mike

Mike , thanks for asking for input from the people here on Bulk loads ,

I sure you know , You can have the nice looking truck stop with all the stuff a Driveer needs , BUT if you dont have good helpful freindly staff , with price in line with other place , fast fuel lanes , easy on and off the main road , lots of parking , good showers , BUT most of all it going to be your Staff and prices that will bring the drivers back

Have good fuel with strick time limits at the islands.. so everybody can get fuel asap and not have one or two who think they can park there for an hour....have a sit down restaurant..you don't need a large menu..fast food all the time will lead to and early death..everybody is in a big rush..SLOW DOWN...nice clean showers and a speedy turn around for the next person...a nice tv or movie room with comfortable chairs..maybe a separate room that is quiet for paper work.. reading or just reflecting ( thinking ) as much parking as posible with some parking for over size loads like along a curb in the back..have some Bobtail parking so one tractor doesn't take up a space for a truck and trailer.. try to have a fence around the parking and have somebody patrol the lot every once in a while for lot lizards and criminals..have a speed limit in the lot with strict enforcement..dont forget it's private property and you can demand what you want and kick them off your property..there are some that think they need to try out for pole position at the next race going through the parking lot...dont worry word will get around and they will obey your rules or be gone..and the safe drivers will flock to you as the majors are worried about getting the speeders upset and wont come back if told to slow down...good lighting in the parking area...doesnt have to be prison bright.. but enough so you feel safe walking to your truck...just some thoughts from past experiences at different truck stops..

After you have control and flow at the fuel pumps, offer premium diesel (nonbiodiesel), speed conditions in parking lot, knowledgeable staff, safe lighting conditions to and from our trucks....it would be great if you would enforce litter laws. Security cameras installed and fines issued on the spot to individuals who insist on throwing their trash, waste and are determined to destroy our country.

and you sir, are the type of driver that will keep good restaurants going, breakfast for $7.50, you bet and its a full meal served in less than 15 minutes the 6 places we stopped at down there, and we are from canada so its more expensive for us. its a shame drivers cant pinpoint and save these rare locations. the biggest threat to these places are people who say they do not have time to stop. but they sure have time to stop and use the washroom while their truck is parked in the fuel aisle.........to use the sink to wash their feet!!! yes i said it because i have SAW it myself. the last trip i took with my man i had to chase a skirted individual out of the womens bathroom!! and it wasnt a lady!! ok enuf of that rant.....but if you keep eating fast food that you could very well stand in line longer than sitting down to get fed.......
my suggetion is that you get what you pay for,,,,,,,,a meal at the restaurant gets you parking and or a shower/coffee for free, everyone else pays for their spot, attendants to ensure people dont park it up at the fuel aisle to go get fast food or "wash"......let's start rewarding those that keep these rare and good truckstops from closing their restaurants and putting up fast food joints. the truck stops in canada are the grossest and most expensive ever so please america do not go that route as every real truckstop like those you mentioned were awesome and clean and had good internet that you could get with your points. i like the TA the best i think....