Retired 3 years ago after 40 years OTR. I fueled exclusively at Loves the last years of driving. Clean restrooms, and most of the employees seemed happy. Unlimited showers and free coffee. Unfortunately now you have over half of the drivers out there not speaking English, and 40% of the drivers are slobs. Look at the garbage on the on ramps! Shame
Don't forget, about 90% are not truck drivers, just a bunch of steering wheel holders. It used to be a proud profession. Vert few TRUCK DRIVERS left. Just because you drive a truck doesn't make you a truck driver.
I can see why truck stops don't cater to drivers. Have you ever walked through the parking areas at truck stops in the last ten years? It's disgusting, trash thrown on the ground and an overpowering smell of urine. Give respect, get respect
Yes. 100% true. But good drivers with professional standards and courtesies should not have to pay for bad ones. And even with paying to park those parking lots are still filthy. So where is that $25 a nite fee going besides the owners pocket?
It's this downward spiral that everything is caught up in: if a few careless truckers dump their sh** on the parking lot because they don't care (anymore) and the truck stop stops cleaning up after those few a**holes, the rest will start dumping their sh** on that parking lot as well. Trash attracts more trash. But then that's a part of how governments, local and federal, have stopped maintaining and cleaning up highways and other roads, because if THEY don't care, why should a (probably underpaid) trucker care? As to respect: there are and there will always be some a**holes who simply don't give a toss, and as soon as they become the norm instead of the exception, things are going downhill fast. When I got my training as a police officer back in '91, my teachers told me to always treat people like I wanted to be treated myself. Their reasoning literally was that if you treated people with respect, you gave them the option to respond with respect. If those people responded in a rude way, you still had the option to adapt to that behaviour, whereas if you started out rude and/or arrogant, you were pretty much out of options immediately. Now I'm not trying to justify this behaviour, I still clean up after myself and will never stop doing that because it has been drilled into me when I was a child, but this is just the cold, hard truth.
Ya my Dad was a trucker in the 70s up till 2013 alot has changed. The good ole days of mom and pop places with an actual restaurant with free parking are hard to find. Greed and bad drivers have both made this happen. Stay safe out there brother!
The entire industry is completely unrecognizable from what it once was. At 16 I started working as a pump jockey at the newly opened Sapp Bros first truck stop west of Omaha. The rule was truckers were kings. Every fuel island was full service. Fuel the truck, wash windows, check oil and let driver know if oil was needed, thump the tires and if questionable check with a guage and air up low tires as needed. The 3 big truck stops in the area back then, Sapps, Omaha Truck Plaza and 'dirty' Herbies in Council Bluffs all provided full service with mom and pop, or small chain sit down restaurants. After 5 years at Sapps I started driving myself and over the next decade or so you started to see the decline in the quality and services provided by truck stops. Makes me sort of sad to see where the trucking industry is now.
I wear flip flops and run 12 axles . I also own 5 trucks and only been in the business 7 years. I wear flip flops and shorts all the time, so your point is what 😂
@@ItsTheCostanza theres nothing wrong with it while driving i used to wear water shoes but put on some proper closed toe shoes when you go to a customer
@@Newberntrains What happens when you have to do an emergency stop (locked brakes, blown tire, wrecked and incoming vehicles in a pile up situation, etc) and you need to get moving outside the truck? Tell everyone to hol' up, wait a minute while you swap your shoes? People shouldn't be very comfortable behind the wheel, it breeds complacency and laziness to your surroundings. All the distractions with modern technology isnt helping. I know there needs to be comfort for truck drivers, but that potential lapse of focus brought on by being too comfortable can become much worse when an accident happens.
Yeah, that's what I call the Russian treatment. In Soviet Russia, the workers had a saying: "As long as they (the rulers) pretend to pay us, we pretend to work." Pretty much the same is happening now in Corporate USA: people are só underpaid and undervappreciated that they don't give a sh** anymore, because it makes no difference whether they treat customers well or not.
Hey Steve, I pulled an RGN for about ten years. I was thinking maybe you could tell us more in your videos about the awareness of pulling one of these things. Like how to avoid dips and humps and knowing your routes before your trip. I high centered one of these one time, and it was an experience I'll never forget, and one I made sure never happened again. Great video as always.
Back in the 70's you got your fuel pumped for you, and either green stamps or gold bond stamps at many places. It was a big deal to get back home with a stack stamps for the wife to redeem. You could go into the restaurant and have a conversation with drivers sitting at the counter, the waitress always made sure your coffee cup was full and they had a smile on their face. Times have changed,
I had forgotten about S&H Green Stamps and the TTT in Tucson. And the little truck stop on the AZ/NM line on I-40. Half of the stop was in NM the other in AZ, you could fuel in either state depending on who you needed to pay taxes to. Thanks for the blast down memory lane. Back then I drove for Florida Refrigerated Service out of Dade City, FL.
@abztract1 TDS much? BTW wasn't it Biden and dem*crats that broke up the rail workers strike when he came into office, and wasn't it the dems that wanted to hurt the UAW with allowing Chinese car's into our market? So tell me again who is for protecting the worker? BTW your side hurt truckers with high fuel costs.
My cousin drives for Hobby Lobby and Loves gives them free showers, free coffee, free fountain drinks and free candy bars. They don't get shit from T-A, Petrol or Pilot. You da man Steve. You still got the best videos ❤
@@raywilson800 There's no such thing as "free". He most likely is signed up in Love's app and his data is being gathered, then sold to others or Hobby Lobby has a deal with Love's, which includes their drivers being in the program, which gathers their data and sells it.
When I was going to college in the early 70's, I worked at a Husky Truck stop. We filled the fuel tanks, checked oil levels, pounded tires, washed the side windows and windshield, using a step ladder on the cabovers and asked the drivers if they'd like the inside of the windshield cleaned as well. Many had a grey/yellow film from smokers. Some did, others didn't. And, truckers received a discount if they took over a hundred gallons of fuel. Those days are long gone, LONG GONE!
I live in a town in south georgia that runs along I-95. Over the years i have noticed that more of the smaller mom and pop truck stops such as the Atlantic Travel Center and Rowdys get more business due to basic things such as free parking. I think like a lot of industries such as logging and construction everyone has got their hand involved in trucking. Hopefully the rates gets better and the industry changes for the good. Love the videos as always.
I shop little indepentents whenever possible. It costs a little more money, however you have a lot less privacy concerns. Also something people don't realize is that it's the small independents that help to keep the prices down. It's called competition without corporate collusion.
2 years ago i could see the industry was becoming way to hostile to drivers so i parked it and left and from what i see nothing has improved only gotten worse
You still don't know what is in the trailer by looking at the bills. Back before you could by Coor's beer east of the Mississippi River, I hauled 8 cases of beer in a load of lettuce . The boss told me to pick them up for his customers.
One exit north of Cartersville TA there are three truck stops, the old 76 (different name) huge parking lot, Patty's Truck Stop, and QT, all free parking.
I had to do paper logs this past week. I hated it. It's so much easier to look at the ELD and see how much time I have, to the minute. A lot faster, too.
I'm a born and raised Floridian my family has been here for generations cattle ranching and trucking are a part of our lives. I started running OTR in 1990; since then I have always had to pump my own fuel. Before that time I worked cattle ranches and there I learned how to drive a semi running livestock that started in the mid 1980's and I pumped my fuel. So ya can say myself and my family have been around the trucking business for just a little bit of time; the absolute horrid downfall of the "truck stops" into "travel centers" has gone a long, long way into making trucking what it is today, there is ZERO doubt about that if you work in the industry. It used to be that places were proud to serve truckers; damn sure is not like that anymore at 90% of the places.
You're not wrong Steve. I went to a Love's last week with the same problem. The dressing was already put in the salad. Decision makers can't leave well enough alone! Ugh!
You no longer get any kind of service, whatever you want or where you are. We have the same problem in Norway. They only wants to suck the money out of your pocket without giving anything back.
That would drive me crazy having to stop and buy food every time I was hungry. I guess that's one of the drawbacks of a cabover, no room for a fridge and microwave.
As far as treatment at truck stops go, you nailed it. I used to stop regularly at a truck stop in Indiana, on occasion I would bring a dozen Dunkin Donuts to the girls at the fuel desk, I don't think I EVER paid for a shower or a large cup of coffee to go...those were good days and they are long gone.
The best truck stops are on state routes a few miles away from the interstate. They have gravel lots and real coffee you pour yourself out of the pot. They usually give you a free coffee with diesel purchase.
Yes sir there use to be full service, mini service. They would fuel it clean you window and mirrors check the air in your tires and then park it for you…if I can make it 1 1/2 years I’m done…it no longer what I signed up for years ago!
GREAT channel!! In the 70's, my family owned a Two Way Radio company serving first responder communication needed as well as commercial customers. We also sold and installed CB Radios, did a lot of installs in a lot of vehicles, but i always enjoyed installing the cab over trucks, beautiful machines!!! I miss those days!!! Thank you for the memories!!!
Steve I know you love the weather down there in Florida, be safe and careful and I want to wish you a merry Christmas and a happy New Year to you and your family God bless you Michael from Mississippi.
Thank you. Nothing worse than being hungry, tired and pissed because food service resumes at 7:30 but it's a quarter to 2:00. I've even seen them stop offering showers between certain hours. WTF?
I am not a trucker…but I travel at weird hours….and that really grinds my gears as well I if I wanna sit down at 330am for a full meal it should be available…and after covid most diners aren’t even 24hrs anymore
@ Covid became an excuse for buisness to not change their hours back after it was over. For that matter Covid should have never changed things. Now we find out everything they made you do did not stop the virus. Lies lies lies the only thing the government does. Well that and screw the trucking industry 🥶🇺🇸
Your info including permits popped up on their computer screens before you even entered the scales. That's what all the cameras are for - to read your plate, DOT and VIN numbers.
Stupidity knows no bounds. Like who’s it going to hurt to go in the back and get some F chicken and make you a lunch 15 mins before the 10am lunch time. Then these fast food places complain that they are losing customers. 🤷🏻♂️🤷🏻♂️🤷🏻♂️🤷🏻♂️🤷🏻♂️🤷🏻♂️ It’s fast food, throw the damn chicken in the deep fryer and keep it moving.
@almarkowbender No it isn't. The complaint is reasonable. He isn't acting as if fast food is beneath him or the workers. It's ridiculous to force someone to wait 15 mins before you begin with the lunch menu. If someone shows up at 10, they would be expecting lunch to be ready to go. They shouldn't have to wait additional time because they are just beginning the lunch process.
i finally figured out why i like you, Chris, and of course your main squeeze Jen. You are genuine. Focused. And best of all the "boys and girls" comments!
