For as long as there was travelling across the country, people have been looking for places to have a rest, refuel and get something to eat.

At first truck stops were little more than gas stations with diners, but they now are like little cities that offer variety of entertainment.

Let’s take a look of how everything looked like in the beginning and how it is now.

1858 – Overland Mail Co. was a stagecoach service in the United States operating from 1858 to 1861. It carried passengers and U.S. Mail from two eastern termini, Memphis, Tennessee, and St. Louis, Missouri, to San Francisco, California. It was financed by Wells Fargo to travel day and night across thousands of miles. Stages stop at way stations to change horses.

1860 – From St. Joseph, Missouri, to Sacramento, California the Pony Express delivered letters. In the era before electronic communication, the Pony Express was the thread that tied East to West. Riders change horses at stops along the way.

1956 – Federal Highway Interstate Act signed into law, funding construction of the interstate highway system.

1958 – James A. “Jim” Haslam II opens 1st Pilot on Nov. 20 in Gate City, Virginia, paying $6,000 for an existing location. Gas costs 27.9 cents per gallon.

1964 – Tom and Judy Love are the founders of convenience store chain Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores. They started their company in 1964, leasing a gas station in Watonga, Oklahoma for $5,000. It opened as self-service gas station. Soon they opened others in nearby small towns.

1964 – Iowa 80 was established.

1968 – Flying J is founded in Ogden, UT.

1972 – TravelCenters of America was established by Phil Saunders in 1972 as Truck stops of America. The company was among the first truck stop chains in the nation, and was purchased by Ryder later that year.

1975 – Petro opened at the intersection of Horizon Boulevard and Interstate 10.

2007 – Travel centers of America acquired Petro.

2010 – Pilot acquires Flying J. Pilot agreed to purchase Flying J’s travel centers, as a part of Flying J’s efforts to remove itself from Chapter 11 bankruptcy. On October 3, 2017, it was announced that Warren Buffett-controlled Berkshire Hathaway will acquire 38.6% of Pilot Flying J, with plans to increase its stake to 80% in 2023.

Don’t miss out: History of Trucking in America.

Today’s Truck Stops

1. Iowa 80

Address: Interstate 80, Exit 284; 755 W. Iowa 80 Road
Website: https://iowa80truckstop.com/

It’s the largest truck stop in the world. It is a home away from home to countless drivers and a destination for travelers as well. Some say Iowa 80 Truck stop is like a small city, others have linked it to a Trucker’s Disneyland.

They have 900 truck parking spaces available and serve 5,000 customers per day.

Each year, since 1979, they have hosted a large Trucker Jamboree in July, with all sorts of fun things to see and do, to celebrate and show appreciation to their customers – the American trucker.

Amenities:

• Movie theater
• Library
• Laundry
• Gift store
• Super Truck Showroom
• Private Shower facilities – 24 showers located on the 3rd floor. Purchase a shower ticket at the gift store.
• Truck Service Center – ASE Certified Mechanics and 24 Hour Road Service
• Truck Parking lot – 900 truck parking spots
• Truckomat – Coin Operated Self-Service Vacuums, Dogomat Pet Wash, Handicap Accessible & more!
• Workout room
• Barber shop
• EV Charger – Can charge any brand of electric vehicle to 80% in 20-30 minutes.
• Cat Scale
• Chiropractor
• Custom Shop – Custom Embroidery on Jackets, Sweatshirts, T-Shirts & Hats, DOT Lettering, Custom Lettering, Business Cards, and more!
• Convenience Store – Stocked with many grab and go snacks and cooler beverages, fountain drinks, coffee; as well as basic pet and camping supplies.
• Interstate dental
• Dogomat
• Driver den – Available for drivers to enjoy watching television and socialize.
• Fuel Center

2. Jubitz Truck Stop

Address: 10210 N Vancouver Way, Portland, OR 97217
Website: https://jubitz.com/

It’s called World’s Classiest Truck Stop. Located off I-5 at Exit 307 near Portland International Airport, Jubitz has grown from a local fuel stop to a nationally-recognized Portland icon. It offers hospitality, entertainment, travel and fueling services since 1952.

