If there are a number of idle air spots that are unoccupied and no other "free" spots open, and an idle air rep came banging on my door and told me to move, I would go inside the TS, talk to the general manager, and inquire about the rules. If the GM told me I had to move, I would, if not, I'd go back to my truck and continue my 10 hour break until idle air came knocking again, at which time I would tell him what the GM told me, that I wasn't moving, and that I was out of hours and it would be against DOT regulations for me to now operate the CMV. I personally don't like using IA because you have to back out, and can't see the ass end of your trailer, it's dangerous and risky. Company drivers for big corporations can't really benefit from using it anyway, they could idle their truck until the sky fell and nobody would punish them for it. If you have a pet on board, you can even idle in areas where it isn't allowed for the animal's welfare (good to know in the blazing heat of summer, and the frigid cold of winter). If the rep. continues banging on your door after that, give him a warning that further "harassment" will be reported to the GM and the police, that'll shut him up.

 

I've been told by 5 different Idle-Aire site managers (not the employees but the actual managers that if you are a Gold Member (because Silver is free, GOld is $10/6 months) you can park in an Idle-Aire spot if you're going to use the service that visit or not.

I got the Gold Service about 2 weeks ago and its already paid for itself in 5 visits. And if I want to park in an Idle-Aire spot I can. Only once has someone walked out to see why I wasn't hooked up, I flashed my gold card and they nodded and walked away before ever reaching my truck.

Just my $.02

 

IdleAire's Advanced Truckstop Electrification (ATE®) technology is rapidly becoming available at an increasing number of our locations. The only retrofit needed is a $10 window adapter, available at any of our IdleAire equipped locations.

IdleAire-equipped parking spaces provide drivers access to the following services:

* Individually controlled, filtered heating and air conditioning
* 120V electrical outlets inside and outside your cab
* Integral computer with color touch screen interface for Internet access and IdleAire service selection
* Telephone jack with free local phone calls
* Coax connection for your TV and access to satellite television
* IdleAire assistance on site 24/7, via the IdleAire Service Module or by dialing 611 from your phone connected to the Service Module or by dialing 877-738-7024 from any phone
* First Run & Classic Movies on Demand
* Long-distance phone service
* Ethernet jack & wireless Internet for your own computer

How many TA locations have IdleAire?There are currently 56 TA locations that offer the IdleAire service as of March 2007. We will continue to expand at locations that allow for sufficient parking. Check the TA location list in the latest issue of RoadKing magazine for up to date listing of sites with IdleAire.

Doesn’t IdleAire affect the TA parking lot? The change in layout and flow in some cases has caused TA to lose a few parking spaces, however we have gained spaces at other locations because of this same design change. This has also provided an opportunity to improve the flow in many instances.

Why does IdleAire require trucks to pull in nose first? The IdleAire Service Module hangs from a hose under the truss where the driver parks his/her vehicle. The hose connects to the passenger side window and contains the Service Module that operates the IdleAire system. In addition, nose in parking offers ease of parking for drivers after a long day on the road. IdleAire employees are on the TA property 24/7 and are happy to assist customers backing out of an IdleAire space.

Can I park in an IdleAire space if I don’t want to connect to the service?IdleAire employees will greet drivers as they approach the parking area and will help connect those that want to use the service. If a driver is not interested in the IdleAire service they will be directed to park in a non-IdleAire parking area. When all non-IdleAire parking spaces are full then the IdleAire spaces are available to all on a first-come, first-serve basis regardless if the driver chooses to connect to the service.

Can I continue to idle in an IdleAire space if I am not connected to the service?Yes, neither IdleAire or TA will mandate that any driver stop idling, however out of respect for other drivers that are utilizing the IdleAire service to eliminate engine noise non-idling is preferred when parked in an IdleAire space.

What services does IdleAire offer?Basic service includes: Filtered Heat and Air Conditioning, Electricity (110v inside and outside cab), Use of Built-In Computer with Internet Access, Phone Access with Free Local Calls, Incoming Calls received free, Satellite TV, IdleAire email address.

Premium Services available for additional fee: Ethernet Internet connection, 24 Hour Unlimited Long Distance, Movies on Demand, 46 Premium Satellite TV Channels. How much does it cost?

Basic Service is $2.18 / hour for a Silver Member and only $1.85 / hour for a Gold Member. Gold Membership is available at $10 for 6 months. Drivers will need to make a one-time purchase of a window adapter at a cost of $10.

What are the benefits of connecting to IdleAire?Comfort, Health, Entertainment, Communication, Reduce Idling, Save Money, Reduced wear on engine. Independent studies show an idling engine burns approximately 1 gallon of fuel per hour vs. using IdleAire at only $1.85 per hour.

How do I connect to the service? Each truck will need to make a one-time purchase of a $10 window adapter which will be fitted by the IdleAire representative to the passenger side window. This adapter can then be used at any IdleAire location. The IdleAire Service Module securely snaps into the window adapter which then allows the driver to operate the IdleAire system from the comfort of his/her truck cab.

How do I pay for the service?Payment is made from inside the comfort of your cab after installing the IdleAire Service Module by swiping a credit card, industry fuel card or prepaid IdleAire card available at the IdleAire equipment center building on each lot.

Will my company pay for the service?Many fleets do pay for the service. See an IdleAire employee or look through the monthly IdleAire Guide magazine for a complete list. Fleets pay for several reasons: reduced costs by saving on fuel and engine wear, increased driver retention by offering this service as part of a driver benefit.

What if I have questions or problems with my IdleAire connection?IdleAire employees monitor CB channel 3 and are available on the TA property 24/7/365 to assist customers in any way. IdleAire customer service is available at 877-738-7024.

Can I reserve a parking space in advance if I want to use the IdleAire service?At this time TA and IdleAire are testing a reservation system at three locations: Paulsboro, NJ, San Antonio, TX and Dallas S., TX. Drivers must call IdleAire customer service from noon to 6 PM local time for reservations the same day. Check with IdleAire for additional details.

 

which the majority of drivers do not do.

 

No one is in the spaces so they dont hear any truck noise, who told you that....lol If noise bothers you from other trucks, your in the wrong business....lol

 

IMHO

 

We get it you don't like the service or feel it isn't for you,fine,some of see the benefits and use it whenever available.

 

I agree 150% with the list of non-benefits (I'm a company driver):

Again - Idle-Aire isn't worth the hassle, I don't care what they say about it.

 

I like it. I'm glad the companies paying for it. There need to be more of them.

 

Speaking of IdleAire, I'm sitting here @ the Petro just north of Ocala, FL and the IdleAire attendant just got done taking a leak, behind their little office. No lie! I guess he couldn't walk the 200 yards to the bathroom. :roll: :evil: :?: