It's a Team's Life
Truck Stops of the Future?
I was involved on a call with TA/Petro about why people have quit using these two full service truck stops. The call was good with interesting feedback about the current truck stops.
After the call I was talking with friends about what we thought the future of truck stops will look like. One of the problems that I see for truck stops is the trucks that are self sufficient and only need a place to park, fuel, get water, and a dump station. In the future will we pay for all the amenities we need to stay self sufficient on the road?
Many
drivers are becoming more health conscious and figuring out ways to cook in
their truck.
This not only allows us to
control our portions, it allows us to cook healthier, and it cuts back on our
food budget.
Where does this leave the truck stop? The truck stops still have bills to pay, parking lots to maintain, and keep a large building maintained. In our situation we eat at the restaurants sometimes, we do our laundry weekly, we shower, we sometimes have our periodical inspection done in the shops, and we fuel at the truck stops where we park. Is this enough to pay our fair share for often daily parking?
My mind started working on what will it take for the truck stop to get us back inside?
I am not interested in the items inside the convenience store. The Keurig makes great coffee in the truck. Once in awhile a tea or soda will be purchased by Bob. So that area is out
The TV room does not interest me as I have a hard time with people screaming at the TV or talking through a show. The theater at the Jubitz in Portland sometimes has a movie that we would like to see and we pay the small fee they charge to watch a movie.
We have been cooped up in the truck sometimes for a few days and we are ready to get out and do something….. We often walk if the area is nice and sometimes even if it is not nice. This does not make the truck stop any money.
One thing we look for is bowling ally’s or sometimes even miniature golf. Anything to get out of the truck and be active. Could a truck stop put in a bowling ally? I questioned when Casino’s did this and I am constantly amazed at how busy they are.
We do not golf but what a about a driving range? I have seen a couple of places have put in basketball courts and I am sure they are probably used often. When we can find a gym in one of the TA/Petro’s we use these.
Another idea is a reading/computer work room that is quiet with comfortable chairs. I can spend hours at a Barnes and Nobles with a good book and a specialty coffee and a small snack.
When we had Molly I would have paid dearly to have had her groomed and bathed. Another thing I enjoy and I wait till I get home to get is a pedicure.
What
else would make us get out of the truck and spend money at the truck stops so
we can keep parking for free.
Bob & Linda Caffee
Leased to: FedEx Custom Critical 

TeamCaffee

Saint Louis MO
Expediters 7 years been out here on the road 12 years
Expediting isn't just trucking, it's a lifestyle; 

Expediting isn't just a lifestyle, it's an adventure;

Expediting isn't just an adventure, it's a job;

Expediting isn't just a job, it's a business.