I admire the fact you drive a cabover. I drive a 16 foot Isuzu Box Truck. It rides rough, I can imagine what you’re man handling every day. Especially on the other video of you sliding on ice. Hats off to you sir! Cheers
You don’t know what they know or don’t know about your manifest. FL and CA are totally dependent upon fresh fruit and vegetables, so imported diseases are critical to avoid. Airline crews can’t bring fruit and vegetables into the country, so be grateful that these inspection stations exist!
You can guess my age by this one. Yeah, coffee was free in the "drivers only" section. Not only that, On thanksgiving and Christmas, some truck stops even gave out free turkey dinners. Oh, and the Florida welcome stations gave out free orange juice. I remember when I 95 was us 301. I 40 was route 66 in some spots. I remember bingo cards and permit books 3 inches thick. Half a dozen license plates on the front of your truck. Oh yeah, I'm old, but I got to see some of the glory daze of trucking. Long ago and far away. When it became unbearable, I hung it up. Sounds like your getting close Steve.
Forgot all about the multiple plates, those were the good days.👍👍🇺🇸
21 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา
Orwell brings back memories of our first truck which was a 1981 Peterbilt 362 with a 3406 400 hp Cat and 13 speed transmission pulling a 45 foot Trailmobile reefer that we bought new in the end of 1981.
I bought my first truck when I was 23. That was in 1980. There were full serve pumps and self serve. Full serve was 10 cents more a gallon. So, 20 bucks for someone to pump 200 gallons for you and there was always a line of trucks waiting. Union 76 was big then and T"S"A was brand new and so were all their buildings with nice restaurants. Pay parking was unheard of except for in Ontario Ca. There were no cell phones. There were no APUs. A driver would pull into a truck stop and head to the restaurant and buy a meal and tell BS stories with other drivers. He/she had to walk past the store to get to the food. That meant in a lot of cases they would buy something. Truck stops not only made money from fuel, but also in food and things they sold in the store. It also meant there were no pee bottles in the parking lot because the driver went into the building. Today, with APUs, Truck stops are nothing but a place to park. Most eat out of the truck and buy food elsewhere. They only make money in fuel sales and unless you drive for a major company, most don't even buy fuel there. It costs money to pave a truck stop. The asphalt is a whole lot thicker than a driveway. Property taxes cost money, maintenance costs money. Just the hot water for showers must cost a fortune. I use to get free showers and if I had a passenger that shower was free too as long as you bought fuel. If you didn't, the towel cost one dollar. Times have changed and yes, truck stops are expensive, but the money has to come from someplace. You can't just open a free parking lot and expect it to survive without making a profit.
When i was driving truckstop for me was fuel stop and or shower. Id never stay at them. The truckers are as bad as lot lizzards trashy. Merry Christmas too all.
I like Bojangles food but every Bojangles I have ever been in has horrible service. They almost never have anything prepared, you have to wait for the simplest item on the menu and the employees are sullen and don't give a rip about customer service.
I realize your sleeper is limited so you don't have room for a fridge w/freezer and a microwave so you are stuck paying $$$ for food that's limited in variety or quality. Unless you really have the need for a passenger, take out that passenger seat and install a kitchen! And being from Wisconsin you already know about the Kwik Trips up there... good food at good prices. Wish they were everywhere!!!
I was a company truck driver for 13 years off and on and during my time truck driving,I knew which TA',Pilot and Flying J's to avoid cause of the parking and the paid parking and before I lost my CDL back in 2014, I remember some TA'S truck stops started the reverse parking with some of parking spots and hadn't been trucking since 2014 and watch some of your videos when I'm not from working my 2nd shift job.
I retired in 2012. I hauled a ton of Budweiser out of the brewery in Cartersvillle Ga. I started in 1990.. there were a few Union 76’s (Orange Ball) that pumped fuel for you.. they sold out to TA. reserved parking didn’t come around until I was gone
Yep I pulled a milk into Florida and had to stop every time .they ask were I was going and take a sample and by the time I got there they call them and let them know if the milk was good
Steve, great video. Did you catch the wreck out in Pecos, Texas, with the high-centered super oversized load stuck at the crossing and the Union Pacific train that crashed into it? Stupidest thing was that it was stuc for 45 minutes and nobody there had the brains to call the railroad about the problem. Now the two crew men on the train are dead because of it.
Driver service went to hell when truckstops like Pilot and Loves signed contracts with trucking companies. In the old days they had to attract drivers. Now drivers have to fuel where they are told
I drove OTR seated and entertainer motorcoach for about 9 years. When moving thru the night to get to the next city out on tour I would hit the independent truck stops when I could. The Triple T in Tucson comes to mind. Also, the Pilot on I-59 near I-10 with the Indian food in Mississippi...good food and decent service.
Truckers can't buy fuel based on the pump price. You got to figure out the various state taxes to get the base price you're paying. If you buy right it can make a difference at the end of the quarter on how much you end up owing IFTA.
Sit in a truck stop today and just look at the drivers.What the hell happened to this business.Its very sad.Real truckers like you Steve are getting fewer and fewer. Today no courtesy no safety no self respect just look at it what a shame.Real truck stops are gone.
That salad dressing is likely the most costly item in the container ! They won't give anyone too much on their dime, thats for sure. Maybe carry a bottle of your own dressing in the ice chest along with some of your favorite jug of OJ at grocery store prices...and you always have it.
