Truck parking lots and truck stops are both useful places to park your truck overnight. However, there are some significant differences between the two. Let’s take a closer look at the differences between these two parking areas.
Key Takeaways
- Truck parking lots and truck stops vary in terms of design, size, layout, purpose, operating hours, and services offered.
- Truck stops generally offer more amenities than truck parking lots, but they’re often also more expensive.
- Truck parking lots or parking spaces are generally intended for short-term use.
- Truck parking lots and parking spaces are often considerably more affordable than truck stops.
- By using truck parking lots and spaces, you are helping to support property and business owners who would otherwise not be generating revenue from empty spaces.
Truck Parking Lot vs. Truck Stop
So, what are some of the main differences between these options? Let’s take a closer look.
Truck Parking Lots
Truck parking lots and parking spaces may be just about anywhere. From city centers to rural towns in the middle of nowhere, there’s almost always a parking lot or parking space to be found.
These facilities are generally relatively basic and may consist only of a place large enough to park your truck. However, they may also be relatively conveniently located within easy reach of amenities like gas stations and convenience stores.
What’s nice about truck parking lots is that they are often quite affordable. The owners of the lots are often only too happy to make some income from an underused or unused area. This means that they’re often willing to rent out spaces at a much lower cost.
Truck Stops
Truck stops are essentially all-in-one stops where truckers can rest and also have access to a wide range of facilities and amenities. Some of the different facilities you may find around a truck stop include the following:
- Fuel stations
- Truck wash facilities
- Repair shops
- Rest areas
- Restaurants
- Convenience stores
- Ablution facilities like showers and laundry rooms
Some or all of these facilities may be present at a truck stop, which means they can be quite popular.
The downside to this array of facilities is that truck stops often fill up quite quickly. They may also be quite expensive. This is mostly due to the fact that they have limited space, meaning that late arrivals may struggle to find the space they need.
Why Choose a Truck Parking Lot or Space Over a Truck Stop?
While, on the face of things, it may seem like truck stops are better than truck parking lots or spaces, there are actually many advantages to using a truck parking lot. Let’s take a closer look at some of the reasons why truck parking lots are actually beneficial.
1- Using a Truck Parking Lot Supports Local Business Owners
When you use a truck parking lot, you are supporting a local business or property owner. They already have the space available, and it isn’t necessarily being used. By using a parking lot or space that isn’t being used fully, you help someone to remain economically viable.
2- Using a Truck Parking Lot or Space is Better for the Environment
Because parking in a truck parking lot or similar space makes use of underutilized spaces, it’s actually better for the environment. To create a truck stop, developers often have to clear and prepare new pieces of land. Using already existing spaces means producing less carbon emissions.
3- Truck Parking Lots Can Be More Affordable
Since truck parking lots take advantage of pre-existing and underutilized spaces, they may not have access to as many amenities as you would at a truck stop. However, in many cases, this results in them being far more affordable. Since you’re not paying for easy access to a range of different products and services, you often get the space you need at an affordable price.
4- Truck Parking Lots Are Often Centrally Located
Truck parking lots or parking spaces may be located anywhere, in the truest sense of the word. From a commercial lot in the center of town to a privately owned lot on the outskirts. If you choose wisely, you can often find a parking space that’s located close to all the things you need the most.
5- You Can Book Your Space Ahead of Time
One of the fantastic things about truck parking lots is that you can often book a space ahead of time using an app or website like Truck Parking Club. This is advantageous because you can book a space before you reach any part of your route. Forget about first-come-first-serve; you’ll know that you have a space waiting for you when you get there.
Find a Space Easily
If you’re tired of struggling to find a place to spend your sleeper berth, you can rest easy. Try the Truck Parking Club app or website. We can help you find a space on your route where you can park your truck. Just select the appropriate area and book an available slot.
Final Thoughts
When comparing truck parking lots and truck stops, there are many things to consider. There are many differences and dissimilarities between the two options, but that doesn’t mean that either of them is truly the better option.
While truck stops may have some advantages, that doesn’t mean they’re the best option for every situation or every route. Some areas may not have a conveniently located truck stop, or the truck driver may not require anything more than a place to park and use their sleeper berth.
Truck parking lots may not have as many amenities as a truck stop, but they’re often cheaper and more efficient. You’re also almost guaranteed to find a parking space in any given area. For the best results, we recommend planning your route and truck parking stops ahead of time. Try using a tool like the Truck Parking Club website or TPC app to make your route planning easier.
The information published herein is for general informational purposes only. Truck Parking Club does not make any representations or warranties about the completeness, reliability, legality, and accuracy of this information. Any reliance placed on such material is strictly at the user’s own risk. Truck Parking Club shall not be responsible for any losses or damages incurred in connection with the information published herein.
