The over-the-road truck driving business is quite rugged. OTR truckers need a good resting spot, refueling, and a recharge. A good truck stop is much more than just a parking lot; it’s the one-stop solution for meals, showers, repair services, and a bit of relaxation. Here are some of the best truck stops in the U.S. that may offer excellent amenities and services to OTR drivers.
Iowa 80 (Walcott, Iowa) – “The World’s Largest Truck Stop”
No summary of truck stops would be complete without including Iowa 80. affectionately known as the “World’s Largest Truck Stop.” It is located off Interstate 80, and it has been serving truckers since 1964. It truly has everything you need: 900 parking spaces, a 24/7 restaurant, as well as even a trucking museum. OTR drivers need to make it a destination point.
Amenities include:
- Large food court with fast-food options and sit-down meals
- Showers, laundry facilities, and barber shop
- 24/7 truck service center for maintenance and repairs
- Movie theater, large truck accessories store
South of the Border (Dillon, South Carolina)
For travelers on I-95, South of the Border is an offbeat truck stop and a place that offers more than just fuel. This huge rest stop along the North Carolina line has everything from stores to mini-golf and restaurants. The whole design makes it a popular layover point on long hauls.
Key features:
On-site hotels and RV camping
Full parking spaces for trucks
An arcade, mini-golf, and other quirky entertainment options
- Different food services – Fast foods, eat-and-run restaurants
Jubitz Travel Center (Portland, Oregon)
The Jubitz Travel Center, off I-5 in Portland, Oregon, is known for the excellent services it provides its truckers along with excellent surrounding atmosphere. Jubitz would not be a truck stop if for the simple reason of merely serving what is expected; it is one of the “luxury” truck stops and it has some excellent entertainment options as well, such as a theater and a live music venue.
Main Features:
There is adequate space for parking trucks.
- Cascade Grill, a restaurant that is renowned for wholesome meals
- A movie theater with new releases
- Showers, laundry facility, and an exercise room
- 24 hour truck service and repair
Sapp Bros. (Multiple Locations)
With 17 plus locations spread across the Midwest, Sapp Bros has become known for clean facilities and friendly faces. Truck stops are designed with the OTR driver in mind, focusing on cleanliness and convenience above all else.
Features include:
- On-site diesel fueling station accessible 24/7
- Ample parking spaces for trucks
- Showers and laundry
- Convenience store for truckers’ essentials
- Repair facilities and driver lounge
Little America (Flagstaff, Arizona)
Located off I-40, Little America in Flagstaff is one of the best-known truck stops in the southwestern U.S. It’s part of the Little America Hotel chain and offers luxurious amenities to truckers who need more than the basics.
Truck stop amenities include:
Clean spacious showers
On-site hotel to over-night
Convenience store with groceries, souvenirs, and trucker supplies
- Food place open 24/7, that offers many meal selections
- Lovely view of the surrounding areas of Loves for a peaceful setting
Loves Travel Stops (Nationalwide)
Loves Travel Stops is a name you can trust from coast to coast. With hundreds of locations across the country, Loves has a consistency of amenities and services that you can come to expect. From rural areas to big city centers, clean facilities and basic services are always what you can expect at Loves.
Expect at Loves
Clean restrooms and showers
Convenience stores that are well-stocked and quick service restaurants
Parking for trucks of any size
- Truck maintenance is available on-site, as well as certain tire care centers
- Diesel fueling stations available 24 hours a day
TA-Petro is one of the other chains well-known to the OTR driver and has a huge number of locations across the United States. The truck stops are operated with the professional truck driver in mind and offer amenities ranging from truck maintenance to dining and rest areas.
Services/amenities:
Large truck parking areas
Full-service restaurants as well as fast-food outlets
- 24hr truck service center
Showers and laundry rooms
Comfortable Driver’s lounges equipped with entertainment for relaxation at workplaces
Pilot Flying J (Across the States)
Pilot Flying J is one of the largest truck stop chains in the United States and Canada, with more than 750 locations. This truck stop serves all OTR truckers with clean showers, parking, and fuel. Pilot Flying J offers:
Parking
- Fast food and sit-down meals
- Showers, laundry, and wellness services
- Maintenance and fueling
- Rewards for loyalty programs of customers frequenting the truck stop
Selecting the truck stop is an important decision for the long hours of the OTR driver on the road. They offer fuel, food, parking, entertainment, repair facilities, and wellness centers that will make your journey even more relaxing. Whether coast-to-coast or route-specific, these truck stops are some of the best in the U.S., ensuring a safe, restful experience during travel. Knowing where these highly-rated stops are means you can plan ahead to make your OTR journey go as smooth and pain-free as possible. Happy travels!