U definitely right about the eld- paid park bs. They new that they could exploit that to make more money from drivers bc have no choice when eld out time,that why i don't drive newer equipment, stay on the paper log
So true. So true that someone knows is someone knows those jobs and stuff.Somebody's people and they've been out of school for cousin sister's brother.Put him up in there or nephew
Even the little truck stops are charging to park and some are towing trucks with 4 hr max. In metropolis Illinois on I-24 the mini truck stop has giant signs with giant bar codes even car parking
I remember the first pay to park truck stop I ever saw was a TA in Los Angeles. I pulled in to fuel up but after realizing their scam I left not giving them a penny. Loves was still a pretty good place back then and just 10 minutes away. It surprised me to discover the TA lot that you had to pay for was busy, I saw a lot of trucks waiting to get in but the free to park Love's was basically empty. I guess it's proof people are willing to pay for convenience.
Don't feel bad I've made my boss millions of dollars I also used to get a bonus for Christmas now I get nothing not even a fuc.in thank you for making him rich this world has gone to shit now it's due onto others before they do onto you sad sad time's we're living in!!!! The end is near!!!!
I fueled in the 'Nooga but it is up to 3.09⁹.. however, you might hsve clearance issues with that lowboy off the interstate.. my tandoms slid forward, the trlr bumper drug coming out of a parking lot
Old School is Cool, but with all the problems you're having with the food chain. I make suggestion please think about getting a standup sleeper. Get a fridge and microwave cook some good stuff in a truck. Gives you something to do on your 10 hour and a lot less stress..Just a suggestion and Thanks for the videos..
you should figure out how to put a mini fridge in Orwell that way you can just pack your on stuff in there and not have to deal with shitty service and be on your way. That's how my dad did it years ago when drove a truck. igloo makes one that runs off of 12V DC. I don't know if that'll help Steve. Tell Chris hello. love the videos.
Hi Steve , you and Jen haver a safe and Merry Christmas mate and your good man you have in the shop now he is a keen bloke "aye" cheers "RB" Albury "downunder" Can't wait to see what airport gets the new truck .
My last free Birthday meal was at a 76 and the restaurant like a 4 star ⭐️ buffet. They were picked up by TA and went down hill and fast food. Thumbs up 👍
Whenever I’m in an area where it’s a Kwik Trip or Kwik Star, that is where I fuel. Large parking spaces and clean stores. Definitely better than the big chain truck stops
T/A and PETRO are the only 2 chain of truck stops that’s left well Sapp brothers too!!!!! I remember 20 years ago when Flying J was now ALL they are is a glorified pilot!!!!!!
Retired 3 years ago after 40 years OTR. I fueled exclusively at Loves the last years of driving. Clean restrooms, and most of the employees seemed happy. Unlimited showers and free coffee. Unfortunately now you have over half of the drivers out there not speaking English, and 40% of the drivers are slobs. Look at the garbage on the on ramps! Shame
Don't forget, about 90% are not truck drivers, just a bunch of steering wheel holders. It used to be a proud profession. Vert few TRUCK DRIVERS left. Just because you drive a truck doesn't make you a truck driver.
Yes, all true and many of those can't drive a truck all that well. Inconsiderate drivers with a chip on their shoulder it seems.
I can see why truck stops don't cater to drivers. Have you ever walked through the parking areas at truck stops in the last ten years? It's disgusting, trash thrown on the ground and an overpowering smell of urine. Give respect, get respect
Exit 61 in Tifton ga Bigfoot truck stop 319 a gallon for diesel😊
Yes. 100% true. But good drivers with professional standards and courtesies should not have to pay for bad ones.
And even with paying to park those parking lots are still filthy.
So where is that $25 a nite fee going besides the owners pocket?
It's this downward spiral that everything is caught up in: if a few careless truckers dump their sh** on the parking lot because they don't care (anymore) and the truck stop stops cleaning up after those few a**holes, the rest will start dumping their sh** on that parking lot as well. Trash attracts more trash. But then that's a part of how governments, local and federal, have stopped maintaining and cleaning up highways and other roads, because if THEY don't care, why should a (probably underpaid) trucker care?
As to respect: there are and there will always be some a**holes who simply don't give a toss, and as soon as they become the norm instead of the exception, things are going downhill fast. When I got my training as a police officer back in '91, my teachers told me to always treat people like I wanted to be treated myself. Their reasoning literally was that if you treated people with respect, you gave them the option to respond with respect. If those people responded in a rude way, you still had the option to adapt to that behaviour, whereas if you started out rude and/or arrogant, you were pretty much out of options immediately.
Now I'm not trying to justify this behaviour, I still clean up after myself and will never stop doing that because it has been drilled into me when I was a child, but this is just the cold, hard truth.
They were dumps 15 years ago when I was OTR... I can only imagine what they are like now!
@@tjroelsma It`s known as the *Broken window syndrome*. Google can tell you about it!.
Ya my Dad was a trucker in the 70s up till 2013 alot has changed. The good ole days of mom and pop places with an actual restaurant with free parking are hard to find. Greed and bad drivers have both made this happen. Stay safe out there brother!
It's what the government wanted.
@@michaelarmstrong6483 They are too blame as well.
The entire industry is completely unrecognizable from what it once was. At 16 I started working as a pump jockey at the newly opened Sapp Bros first truck stop west of Omaha. The rule was truckers were kings. Every fuel island was full service. Fuel the truck, wash windows, check oil and let driver know if oil was needed, thump the tires and if questionable check with a guage and air up low tires as needed. The 3 big truck stops in the area back then, Sapps, Omaha Truck Plaza and 'dirty' Herbies in Council Bluffs all provided full service with mom and pop, or small chain sit down restaurants. After 5 years at Sapps I started driving myself and over the next decade or so you started to see the decline in the quality and services provided by truck stops. Makes me sort of sad to see where the trucking industry is now.
