TA in Rodgers, MN has this deal posted for drivers who are in the parking lot for the weekend:
I wonder if more Truck Stop will pick up on this?
- Thread starter TeamCaffee
- Start date
bubblehead
Veteran Expediter
That would go a long way in helping to keep cost down for those who don't prepare meals in the truck. I also noticed a trend to "shore power" only stations at truck stops. We are currently hooked up to one near Ogden, Ut. Food discounts and shore power can result in very affordable, comfortable & quite layovers. Loving it!
Except for you are at a truck stop, our least favorite place to park but the discount program is great !!
T/A & Petro are trying harder than all the rest.
T/A & Petro are trying harder than all the rest.
We love to use the shore power, but most of the truck stops don't hold the spots for use, and the service is very hit and miss for being active. We have addressed this with the company that operates alot of them and they will not force the isse to hold spots and they have no answer for availability. The problem I have is they are or have gotten started with Government money. They have no incentive to lean on anybody But I sure do see more reserved spots at the TA's..
bubblehead
Veteran Expediter
Not sure if you are with the same company but Shore Power Technologies told me if the spaces are full, just call them and they will arrange for the location manager to get a space open. I think if they charge for parking like TA has done and then reimburse or credit the parking fee when you activate the station, it would minimize the issue. There is signs that say for shore power use and no parking....but it is mostly ignored.
there is none with company owned restaurants anymore....so I'd say no one will...
Yeah We have tried that several times and the truck stop manage just throws their hands in the air and says nothing I can do... Charging would be a good idea but again up to the management to handle it..
Truck stops are no longer in fact haven't been for a long time in the business to help make our lives on the road comfortable. The attitude is too often buy our fuel and merchandise and get lost, unless of corse you are driving an R.V.
Just look at the fuel prices at the truck pumps and the RV pumps. usually at least 5 to 10 cents cheaper and no extra fee for using the plastic. Want to take up six or eight truck spots because your an incompetent wannabe truck driver and cant put it into a hole, or take up at least two extra spots for the pop outs no problem, those tired drivers can find an unsafe deserted parking lot to park in.
Just look at the fuel prices at the truck pumps and the RV pumps. usually at least 5 to 10 cents cheaper and no extra fee for using the plastic. Want to take up six or eight truck spots because your an incompetent wannabe truck driver and cant put it into a hole, or take up at least two extra spots for the pop outs no problem, those tired drivers can find an unsafe deserted parking lot to park in.
bubblehead
Veteran Expediter
Now now Bobwolf, that just isn't true. About 3 weeks ago I pulled into the Petro off 285 Atlanta and they were having "Driver Appreciation Day" and were handing out free doughnuts. I declined the free doughnuts, finished in the fuel line and went to pull up near the front...only to find they had blocked off several more parking spots and were marking them as reserved (pay for) parking...now that's "Driver Appreciation".
I also wish they would start adding shore power to all of the truck stops. Shore power does not make as much of a mess as Park & View did or as Idle Air does. I wonder what kind of campaign it would take to get them to pay attention to the fact we want shore power?
bubblehead
Veteran Expediter
TeamCaffee, shore power would be one of the easiest services to set up compared with Idle Air. Most trucks on the road can be reasonably adapted to receive that kind of service.
We just finished 63 hours straight on a 30 amp service for $64. I keep 30 and 50 amp adapters with the truck. It was nice to give the generator a break. The 30 amp was able to power the AC, refrigerator, battery charger/maintainer without any problems. I did switch off the battery charger when we used the microwave just in case the load exceeded the service.
The cost compared to local hotels was less that 1/2 the price and the comfort of our truck exceeds that of most Hotels we have stayed.
Bubblehead how do we get TA/Petro and other truck stops to understand this? I have talked with the CEO of TA/Petro and he is still feeling the burn an irritation of Park & View and the mess with Idle Air and he is not interested in getting burned again. He sees no need for this service and the only way he will is if more people speak up.
I think about when we stay at the Petro in Ontario CA and what a break that would be if we could plug in or in Las Vegas. The shore power is what makes it worthwhile to stay at the 49'er in Sacramento and pay to park.
I think about when we stay at the Petro in Ontario CA and what a break that would be if we could plug in or in Las Vegas. The shore power is what makes it worthwhile to stay at the 49'er in Sacramento and pay to park.
bubblehead
Veteran Expediter
I think the market will make them re-visit this service. We passed up a TA to go to a Pilot truck stop because the Pilot had the service. I now actively search locations with the service and prioritize my stops accordingly.
With that in mind, where should I go to buy my fuel and other purchases?
I will gravitate towards the companies that I believe are making an effort to accommodate my needs. The doughnuts aren't going to do it.
bubblehead
Veteran Expediter
Linda, just checked the Shore Power Technologies list and there is a TA in Coburg, Or (TA Eugene) that they have set up. The remaining of the list is mostly independents and Flying J/Pilot.
Who do you use? I will certainly like to expand my options wherever possible.
Who do you use? I will certainly like to expand my options wherever possible.
We are usually parked at a TA or Petro unless in California and use the 49'er and if in Oregon use the Jubitz that also has shore power. I wonder if that TA is a Franchise? We have talked with Shore Power and they cannot get their foot in the door with TA/Petro on this issue.
There are some camping areas that I have heard of and a couple we have used if we are laid over for the weekend so we can plug in and use the laundry. Not an option we probably use as often as we should.
There are some camping areas that I have heard of and a couple we have used if we are laid over for the weekend so we can plug in and use the laundry. Not an option we probably use as often as we should.
bubblehead
Veteran Expediter
Paulnstef39, the KOA would be one of my go to choices if I were a van. In a truck, a little more scouting areas is necessary when in an area not previously visited...some surprises have popped up eg. The campground in Florida City (South of Miami) welcomes me during off season. Proved not to be too bad for that area. Closer to Doral (still south of Miami) is Larry & Penny campground...if you are a Van. Nice folks and nice facilities.
I really hope to see expansion of the "shore power only" market succeed, it makes the sit & wait part of this industry much more tolerable.
Bob & Linda, sorry about diverting this thread.
I have had conversations with the east coast Marketing rep for shorepower and he said they were plannig more expantion but it hinged on several criteria they were waiting for feed back on. My take on that was more government grants....
I agree. we also keep 30/50 amp adapters in the truck. It is a great and affordable alternative..
I would LOVE this! Shore Power at all TS's. Most are $1/hr.