Amenities:

• Parking – 300 Parking spaces, long-term parking spots, electrified parking and Reserved Paid Truck Parking including a separate area for bobtail units
• Self service dog wash – deluxe dog washing system equipped with shampoos, conditioners, and a blow dryer for only $10
• Showers and Jacuzzis – 11 private showers and they cost $15, or free with the purchase of 75 gallons of fuel
• Drivers Lounge – features a big screen TV, Comcast Xfinity Cable channels, large leather chairs and quiet driver work areas.
• WI-FI
• Drivers services convenience store – snacks and drinks options as well as seasonal merchandise including coats, hats or T-shirts and other items
• Fax and Copy services – Fax services are available for $2.00 to send and $1.00 to receive. Copy services are $0.25 per sheet.
• 24 Hour Scale – provides quick and reliable scale service to ensure compliance with highway weight requirements and is open 24-hours-a-day
• Truck Wash
• Fuel Lanes – Every retail 110-gallon fill at Jubitz entitles you to a free meal (coupons issued at the fuel desk)
• Marketplace
• Postal place – offers shipping services, virtual mailbox rental, packaging supplies, copying services, notary services, money orders, fingerprinting and more
• Clean Fleet – offers certified medical examiners, urine, hair and oral testing, rapid collections, DOT and non-DOT drug and alcohol testing, on-site breath alcohol testing, male and female collectors and a clean and private collection facility
• Energy Massage
• Laundromat
• Road side assistance
• DOT Inspection
• Tire Repair and replacement

3. Buc-ee’s

Address: 36 Locations throughout Texas, Alabama, Georgia, and Florida.
Website: https://buc-ees.com/

This truck stop holds 2 World Records:

1. The New Braunfels store is the largest convenience store in the world at 66,335 square feet;
2. The world’s longest car wash clocks in at 255 feet of conveyor.

4. Little America

Address: Interstate 80, Exit 68
Website: https://wyoming.littleamerica.com/fuel-center/

The Little America Fuel Center is a welcome retreat to anyone working behind the wheel. For 60 years, The Fuel Center Hot Grill and Deli has proudly served travelers from all over the world.

Amenities:

• Private shower
• A lounge
• Truck repair shop
• A deli and grill
• Truck scales
• Convenience store
• Hotel – Driver rates with valid CDL
• Frequent fueler credits for professional drivers
• Laundry
• US Post office
• A notary public – available Friday and Saturday

5. Pilot Flying J Travel Centers

Address: Stations throughout America
Website: https://pilotflyingj.com/

Pilot Flying J is the largest operator of travel centers in North America with more than 750 locations in 44 states and six Canadian provinces. Pilot Flying J serves more than 1.6 million guests a day.

They offer rewards program that gives you more of what matters most when you are on the road: more savings, more points, more convenience and more great features to help you save along the way.

Amenities:

• CAT Certified Scale
• Laundry services
• Shower facilities
• Truck care services
• Roadside Assistance
• Parking spaces – they can be reserved online
• Restaurant options – Subway, Wendy’s, etc.

6. Sapp Bros. Travel Centers

Address: 17 Locations throughout the States
Website: https://www.sappbros.net/travel-centers/

Sapp Bros., Inc. is a collection of 17 full-service, friendly travel centers; primarily located on Interstate-80 from as far west as Salt Lake City, Utah to Clearfield, Pennsylvania in the east. It operates for over 50 years and their primary focus is to treat people kindly and fairly.

Amenities:

• Clean bathrooms and showers
• CAT Scales
• Restaurants
• Roadside services
• Loyalty Card Rewards

Sapp Bros Guest Rewards Card is for the professional drivers. They’ll receive points on diesel and DEF fuel purchases, store purchases, Apple Barrel purchases, and shop services.

Some of the rewards they offer are:

• 0-1249 Earn 2 point for all gallons of diesel & DEF purchased during the current month
• 1250-1749 gallons Earn 3 points for all gallons of diesel & DEF purchased
• 1750-2249 gallons Earn 4 points for all gallons of diesel & DEF purchased
• 2250+ gallons Earn 5 points for all gallons of diesel & DEF purchased
• Purchase 25 gallons of diesel and earn a FREE SHOWER credit good for 10 days
• Purchase 500 gallons of diesel in the previous 30 days and earn FREE SHOWER credits for the remainder of the month and the following month
• Spend $100 in the service center and earn a free shower credit good for 10 days
• 1 point per dollar spent in store
• 1 point per dollar spent in the service center
• 1 point per dollar spent in Apple Barrel restaurants

7. South of the Border

Address: Interstate 95-U.S. 301-501
Website: https://www.sobpedro.com/accommodations/south-of-the-border-motor-inn-motel-hotel-i95-sc

South of the Border is not just a truck stop but an actual destination for families on the road and has been a landmark of the southeast for nearly 70 years. It has two self service stations.

