So here is maybe a weird question. I know parking can be tough for tractor trailers to find at truck stops, so as a straight truck do they get somewhat pi**** because you are parking in a spot they could use. Do they see us as not real truckers because its a straight truck? or is there designated parking area for straight trucks? Though I've read/heard some of the horror stories at truck stops and may just end up parking at Walmarts etc..., but would love to hear from straight trucks about parking situation at truck stops/rest stop areas. Thanks.
straight trucks & truck stops
- Thread starter driverdog
- Start date
arkjarhead
Veteran Expediter
I've driven both straight trucks and tractor trailers. The only thing that ever me mad about the straights when I was driving t/t would be the instances where there are two parking spots right next to each other. One being easy for me to get into and one being hard for me to get into. Then you go to line up for the easy spot and this straight truck takes it when both spots would be easy for him. Another instance I asked a guy nicely would he let me have a certain spot because it would be a easy back and he told me to go to hell he was first in line so if he wanted it he would take it. He took it and eventually I got in the other spot.
The reason I avoided most straight truck drivers even when I was driving a straight truck was because most seemed to be stuck up. They kinda acted like they were better than me.I would understand if I hadn't shaved or showered in a week and smelled like I had been crawling through cow patties, but I was just as presentable as they were. Even after telling them hey I drive a d unit for the same outfit they were leased on to they still acted like they were just a little bit better. While driving straight trucks I very rarely had problems out of t/t drivers. I know of some who have, but I didn't personally.
The advice I'll give you is if you see a spot that you know would be a little more diffucult to put a 53 footer in when you are looking to park then take it. Instead of taking one that may be easier on the t/t driver. Why make things harder on someone else than what they have to be? Another thing, if a t/t driver asks you a question about expedite answer it truthfully. Maybe they just want to learn more. If you answer the question and not act as though they are a peasent compared to you, you might win a few of those guys over. Then things will get better for everyone. It's all about mutual respect. Remember you have to give it to get it.
The reason I avoided most straight truck drivers even when I was driving a straight truck was because most seemed to be stuck up. They kinda acted like they were better than me.I would understand if I hadn't shaved or showered in a week and smelled like I had been crawling through cow patties, but I was just as presentable as they were. Even after telling them hey I drive a d unit for the same outfit they were leased on to they still acted like they were just a little bit better. While driving straight trucks I very rarely had problems out of t/t drivers. I know of some who have, but I didn't personally.
The advice I'll give you is if you see a spot that you know would be a little more diffucult to put a 53 footer in when you are looking to park then take it. Instead of taking one that may be easier on the t/t driver. Why make things harder on someone else than what they have to be? Another thing, if a t/t driver asks you a question about expedite answer it truthfully. Maybe they just want to learn more. If you answer the question and not act as though they are a peasent compared to you, you might win a few of those guys over. Then things will get better for everyone. It's all about mutual respect. Remember you have to give it to get it.
Like Arkjar, I've driven t/t, and don't mind choosing a spot that's easier to back a straight truck into, or one (like with a pole in it) that a t/t can't get into. I also park overnite at WalMart sometimes, or all night grocery stores..Or the consignee, if there's no decent place nearby.
Can't tell you what the bigrig drivers say about the straight trucks on the CB, I only listen when the weather is a concern, which is rarely is when I'm parked.
Can't tell you what the bigrig drivers say about the straight trucks on the CB, I only listen when the weather is a concern, which is rarely is when I'm parked.
When you go to a crowded truck stop, it can be easy to "improvise" a spot that a t/t can't fit in. I'll also use the RV lot. I was at the Indy Hook Saturday night and it was nearly full, just a few spots left with several trucks looking, so I went to the RV lot to leave a space for a t/t.
arkjarhead
Veteran Expediter
That's kinda what I was talking about. Looking out for one another.
butterfly610
Veteran Expediter
LOL!!! That is so funny. I thought we were the only ones getting "the look". When you have a spot and they're driving by looking all hateful at you like you don't deserve the spot or something. We definately circle around and purposefully look for the spots they can't or would have a hard time getting. My husband used to drive a big truck, so he knows what that's like...so we are very considerate of them. I was going to write once and ask if anyone else was getting that evil eye because you were in a spot. Last night it was pretty good to be in a straight truck. There were 3 full truck stops, and we got probably the last spot because it was one they couldn't get. It really comes in handy being smaller!
