Truck stop safety?

[greg334]

The Kroger in downtown Detroit might not be the best place to stay the night.....

They have a krogers in Detroit? They only one I thought was still around was shut down because of the rat problems.

[guido4475]

Dad drove a 18 wheeler for 17+ years and always told me "Never park in the back row" I always heed his advice.

I try to park under or very near to the lights in the parking lots and as everyone else has said --Pay attention to what is going on around your truck or the place you might want to park.

The Kroger in downtown Detroit might not be the best place to stay the night.....

The back row thing- it has changed alot through the years, due to the new breed of lazy truckdrivers.Most drivers dont want to walk too far to the buffet, so they park as close to the building as possible.So when you get lot lizzards in a truckstop,They want to contact as many customers as possible, with as little as possible walking,reducing the chance of being caught.With this in mind, I have observed most lot lizzards work the heaviest populated area of a truckstop parking lot, being close to the building.I have always parked in the back row, and very rarely have been bothered, and slept alot better because I knew most of the rookies were up front tearing hoods off up there.And I would get excercise that I so desperately need by walking from the farthest corner away from the building.

[gsmacker]

I guess I must just be lucky. I've never had trouble at any ts I've been at. I've even had humorus conversations with "self employed" parking lot attendees. Maybe a friendly no thank you is better than telling them what ***** they are? Then again lately I've either been drivin with gas and dash or at home.
On the other hand I will sit just about anywhere other than Detroit. Seems like the closer to the downtown it is the less friendly it is. It does help kill the time watchin big trucks smash into one another. I try to find parkin spots where I have a curb on one side and away from the daily traffic parks.

[Hahpi_Savvas]

I park van in front by big lights on.

[DannyD]

I try to use the truckstops pretty much for fuel, showers, & now internet if I can help it. When I'm ready to sleep I'll drive to a hotel & sleep in their parking lot. I'm in a cargo van. This wouldn't work for trucks. No place is 100% safe but you're less likely to have the type of people who will want to break into your vehicle at a Marriot than ya will at a truckstop.

I'm working on a piece for EO on truck stop safety and thought I'd ask you guys a couple questions. As per usual, chances are pretty good I'll quote you here and there. So, here goes.

1. Besides simple advice like "Be aware" and "Lock your doors," what kind of advice would you offer to other expediters to make sure they stay safe in a truck stop?

Thanks for the help. I really appreciate all your insights on the industry.

[Patriot44]

The back row thing- it has changed alot through the years, due to the new breed of lazy truckdrivers.Most drivers dont want to walk too far to the buffet, so they park as close to the building as possible.So when you get lot lizzards in a truckstop,They want to contact as many customers as possible, with as little as possible walking,reducing the chance of being caught.With this in mind, I have observed most lot lizzards work the heaviest populated area of a truckstop parking lot, being close to the building.I have always parked in the back row, and very rarely have been bothered, and slept alot better because I knew most of the rookies were up front tearing hoods off up there.And I would get excercise that I so desperately need by walking from the farthest corner away from the building.

True... The laziness of Americans never ceases to amaze me. I guess I haven't been out here long enough to see to much yet.

[layoutshooter]

The upside to parking closer is that you have less distance in which some thug can jump you between the truck and the building.

[guido4475]

The upside to parking closer is that you have less distance in which some thug can jump you between the truck and the building.

That is true, but for some reason unknown,I have not had any trouble since 89.

Come to think of it, it may be the trail of farts that I may leave on the way to the building from the truck...

[fastman_1]

Back in my Big Truck days I would bring one of my wifes bras with me and throw it on the dash, Never had to knocks on my doors after that.

[Hahpi_Savvas]

I should leave my bra on dashboard is good idea.

[tjpohio44]

For some reason...Everywhere I go, the Lot Lizards always come up to me...ALWAYS...I always say no thanks and they still insist on how cute I am...An how they could teach me things...LOL j/k...but yeah...LOL

[dhalltoyo]

If your in a van, stay up front in plain view of the gas pumps and the front of the store.

Personally, as you are a lady I wouldn't suggest that you leave your bra on the dash.

People can see into van easier because it sits much lower than a big truck and when people are aware that you are a lady, throwing your bra on the dash might send the wrong signal.

[tjpohio44]

I should leave my bra on dashboard is good idea.

That is Hilarious...lol But sounds like it would work LOL

[guido4475]

I should leave my bra on dashboard is good idea.

I have no comment. would it work if I did that?Or maybe my Barney underwear?

[Hahpi_Savvas]

what this barney underwear is.