Amenities:

• Convention center
• Showers
• Hotel
• RV Camp
• The Sombrero Observation Tower – 200 feet high and its glass elevator gives riders a full view of South of the Border’s grounds
• Pedro land Park – include the Carousel, Hang Ten(mini Himalaya), Antique Cars, Red Baron
• Reptile Lagoon – the largest indoor reptile display in the US including 15 species of crocodilians, 50 species of snakes and more
• Shopping
• Restaurants

8. Love’s Travel Stops

Address: Locations throughout the United States
Website: https://www.loves.com/

Love’s has more than 100 locations in USA.

Amenities:

• Clean bathrooms and showers
• Restaurants
• Truck Care
• Freight factoring
• Hotels
• RV Services
• Reward Card

With Love Rewards card the more gallons you fuel, the more points you earn. Each point equals one cent in store discounts.

– Only Love’s rewards you with free fountain drinks, coffee, or tea. Bring your own cup, mug, or container – up to 44 ounces. Fuel at least 50 gallons for your free drink credit. Better if you earn Diamond or Platinum status and drinks are free every day, all month long.

– Earn a free shower credit when you fuel at least 50 gallons. Plus, showers are free every day when you earn Diamond or Platinum status.

9. Trail’s Travel Plaza Petro

Address: Intersection of I-35 and I-90; 820 Happy Trails Lane
Website: http://www.trailstravelcenter.com/

Trail’s Travel Center has everything a carrier needs.

Amenities:

• CAT Scales
• Sunday Chapel
• Laundry
• Movie theater
• WIFI
• Truck Services
• Roadside assistance
• Showers – Showers are free with the purchase of 60 gallons of fuel or more. Be sure to use the Ultra One points for showers as well.
• Comfort Inn Hotel – Offers free continental breakfast, exercise and game room and indoor pool with Jacuzzi.
• Fuel Islands – With 10 diesel and 16 gasoline fueling points you and your vehicle can get in easy and fuel up fast
• RV Services

10. Whiskey Pete’s

Address: 100 W Primm Blvd, Primm, NV 89019
Website: https://www.primmvalleyresorts.com/

Whiskey Pete’s is in fact an entire hotel and casino complex and offers a place for truckers to rest and to recharge near the state line of California and Nevada.

Amenities:

• Drivers lounge
• Laundry
• Showers
• Movie theater
• Golf courses
• Casino
• Gas station
• Outlet store
• Roller coaster
• Business center

11. North Forty Truck Stop

Address: 15060 Hwy 641 S, Holladay, TN 38341
Website: https://www.facebook.com/North-Forty-Truck-Stop-195237557185634/

North Forty is known for their respect for truck drivers and their clean facilities. Drivers love their food and how much space there is to park.

Amenities:

• Parking
• Free Wifi
• Showers
• Laundry facilities
• Barber
• Massage
• Restaurant – popular for fried pies and breakfast buffet. Every day from 5am-11am you can treat yourself with some home-style breakfast food

12. Dysart’s

Address: 530 Coldbrook Road, Hermon, Maine 04401
Website: https://www.dysarts.com/

Located off I-95 at Exit 180 in Hermon, Maine, this is a 24-hour truck stop that prides on being family owned and operated since 1967.

Amenities:

• Fuel Station
• Garages
• Private showers
• WI-FI
• Parking lot
• Automated Truck Wash
• Trucker Lounge
• Truck Service
• Restaurant

13. Shady Lawn Truck Stop

Address: 1371 Bryson Rd, Ardmore, TN 38449
Website: https://www.facebook.com/shadylawntruckstop

It’s know for “The big chicken truck stop”. They have raving reviews for their amazing service and food and are considered by a lot of truckers to be the go-to place to stop if it’s on their route.

Amenities:

• 24-Hour Restaurant
• Truckers Lounge
• Showers
• Laundry
• Parking

14. Morris R Place Travel Center

Address: 21 Romines Dr, Morris, IL 60450
Website: https://www.ta-petro.com/

Since it’s opening in 1967, R Place has evolved into a unique restaurant and truck stop.