Catfish304
Seasoned Expediter
I drove a straight and very seldom had any trouble out of a T/T. I like to think that I presented myself in a proffesional manner and that they noticed and treated me w/respect.? Some T/T drivers see the straights as competion and thought we are stealing frieght. Some actually told me that. As far as parking goes I always tried to back in about 10-12 feet further than normal. By doing this you can help out the T/T drivers back in a little easier and your truck could still be seen at the same time. Often I'd roll in to a t-stop around 3 or 4 in the A.M. and if there was a couple spots open, I'd try to park around front for a couple hours...do paperwork, eat, shower etc. When I was ready to sleep I'd see if there was any more open spots then before. If there was, I'd move to one.
Diane and I avoid truck stop parking whenever we can for a number of reasons. We do take some satisfaction in doing that frees up a parking space for a big rig driver who really needs it. Every night, as the truck stops fill, there is a dance that goes on where big rig drivers orbit around looking for a space, very much hoping one will open up so they can get to bed or on with their time off the road. My heart goes out to those guys and gals. Big rigs are not welcome in as many places as straight trucks are.
We do not feel guilty if we do park at a truck stop. It is no different than the big-rig bobtail driver who takes up a full space for the night. No one has ever complained that we are not a "real" truck not entitled to a space.
It is interesting that if we arrive at a truck stop later in the night, after the evening dance is over, we can, as often as not, find an empty space to fit into. This would be a space that was too tight for a big-rig to maneuver into. That's the best. The big rigs can't use it. We can. Everyone wins.
We do not feel guilty if we do park at a truck stop. It is no different than the big-rig bobtail driver who takes up a full space for the night. No one has ever complained that we are not a "real" truck not entitled to a space.
It is interesting that if we arrive at a truck stop later in the night, after the evening dance is over, we can, as often as not, find an empty space to fit into. This would be a space that was too tight for a big-rig to maneuver into. That's the best. The big rigs can't use it. We can. Everyone wins.
Hey thanks, Thats what I kind of figured, its easier for us to improvise a space than a T/T. Not that I don't consider us real truckers, I just kind of feel for them looking for space where there are more thrucks than spaces, its not like they can improvise as easily.
Tennesseahawk
Veteran Expediter
Why don't you consider us real truckers? We straights have real trucker rules, real trucker speeds, real trucker issues. So we don't have fifth wheels. The DOT still thinks we're real truckers... and I'd rather go by their standards.
And you KNOW the tollbooth collectors consider us to be real trucks!
The only comment I've heard from a t/t driver, was one who asked whether I'd just gone through a truck wash with really hot water. When I looked puzzled, he explained "They shrunk your trailer!"
The only comment I've heard from a t/t driver, was one who asked whether I'd just gone through a truck wash with really hot water. When I looked puzzled, he explained "They shrunk your trailer!"
pelicn
Veteran Expediter
With the nose/turning radius this Star has....we are a "real truck" We just don't bend in the middle and sometimes that can also have it's challenges.
Sometimes I still drive like I had a 53ft trailer. Going waaaay out into the intersection to make the turn. Or doing a setup to back into a spot then realizing that the back of the "trailer" isn't going to bend around the obstacle? DUH...I'm such a dork sometimes
We just don't bend in the middle and sometimes that can also have it's challenges. Sometimes I still drive like I had a 53ft trailer. Going waaaay out into the intersection to make the turn. Or doing a setup to back into a spot then realizing that the back of the "trailer" isn't going to bend around the obstacle? DUH...I'm such a dork sometimes
arkjarhead
Veteran Expediter
It's better to forget and think the trailer is back there when it isn't than to forget the trailer when it is there right Pelican?
One more time. Fuel, S, shower, shave then didimow the truckstop and your delima will be resolved. Why complicate the simple?
You don't have to look at em, you don't have to talk to em, you don't have to nuthin with em. Problem solved.
You don't have to look at em, you don't have to talk to em, you don't have to nuthin with em. Problem solved.
This question may be better suited for the Miss Manners column. What is proper etiquette for sharing a single parking space. If you pull into a lot and see a straight truck or bobtail parked at the front of a single slot is it permissible to park behind them if there is adequate room?
I apologize, I wasn't implying that I didn't consider straight truck drivers real truck drivers, I was doing it more in asking if thats how T/T drivers see the straight truck drivers as? Thats why I was wondering if they get pissed if we are in one of thoose slots because they don't see us as a member of the "trucking family", or do they not even care or think about it?
I can respect leaving them the easier spot open and taking a tighter spot since it is a pain in the ass to find a spot in a T/T.
Lol..it's not my view that straight truck drivers arn't real drivers. I defer to my ignorance as a newbie if I may it sound any other way.
Thanks.
I can respect leaving them the easier spot open and taking a tighter spot since it is a pain in the ass to find a spot in a T/T.
Lol..it's not my view that straight truck drivers arn't real drivers. I defer to my ignorance as a newbie if I may it sound any other way.
Thanks.