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Fuel for Thought

Stop

By Greg Huggins
Posted Aug 27th 2024 5:02AM

We plan our trips. We even consider alternate routes. We try to avoid major cities during the morning or evening rush hours. Many truck drivers put a lot of planning time into making our drive as smooth as possible. We even try to plan for the best available parking place at the end of our day to position ourselves for the best commute to our pick up or delivery the following day. How often do you plan your overnight parking based on the area’s crime rate? Personally, I include this in my driving plan as much as possible.

It is no surprise that thieves target trucks. It may or may not surprise you to know where the most recent data shows the highest rate of theft for trucks. Many truck stops are listed among the highest crime/theft rates.

The top 10 (as of June 2024):

  1. Love's Travel Stop 3371 LAMAR AVENUE, MEMPHIS, TN
  2. TA Travel Center 7751 BONNIE VIEW ROAD, DALLAS, TX
  3. IdleAir 8181 SOUTH LANCASTER ROAD, DALLAS, TX
  4. Pilot Travel Center 8787 SOUTH LANCASTER ROAD, DALLAS, TX
  5. Flying J Travel Center 17047 ZACHARY AVENUE, BAKERSFIELD, CA
  6. Love's Travel Stop 17308 PARK 78 DRIVE, NORTH FORT MYERS, FL
  7. Pilot Travel Center 2520 SOUTH GALLATIN STREET, JACKSON, MS
  8. Pilot Travel Center 2605 BOULDERCREST ROAD, ATLANTA, GA
  9. Petro Travel Center 3181 DONALD LEE HOLLOWELL PARKWAY NW, ATLANTA, GA
  10. Petro Travel Center 3900 PETRO ROAD, WEST MEMPHIS, AR 

While we may not always be able to avoid these places, we can, at least, be aware of these types of facilities. The most current list I have is the top 50 truck stops with the highest occurrences of break-ins and thefts.

Many of you may recognize the top 10 of the list, as these are some of the truck stops with very high levels of truck traffic, often congested and usually have certain unsavory elements traversing the parking areas at all times of the day or night. 

When planning your trip, be aware of the parking areas you choose to overnight in. It is very easy to plan for the next morning and not consider the consequences of the truck stop that may be closest to your ultimate destination. In my opinion, it is better to have a longer morning drive than to risk staying the night in some of these urban/suburban truck stops that pose additional risk to your cargo, your property or even your life.

Stay safe out there. Always be aware of your surroundings. 


Everyone has a plan 'till they get punched in the mouth. 

-  Mike Tyson


See you down the road,

Greg