Great story ! Sapp Bros was quite the place back in the 80s when I would stop there.
I could surely go for some fried chicken and bacon wrapped pork right about now .....sapps is the best truck stop ever!
The problem with American trucking now, a lot of drivers that don’t speak English and there’s a whole lot of flip flops 🩴
I wear flip flops and run 12 axles . I also own 5 trucks and only been in the business 7 years. I wear flip flops and shorts all the time, so your point is what 😂
@@TheDriller100truckers in flip flops while driving is not professional
@@ItsTheCostanza theres nothing wrong with it while driving i used to wear water shoes but put on some proper closed toe shoes when you go to a customer
@@Newberntrainsnah it’s either boots or work shoes for driving a CDL truck lol
@@Newberntrains What happens when you have to do an emergency stop (locked brakes, blown tire, wrecked and incoming vehicles in a pile up situation, etc) and you need to get moving outside the truck? Tell everyone to hol' up, wait a minute while you swap your shoes?
People shouldn't be very comfortable behind the wheel, it breeds complacency and laziness to your surroundings. All the distractions with modern technology isnt helping. I know there needs to be comfort for truck drivers, but that potential lapse of focus brought on by being too comfortable can become much worse when an accident happens.
This is what happens when Mega Corporations take over. Lousy and rude customer service.
Yeah, that's what I call the Russian treatment. In Soviet Russia, the workers had a saying: "As long as they (the rulers) pretend to pay us, we pretend to work." Pretty much the same is happening now in Corporate USA: people are só underpaid and undervappreciated that they don't give a sh** anymore, because it makes no difference whether they treat customers well or not.
That’s right. After the 76 got outta the business and the TA took over, truck stops became travel centers!!
Hey Steve, I pulled an RGN for about ten years. I was thinking maybe you could tell us more in your videos about the awareness of pulling one of these things. Like how to avoid dips and humps and knowing your routes before your trip. I high centered one of these one time, and it was an experience I'll never forget, and one I made sure never happened again. Great video as always.
Back in the 70's you got your fuel pumped for you, and either green stamps or gold bond stamps at many places. It was a big deal to get back home with a stack stamps for the wife to redeem. You could go into the restaurant and have a conversation with drivers sitting at the counter, the waitress always made sure your coffee cup was full and they had a smile on their face. Times have changed,
I had forgotten about S&H Green Stamps and the TTT in Tucson.
And the little truck stop on the AZ/NM line on I-40.
Half of the stop was in NM the other in AZ, you could fuel in either state depending on who you needed to pay taxes to.
Thanks for the blast down memory lane.
Back then I drove for Florida Refrigerated Service out of Dade City, FL.
“If you build em, I’ll haul em”. I’m not a fan of electric either, love that line brother. Keep moving freight, God bless, Merry Christmas!
We need a drivers bill of rights, shippers, and receivers should be mandated by law to provide parking and restrooms. Paid parking should be illegal.
Not with this admin coming in.
@abztract1 TDS much? BTW wasn't it Biden and dem*crats that broke up the rail workers strike when he came into office, and wasn't it the dems that wanted to hurt the UAW with allowing Chinese car's into our market? So tell me again who is for protecting the worker? BTW your side hurt truckers with high fuel costs.
Really Bro
You want Rights but can’t secure good freight rates to generate revenue
My cousin drives for Hobby Lobby and Loves gives them free showers, free coffee, free fountain drinks and free candy bars. They don't get shit from T-A, Petrol or Pilot. You da man Steve. You still got the best videos ❤
@@raywilson800 There's no such thing as "free". He most likely is signed up in Love's app and his data is being gathered, then sold to others or Hobby Lobby has a deal with Love's, which includes their drivers being in the program, which gathers their data and sells it.
i drove a T Liner here in New Zealand, It had a 444 big block Cummins in it, It was a 6-wheeler, bloody rocket ship it was.
When I was going to college in the early 70's, I worked at a Husky Truck stop. We filled the fuel tanks, checked oil levels, pounded tires, washed the side windows and windshield, using a step ladder on the cabovers and asked the drivers if they'd like the inside of the windshield cleaned as well. Many had a grey/yellow film from smokers. Some did, others didn't. And, truckers received a discount if they took over a hundred gallons of fuel. Those days are long gone, LONG GONE!
Because things are better now
corporations and money make it worse
I live in a town in south georgia that runs along I-95. Over the years i have noticed that more of the smaller mom and pop truck stops such as the Atlantic Travel Center and Rowdys get more business due to basic things such as free parking. I think like a lot of industries such as logging and construction everyone has got their hand involved in trucking. Hopefully the rates gets better and the industry changes for the good. Love the videos as always.
I shop little indepentents whenever possible. It costs a little more money, however you have a lot less privacy concerns. Also something people don't realize is that it's the small independents that help to keep the prices down. It's called competition without corporate collusion.
2 years ago i could see the industry was becoming way to hostile to drivers so i parked it and left and from what i see nothing has improved only gotten worse
You still don't know what is in the trailer by looking at the bills. Back before you could by Coor's beer east of the Mississippi River, I hauled 8 cases of beer in a load of lettuce . The boss told me to pick them up for his customers.
One exit north of Cartersville TA there are three truck stops, the old 76 (different name) huge parking lot, Patty's Truck Stop, and QT, all free parking.
Nothing better than a loose leaf logbook!