Amenities:

• Restaurant
• Gas station

15. Mr. Gas Travel Center

Address: Jerome, Idaho
Website: https://www.mrgas.com/

Family company with family values practicing good community citizenship.

Amenities:

• Restaurant
• Gas station
• Truck wash

16. Russell’s Truck & Travel Center

Address: 1583 Frontage Road 4132, Glenrio, NM 88434
Website: http://www.russellsttc.com/

Located on Historic Route 66, Russell’s Travel Center is a State of the Art Facility.

Amenities:

• Fuel station
• Restaurants ( Dinner style, Subway )
• Gift shop
• Grocery store
• Tire shop
• Car and Collectible Museum
• Chapel
• Showers
• CAT Scales
• Wi-Fi
• Laundry

17. Big Apple Travel Center Joplin – Phillips 66

Address: 2100 S Prigmor Ave, Joplin, MO 64804
Website: https://www.bigappletravelcenters.com/store-joplin
Big Apple Travel Center

Amenities:

• CAT Scale
• Restaurants
• Dog Park
• Showers

18. Johnson’s Corner Truck Stop

Address: I-25, Exit 254, Johnstown, Colorado
Website: https://www.johnsonscorner.com/

From a gas station in the middle of farmland to a nationally recognized truck stop and restaurant, this truck stop has everything to make truckers feel at home away from home.

Amenities:

• Fuel station
• TV Lounge
• Overnight Semi parking space
• CAT Scales
• Laundry
• Showers
• ATM
• FedEx drop box
• Truck Accessories
• Bakery
• Restaurant
• Chapel
• Conference room

19. Florida 595 Truck Stop

Address: 2705 Burris Rd, Davie, FL 33314
Website: https://www.595truckstop.com/

Amenities:

• Parking – 450+ parking spaces
• Fuel
• Repair shop
• Bar and Grill
• ATM
• Convenience store
• DOT Physicals
• Truck wash
• Tire Sales and repair
• Laundry
• Shower
• CAT Scale
• Road service

20. Boise Stage Stop

Address: 23801 S Orchard Access Rd, Boise, ID 83716

Website: https://www.boisestagestop.org/

There isn’t any other truck stop that offers more history than the Boise Stage Stop that has been in business since 1891.

Amenities:

• Showers
• Laundromat
• Movie theater
• Satellite TV
• Convenience store
• Restaurant

21. Palace Truck Stop and Casino

Address: 12170 Old Gentilly Rd, New Orleans, LA 70129
Website: https://www.palacetruckstop.com/

Amenities:

• Parking – more than 15 acres
• Showers
• Wi-Fi
• Restaurant
• TV Lounge
• Casino

22. The Dixie Travel Plaza

Address: 315 Dixie Rd suite c, McLean, IL 61754
Website: https://www.facebook.com/The-Dixie-Restaurant-158073454229427/

It was established by J.P. Walters and John Geske in 1928 on old US Route 66 as a small sandwich stand in a truck mechanic’s garage. Today it is a large trucker and travel plaza located in McLean, Illinois, on Interstate 55.

Amenities:

• Fuel station
• Restaurant – Lunch and dinner buffet. On weekends breakfast buffet.

23. Kenosha Travel Plaza

Address: 11800 Burlington Rd, Kenosha, WI 53144
Website: https://www.goldenoilcompany.com/

Amenities:

• Restaurants ( Cinnabon, Chester`s Chicken, Dairy Queen Grill & Chill, Subway, F`real milkshakes )
• BP Gas
• Chiropractor
• Hair salon
• CAT Scale

Related reading: The Best Truck Stops in the US

Truck Stop Facts

– The oldest truck stop in America is located in McLean, Illinois. Originally along Illinois Highway 4, later it was renamed US 66 and now along side of I-55.
– There are 2,500 truck stops in USA defined by the National Association of Truck Stop Operators that offer at least 1 shower, 15 parking spaces and diesel fuel for sale.
– There are 6000 Truck stop locations that sell diesel fuel but don`t have other amenities.
– The Largest Truck Stop in the Country, Iowa 80 offers 950 overnight truck parking spaces.
– At Florida 595 Truck Stop in Florida offers 500 overnight truck parking spaces.
– The biggest stop on I-5, Jubitz in Portland offers 325 overnight truck parking spaces.
– According to the New York Times, at least 80% of truck stops are now travel plazas.

Either you are looking to stop, have some fun and rest or just stop and get business done; there are truck stop options out there for everyone.