No longer just a place to refill the fuel and grab a quick meal, the truck stop network in the United States has evolved to meet the changing needs of the global trucking industry. Though they may have begun as gas stations with small diners, truck stops have now turned into modern complexes that serve as a home away from home for long-haul truck drivers.
According to the National Association of Truck Stop Operators, there are nearly 2,500 major truck stops across the country. Also known as travel centers and travel plazas, these establishments provide truckers with comfortable lodging, restaurants, cafes, entertainment services, recreational facilities, and pretty much everything they may need while being on the road.
History of Truck Stops
Truck stops started as mom-and-pop stores along major highways, providing diesel fuel and hot meals to truck drivers and other travelers. However, things began to change in the 1950s after President Eisenhower initiated the Interstate Highway System. To cater to the growing number of long-distance travelers, more and more truck stops began to appear along the new routes. These establishments usually comprised a fuelling station with diners attached.
During the 60s and 70s, truck stops grew to offer more amenities to truck drivers, such as restrooms and lodging. However, the 1980s saw the emergence of franchises and chain travel plazas. These modern facilities boasted spacious parking lots, restaurants, coffee shops, showers, truck washing areas, and more.
Over the last decades, the truck stop network in the country has adapted to the needs of the global trucking industry. Today, these truck stops provide truckers with all the home-like amenities that one may wish for on long-haul routes.
How Truck Stops Adapted to the Needs of Global Trucking Industry
Truck stops in the US have transformed from small roadside gas stations to large travel centers with premium facilities such as lodging, food court, gym, internet access, TV rooms, laundromats, and gift shops, among others. It is also worth mentioning that most of the popular truck plazas are franchises designed to attract truck drivers looking for a place to relax and families looking to make a short stop on their cross-country road trips.
Iowa 80 Truck Stop, the world’s largest truck stop, is perhaps the best example of how these large complexes cater to the global trucking industry. Established in 1964, this novel facility has more than 900 parking spots. Moreover, it is home to multiple restaurants, private showers, convenience store, gift store, barbershop, movie theater, dentist, chiropractor, workout room, custom embroidery ship, pet wash, laundry facilities, truck wash, truck showroom, truck service center, trucking museum, fuel center, and various other services.
Our Final Thoughts
The fact that trucks move more than 70% of all the freight in the country shows how this industry has grown by leaps and bounds over the past years. As trucking became one of the most important occupations in the country, the truck stop network also developed to keep up with the growing needs of the industry and the changing global trucking trends.
Trucking can be a lucrative career choice. If you are interested in becoming a truck driver, this CDL School can help you turn your dreams into reality. For more information, please feel free to contact us.