I had to do paper logs this past week. I hated it. It's so much easier to look at the ELD and see how much time I have, to the minute. A lot faster, too.
@@Doug-gp2qw In some cases I would agree...local jobs and such. His job....not so much.
I'm a born and raised Floridian my family has been here for generations cattle ranching and trucking are a part of our lives. I started running OTR in 1990; since then I have always had to pump my own fuel. Before that time I worked cattle ranches and there I learned how to drive a semi running livestock that started in the mid 1980's and I pumped my fuel.
So ya can say myself and my family have been around the trucking business for just a little bit of time; the absolute horrid downfall of the "truck stops" into "travel centers" has gone a long, long way into making trucking what it is today, there is ZERO doubt about that if you work in the industry.
It used to be that places were proud to serve truckers; damn sure is not like that anymore at 90% of the places.
You're not wrong Steve. I went to a Love's last week with the same problem. The dressing was already put in the salad. Decision makers can't leave well enough alone! Ugh!
You no longer get any kind of service, whatever you want or where you are. We have the same problem in Norway. They only wants to suck the money out of your pocket without giving anything back.
That would drive me crazy having to stop and buy food every time I was hungry. I guess that's one of the drawbacks of a cabover, no room for a fridge and microwave.
As far as treatment at truck stops go, you nailed it. I used to stop regularly at a truck stop in Indiana, on occasion I would bring a dozen Dunkin Donuts to the girls at the fuel desk, I don't think I EVER paid for a shower or a large cup of coffee to go...those were good days and they are long gone.
pack your own lunch and dinner
Great video Steve really enjoy all the different camera angles and your commentary and the music. Thanks for sharing stay safe Steve.
The best truck stops are on state routes a few miles away from the interstate. They have gravel lots and real coffee you pour yourself out of the pot. They usually give you a free coffee with diesel purchase.
Wish we could do something to bring back the ol mom& pop truck stops with real food & they actually appreciate u stopping
Yes sir there use to be full service, mini service. They would fuel it clean you window and mirrors check the air in your tires and then park it for you…if I can make it 1 1/2 years I’m done…it no longer what I signed up for years ago!
Merry Christmas and a safe New Year to you and your family from South Australia keep Orwell sunny side up
Love's is the only large scale travel center that doesn't charge for parking. I can definitely appreciate that.
Watch your channel all the time ,I am a retired diesel mechanic 30 + years with ryder truck rental always liked work on old cabovers .
some of the best camera angles in the game
GREAT channel!! In the 70's, my family owned a Two Way Radio company serving first responder communication needed as well as commercial customers. We also sold and installed CB Radios, did a lot of installs in a lot of vehicles, but i always enjoyed installing the cab over trucks, beautiful machines!!! I miss those days!!! Thank you for the memories!!!
Cafe Risque (Exit 374 on I-75) is the best place to park in Florida. Free parking, free showers, good food,
Steve I know you love the weather down there in Florida, be safe and careful and I want to wish you a merry Christmas and a happy New Year to you and your family God bless you Michael from Mississippi.
My first paying job in mid 60 I pumped fuel into trucks fixed truck tires and fuel was under 20 cents. Times haved changed
At the truck stops should offer full menu 24/7 so drivers can eat on their schedule
Thank you. Nothing worse than being hungry, tired and pissed because food service resumes at 7:30 but it's a quarter to 2:00.
I've even seen them stop offering showers between certain hours. WTF?
I am not a trucker…but I travel at weird hours….and that really grinds my gears as well I if I wanna sit down at 330am for a full meal it should be available…and after covid most diners aren’t even 24hrs anymore
@ Covid became an excuse for buisness to not change their hours back after it was over. For that matter Covid should have never changed things. Now we find out everything they made you do did not stop the virus. Lies lies lies the only thing the government does. Well that and screw the trucking industry 🥶🇺🇸
Your info including permits popped up on their computer screens before you even entered the scales. That's what all the cameras are for - to read your plate, DOT and VIN numbers.
18:00 I pull dry van, and I'll often do that too (move to the #1 lane on the 3 lane) when passing wide loads--ESPECIALLY if there are gusty winds.
They became (travel stops) years ago. Slapping the face of every trucker in America. I'm glad I'm retired from that mess - trucking.
Stupidity knows no bounds. Like who’s it going to hurt to go in the back and get some F chicken and make you a lunch 15 mins before the 10am lunch time. Then these fast food places complain that they are losing customers. 🤷🏻♂️🤷🏻♂️🤷🏻♂️🤷🏻♂️🤷🏻♂️🤷🏻♂️
It’s fast food, throw the damn chicken in the deep fryer and keep it moving.
Reminds me of Tommy boy….😂😂😂 Tommy want wingie
Complaining about fast food is next level entitlement
@almarkowbender No it isn't. The complaint is reasonable. He isn't acting as if fast food is beneath him or the workers. It's ridiculous to force someone to wait 15 mins before you begin with the lunch menu. If someone shows up at 10, they would be expecting lunch to be ready to go. They shouldn't have to wait additional time because they are just beginning the lunch process.
@@MarineCorpsSergeantTollens Make your own food then, stop typing paragraphs about fast food service loser
@@MarineCorpsSergeantTollens "Marine Corps Sergeant" you served for your country and this is all you have to show for it, waste
i finally figured out why i like you, Chris, and of course your main squeeze Jen. You are genuine. Focused. And best of all the "boys and girls" comments!
