There are more than 3.5 million professional truckers in the USA. These men and women drive tirelessly all over the country to ship everything Americans have come to expect on the doorstops and in their stores on a daily basis. Life on the road has always had its challenges, and it still does!
Most truck stop showers do not have a time restriction. Although you may find a few companies that instill a 30-45 minute limit. However, no timer does not mean most drivers will spend hours inside. There is a clear truckstop shower etiquette to follow so that everyone in need gets a chance to use the facilities. Truck Stop Showers
The rules for professional and non-professional drivers are the same when it comes to using truck stop facilites. So if you’re new to the long-haul life, or if you are simply driving your personal vehicle a lot and want to learn more about showers on the road, here is everything you need to know about truckstop shower rules, etiquette, price, and what to expect!
How Can I Use a Truck Stop Shower?
Luckily sanitation options have grown exponentially in the past few years, and now these workers, as well as every driver on the road, can take a shower at most travel centers. If you are a new professional driver, or are simply curious how the system works, we’re about to dig into everything you need to know about truckstop showers.
The first thing to know about truck stop showers is that they are built for cleanliness and function. It’s not going to feel exactly like a spa, but it will certainly do the trick if you are far from home.
Every driver on the road has the opportunity to use a truck stop shower. If you are a professional driver, you can most likely shower for free as most travel centers offer loyalty cards that allot shower credits as rewards for filling up your tank. But even if you don’t have a rewards card, you can easily purchase a shower for anywhere between $10-$17. Truck Stop Shower Pricing
Simply find the clerk inside the station, sometimes it will be the same worker who sells snacks and gas, and sometimes they will be located at a separate counter in the back. You will receive a paper receipt that states when your shower will be ready and your code for entry. It’s important to note that even though the showers don’t usually have a time limit, your code is only good for a specific amount of time after your start time, so make sure to get in before that time runs out. The shower will not stop working at the end of the allotted time, but your code will.
What To Expect In a Truck Stop Shower
A truck stop shower looks a lot like a hotel shower. There will be a toilet, sink, and shower of course, but there will also usually be a bath mat, towels, and soap. Most professionals recommend that you bring your own toiletries as well as clean clothes, shower shoes, and whatever else you might want to feel comfortable.
Obviously, some showers are nicer than others. Pilot Flying J and Love travel centers are known to have the best facilities, so if you’re not in a rush, it might be a good idea to wait until you find one of the locations. And although every company claims they clean each shower between every use, Pilot and Love are well known for being spotless.
Often there is a line for the showers, so don’t expect to walk right in. It’s a good idea to go get your shower ticket right away, then fill your tank or get something to eat while you wait.Truck Stop Showers
What Are the Rules of Truck Stop Etiquette?
As you now know, most truck stop showers do not have a time limit, however they do usually have a line. As a general rule, 30 minutes is a safe and considerate amount of time to spend in the facility.
It is also important to note that if you are driving a personal vehicle and are not working a long shift, it is considered polite to allow the professional truckers to go ahead of you in line. They are usually only on a short break and will really appreciate the act of kindness.
Make sure you do not leave your car or truck at the pump when you head for the shower. This may seem obvious, but quite a few people forget to move their vehicle.
Last, but certainly not least, please treat the professional truckers waiting in line with courtesy and respect. Often people are under the impression that truck drivers are tough and therefore rude or coarse, not polite and kind. This stereotype couldn’t be more incorrect. Professional drivers are usually tired and still have a long shift ahead of them, so remember to show them respect and kindness, they will absolutely do the same for you. Truck Stop Shower Etiquette
Conclusion
Truck stop showers have become a whole lot cleaner and easier to use over the years. Now, everyone on the road can enjoy a hot shower to refresh and cleanse off the grim of long travel days.
Because there is usually no time limit put in place by the travel centers, it is important that you restrict your own use to an appropriate time to be kind to other drivers in need of a refresh.
So, no matter what kind of driver you are, it is easy to simply follow these rules of courtesy, and enjoy your shower!