If you’re new to driving OTR, you might wonder what the “rules” are for the various truck stops and rest areas you’ll use while on the road. It can be difficult to know what to do and what not to do without asking other truckers. But we’ve compiled a list of etiquette tips that will help you navigate the rest areas and truck stops. Be sure to talk to other drivers either on your CB or at the truck stop itself to find out if there are specific rules for each facility you visit.
This one is probably the most important rule. Enter a truck stop slowly, and follow the posted signs and regular traffic patterns. There are likely people parking, walking to and from their rigs, or standing around and chatting. Be sure to go slow and be cautious of your surroundings to keep yourself and others safe.
When parking, make sure to back in and pull out. It can be tempting, especially when you’re tired, to just pull into a parking space nose-in. But save yourself and the other truckers at the rest stop some time and frustration and back into your parking space. It will be much easier to get out when it’s time to leave if you don’t have to back out.
Speaking of parking spaces, make sure to always park in a marked space. And whatever you do, don’t park at the fuel stations. Fuel up and move your rig to a parking space before heading inside to get food or take a break.
After your truck has been sitting for a while, and especially if you’ve been away from it for any period of time, inspect it before you get back on the road. A truck stop is a great location for doing an inspection if you need another set of eyes or hands to help.
Stay in well-lit areas as much as possible, and make a point of noticing who is parked near you and who is walking around. Stay safe by staying alert.
There are a lot of too-good-to-be-true schemes around. Don’t fall for them.
Many drivers are on weird sleep and break schedules. Be mindful of the noise you make. You don’t want to wake up any drivers who are trying to sleep.
An idling semi engine is loud. And you don’t want a dozen trucks spewing exhaust where people are trying to eat or take a break.
Throw your trash in cans, pick up your belongings, and don’t leave a mess for the next trucker. Bathrooms and showers are magnets for messes, so be sure to leave them at least as clean as they were before you used them.
Unless you’re invited to come by, don’t assume people are awake and want to socialize. Emergencies are obviously exceptions.
Truck stops aren’t hotel rooms. You’re still in public, so don’t walk around in a towel or your birthday suit.
Truck driving can be lonely, but that doesn’t mean you can’t offer or ask for help. Keep an eye out for green drivers who could use some tips. You can also direct someone out of a parking spot or offer to help them check their brakes.
It’s important to socialize and talk to other drivers in your down time, but be careful about talking about what you’re hauling. Thieves are always looking for valuable freight or expensive items in your cab. So stay vague when talking about your freight, and don’t ask other drivers what they’re hauling either.
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