Hey Steve, I just wanted to wish u & Jen & the family a very merry christmas & a happy new year my brother
I admire the fact you drive a cabover. I drive a 16 foot Isuzu Box Truck. It rides rough, I can imagine what you’re man handling every day. Especially on the other video of you sliding on ice. Hats off to you sir! Cheers
You don’t know what they know or don’t know about your manifest.
FL and CA are totally dependent upon fresh fruit and vegetables, so imported diseases are critical to avoid.
Airline crews can’t bring fruit and vegetables into the country, so be grateful that these inspection stations exist!
Fruits and vegetables are smuggled in daily from Mexico,
You can guess my age by this one. Yeah, coffee was free in the "drivers only" section. Not only that, On thanksgiving and Christmas, some truck stops even gave out free turkey dinners. Oh, and the Florida welcome stations gave out free orange juice. I remember when I 95 was us 301. I 40 was route 66 in some spots. I remember bingo cards and permit books 3 inches thick. Half a dozen license plates on the front of your truck. Oh yeah, I'm old, but I got to see some of the glory daze of trucking. Long ago and far away. When it became unbearable, I hung it up. Sounds like your getting close Steve.
Forgot all about the multiple plates, those were the good days.👍👍🇺🇸
Orwell brings back memories of our first truck which was a 1981 Peterbilt 362 with a 3406 400 hp Cat and 13 speed transmission pulling a 45 foot Trailmobile reefer that we bought new in the end of 1981.
I bought my first truck when I was 23. That was in 1980. There were full serve pumps and self serve. Full serve was 10 cents more a gallon. So, 20 bucks for someone to pump 200 gallons for you and there was always a line of trucks waiting. Union 76 was big then and T"S"A was brand new and so were all their buildings with nice restaurants. Pay parking was unheard of except for in Ontario Ca. There were no cell phones. There were no APUs. A driver would pull into a truck stop and head to the restaurant and buy a meal and tell BS stories with other drivers. He/she had to walk past the store to get to the food. That meant in a lot of cases they would buy something. Truck stops not only made money from fuel, but also in food and things they sold in the store. It also meant there were no pee bottles in the parking lot because the driver went into the building. Today, with APUs, Truck stops are nothing but a place to park. Most eat out of the truck and buy food elsewhere. They only make money in fuel sales and unless you drive for a major company, most don't even buy fuel there. It costs money to pave a truck stop. The asphalt is a whole lot thicker than a driveway. Property taxes cost money, maintenance costs money. Just the hot water for showers must cost a fortune. I use to get free showers and if I had a passenger that shower was free too as long as you bought fuel. If you didn't, the towel cost one dollar. Times have changed and yes, truck stops are expensive, but the money has to come from someplace. You can't just open a free parking lot and expect it to survive without making a profit.
I love the sound of that old cabover when he's shifting through the gears.
Keep up the excellent videos. 👍 ❤
William in Florida
I know that. Years ago I contacted Love's and asked them "why don't you put it in a real restaurant?" Because the new driver wants to eat and go.
When i was driving truckstop for me was fuel stop and or shower. Id never stay at them. The truckers are as bad as lot lizzards trashy.
Merry Christmas too all.
I like Bojangles food but every Bojangles I have ever been in has horrible service. They almost never have anything prepared, you have to wait for the simplest item on the menu and the employees are sullen and don't give a rip about customer service.
I realize your sleeper is limited so you don't have room for a fridge w/freezer and a microwave so you are stuck paying $$$ for food that's limited in variety or quality. Unless you really have the need for a passenger, take out that passenger seat and install a kitchen! And being from Wisconsin you already know about the Kwik Trips up there... good food at good prices. Wish they were everywhere!!!
Dude i stayed at that Hotel were you got fuel at the start of your video. Lol. You were down around Ridel Ga
I was a company truck driver for 13 years off and on and during my time truck driving,I knew which TA',Pilot and Flying J's to avoid cause of the parking and the paid parking and before I lost my CDL back in 2014, I remember some TA'S truck stops started the reverse parking with some of parking spots and hadn't been trucking since 2014 and watch some of your videos when I'm not from working my 2nd shift job.
❤❤❤❤❤ love your videos awesome content😊
Thank you truckers.
I retired in 2012. I hauled a ton of Budweiser out of the brewery in Cartersvillle Ga. I started in 1990.. there were a few Union 76’s (Orange Ball) that pumped fuel for you.. they sold out to TA. reserved parking didn’t come around until I was gone
Thanks for the ride.
I’ve had many with you.
Love the different camera angles.
Yep I pulled a milk into Florida and had to stop every time .they ask were I was going and take a sample and by the time I got there they call them and let them know if the milk was good
Glad to see they finally finished the construction at that Baldwin exit. I made the mistake of stopping there 2-3 years ago and what a mess!
Steve, great video. Did you catch the wreck out in Pecos, Texas, with the high-centered super oversized load stuck at the crossing and the Union Pacific train that crashed into it? Stupidest thing was that it was stuc for 45 minutes and nobody there had the brains to call the railroad about the problem. Now the two crew men on the train are dead because of it.
Driver service went to hell when truckstops like Pilot and Loves signed contracts with trucking companies. In the old days they had to attract drivers. Now drivers have to fuel where they are told
I work in Cartersville!!!
. One mile from where you were .
Sorry I missed ya !!
I drove OTR seated and entertainer motorcoach for about 9 years. When moving thru the night to get to the next city out on tour I would hit the independent truck stops when I could. The Triple T in Tucson comes to mind. Also, the Pilot on I-59 near I-10 with the Indian food in Mississippi...good food and decent service.
