteran Expediter
Retired Expediter
I've used Pilot, J and T/A. I would rank J and T/A fairly evenly and ahead of Pilot. My T/A wifi is still fairly new so I don't have enough usage to say if it's ahead of or behind the J but they are both a little ahead of Pilot. I also have T-Mobile for my aircard. It isn't as fast as Sprint etc. however it's $29.99 monthly for unlimited usage so for $30-50 less per month I surf a little slower.

Leo Bricker, owner trucks 3034, 4958
OOIDA 677319
73's K5LDB
Highway Watch Participant
EO Forum Moderator 1+ Years of Service
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Support the entire Constitution, not just the parts you like.
 

Tennesseahawk

Veteran Expediter
Leo... if you're getting a slower connection than me, I advise you use carrier pidgeon LOL

I'd have no problem going without the wireless, altogether. Except, I need it to run the truck. And, from what I've heard, Sprint has the best nationwide connection... something else I need to have.

I do love pulling up to a J, tho. I know when I logon, tis warp speed Scotty.
 

dhalltoyo

Veteran Expediter
I certainly appreciate the info.

One question though, "Can you sit inside these locations, plug into an AC outlet and have a cup of coffee while you conduct a little keyboard business?
 

LDB

Veteran Expediter
Retired Expediter
I've never actually used the "other guys" so I'm only guessing my aircard is slower because the rate is so much more reasonable. I think in 2 years I've been without service maybe 2 or 3 times because of where I parked. It will pick up Cingular or other carriers if need be so it's rarely without signal.

To answer another of the original questions, yes, at least at most J's you can go inside and sit at a table near the driver's tv lounge and plug into 110v and use your computer/wifi. I've never looked for that option at other chains and don't use that option myself so I am never actively checking if they offer it.

Leo Bricker, owner trucks 3034, 4958
OOIDA 677319
73's K5LDB
Highway Watch Participant
EO Forum Moderator 1+ Years of Service
-----
Support the entire Constitution, not just the parts you like.
 

redytrk

Veteran Expediter
Charter Member
>Do any offer an area where I can plug in my laptop to an AC
>outlet while I do some work?

Right now the AC service inside is very limited. As Leo said Flying J has outlets in the drivers lounge.Other chains are very spotty.

The early trend to supply outlets at the resturant booths seems to have stopped. I believe they are concerned about people tying up a table too long. (got to keep those tips coming)

I rarely go inside any more for a connection,but when I do, my battery seems to hold up long enpugh.
 

Tennesseahawk

Veteran Expediter
The driver's lounge in most truckstops have outlets, if you can handle the noise of the tv. As mentioned, Js usually have a quiet area with tables or benches where the drivers can use a phone or plug in their computer. Being a smoker, I avoid bringing my puter into a truckstop that is no smoking. In that case, I just sit in the truck and type.
 

heel4you

Expert Expediter
Hello All,
I am pretty "PC" savvy, however, when it comes to laptops I am doing good if I can turn them on.
What do you need to have wireless internet? What about fees, how does the laptop "dialup" work? How do you sign up with ISP's?
Guess what I need is an introduction to laptops and Wi-fi...Help...I don't understand!!!
Thanks for any and all input,
Laura
 

klippencott

Expert Expediter
You need to buy an aircard. We can buy one on EBAY or a sales person at the phone store will sell you an air card and a 2 yr contract.
 

cheerz

Expert Expediter
"All dreams are possible"

I have a Cingular card and a 120 adaptor in the truck. We also have a printer. When customers send over contracts (I have a 1 866 number that goes to my e-mail( from my e-mail I print out the contract...I sign.... scan in and send back by e-mail...and it comes over faxed to them on their fax machine.

Every truckstop charges a different amount so I found out I only pay for one service and it works everywhere. I can even use this card while huuby is driving down the road. Cost $89.99 a month,

Our laptop and internet is JUST as important to us as our truck. We cannot operate withour either one. We grab jobs while on the road.

I would recommend this to everyone.

-cheerz
 

Crazynuff

Veteran Expediter
You can get a brochure at Flying J fuel desks that has a directory of truckstops , including T/A and Pilot with WiFi access
 

rode2rouen

Expert Expediter
After trying both Flying J(usually a fast connection) and TA (usually less speedy than FJ), I went out today and bought a Verizon aircard.

Although it's pricier than the truckstop services, it will allow me to get online when I am laying over in a town waiting for a car dealer to open in the morning to make my delivery. Sometimes there just aren't any truckstops in the area.


Rex
 

JohnO

Veteran Expediter
I used verizon card for since March (currently off road awaiting cancer surgery/recovery) and was quite satisfied with service. The major cities usually had cable speed while small communities had dial-up. Rate was $79 for unlimited use and now is $59. No telling what cost will be down the road?

John
 
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