Truckers can't buy fuel based on the pump price. You got to figure out the various state taxes to get the base price you're paying. If you buy right it can make a difference at the end of the quarter on how much you end up owing IFTA.
Sit in a truck stop today and just look at the drivers.What the hell happened to this business.Its very sad.Real truckers like you Steve are getting fewer and fewer. Today no courtesy no safety no self respect just look at it what a shame.Real truck stops are gone.
Those that do the hiring are responsible for that mess
Steve, but what do you really think about TA? Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
That salad dressing is likely the most costly item in the container ! They won't give anyone too much on their dime, thats for sure. Maybe carry a bottle of your own dressing in the ice chest along with some of your favorite jug of OJ at grocery store prices...and you always have it.
If you're ever around syracuse NY the Pit Stop at exit 40 I 90 still gives free coffee or fountain soda with fill up. Independently owned.
U definitely right about the eld- paid park bs. They new that they could exploit that to make more money from drivers bc have no choice when eld out time,that why i don't drive newer equipment, stay on the paper log
So true.
So true that someone knows is someone knows those jobs and stuff.Somebody's people and they've been out of school for cousin sister's brother.Put him up in there or nephew
Even the little truck stops are charging to park and some are towing trucks with 4 hr max. In metropolis Illinois on I-24 the mini truck stop has giant signs with giant bar codes even car parking
Years ago at those ag. inspection stations they had a spot for milk haulers to have milk inspected.
I worked at Sapp Bros in Omaha fueling trucks and washing windows and checking oil for drivers. Was demanding but fun. Now I just drive
Truck stops are getting rich selling flip flops to truck drivers.
Soon you’ll be able to get curry’s in a hurry
Maybe one day American companies start hiring Americans.
I remember the first pay to park truck stop I ever saw was a TA in Los Angeles. I pulled in to fuel up but after realizing their scam I left not giving them a penny. Loves was still a pretty good place back then and just 10 minutes away. It surprised me to discover the TA lot that you had to pay for was busy, I saw a lot of trucks waiting to get in but the free to park Love's was basically empty. I guess it's proof people are willing to pay for convenience.
I'm a retired OTR driver who lives in Florida. I am truly amazed that he didn't want to see your permits!
@lakeside24-7 what's with all the unmarked vehicles setting in all the scale houses
@@davetruth_ I'm a retired truck driver, not a retired DOT officer.
75 in Georgia is a trip, the bible belt, there are massage parlor billboards every 5 miles truck parking. That always made me scratch my head.😂
Don't feel bad I've made my boss millions of dollars I also used to get a bonus for Christmas now I get nothing not even a fuc.in thank you for making him rich this world has gone to shit now it's due onto others before they do onto you sad sad time's we're living in!!!! The end is near!!!!
You get paid, that was the agreement when you took the job. You don’t have to work there. Stop whining.
I fueled in the 'Nooga but it is up to 3.09⁹.. however, you might hsve clearance issues with that lowboy off the interstate.. my tandoms slid forward, the trlr bumper drug coming out of a parking lot
Merry Christmas to you and your family. Be safe. Love your videos
Old School is Cool, but with all the problems you're having with the food chain. I make suggestion please think about getting a standup sleeper. Get a fridge and microwave cook some good stuff in a truck. Gives you something to do on your 10 hour and a lot less stress..Just a suggestion and Thanks for the videos..
Just being able to carry a little bit of lunch meat where you can make sandwiches goes a long way if you get stuck somewhere waiting
Problem is no one watched when he was in a T660 😅
For the past 8 years I have been getting diesel at card locks and small truck stops, not so much from big corporate travel centers anymore.
You are absolutely right. You are the least threatening unless your load isn't secured properly.
Question. I noticed some trucks didn't stop at the scale. Why is that?
Prepass or Drivewyze bypass
you should figure out how to put a mini fridge in Orwell that way you can just pack your on stuff in there and not have to deal with shitty service and be on your way. That's how my dad did it years ago when drove a truck. igloo makes one that runs off of 12V DC.
I don't know if that'll help Steve. Tell Chris hello. love the videos.
Awesome sharing, thanks. Just saw this video and I have to say. I drive a ford ranger. Double clutch!
🍭SWEET🍭🧻Wouldn’t surprise me if truck stops start charging drivers for toilet paper next🧻😡…….Stay safe out there Steve🙏🏼💖👍🏻🇺🇸🌲🌟🕊🌞
You are why it got cold here. You did not roll down your windows to air out your truck before crossing the Florida state line.
Good evening Steve drive safe
dang, we had to pass each other... I crossed the FL-GA line on 75 around 11:30 tjis morning goin north
Hi Steve , you and Jen haver a safe and Merry Christmas mate and your good man you have in the shop now he is a keen bloke "aye" cheers "RB" Albury "downunder" Can't wait to see what airport gets the new truck .
My last free Birthday meal was at a 76 and the restaurant like a 4 star ⭐️ buffet. They were picked up by TA and went down hill and fast food. Thumbs up 👍
Whenever I’m in an area where it’s a Kwik Trip or Kwik Star, that is where I fuel. Large parking spaces and clean stores. Definitely better than the big chain truck stops
T/A and PETRO are the only 2 chain of truck stops that’s left well Sapp brothers too!!!!! I remember 20 years ago when Flying J was now ALL they are is a glorified pilot!!!!!!
In the 80s, I remember getting filled up at the blue diamond Road in Vegas and at Jake’s truckstop in Bend, Oregon