Okay, I have done what some veteran truck drivers suggested. I went to a truck stop and talked with a guy at the counter. You guys were right. He was very friendly and talked with me for about half an hour. However, that's not why I writing.

I went to the Flying J at the Port of Tacoma (the only one close to where I live). THE PLACE WAS NUTS! Traffic was backed up from the pumps out onto the road, and down the street back to the I-5 offramp. While the restaurant wasn't too crowded, I think every truck within a 50 mile radius was trying to get fuel! The truck parking looked a lot like the infield at a NASCAR race! I can't imagine trying to squeeze into a vacant spot between two trucks with a 90 degree backing maneuver, especially under dark and rainy conditions.

My question is: Is this typical of truck stops? Or, is this truck stop an anomaly? How on earth can you park into such tight places in the dark? You need the skill of a surgeon and the reflexes of a fighter pilot!

 

fuel lanes dont seem to be as congested as you said.....seems to be worst scenerio..all depends on time of day...and location.
best bet is to arrive at a truck stop at a decent time, not late at night, it all seems hard and impossible as a new driver....you will get the hang of it quick.....take your time....go slow...watch for stupied drivers.

 

i think its random at times, i stoped at the TA on I81 exit 150B tonight, in Troutville Va, and the fuel lines were backed up all the way to I81 1/2 mile away, but then at the nex TA 1.4 hours north, it was hardly the same, seemed to be good parking and the fuel lines were still in the lot not backed up to the off ramp..... i guess it just depends on when you hit them

 

im at a t/a tonight, it was a cluster F** earlier when i got here, i didnt fuel but see that at least 50-75% of the fuel island is underconstruction....its was backed up in a mess, this one is basically almost in town anyhow.
I90 exit 28...not to far outside albany ny....not sure of the town....maybe i should catch up on my logs... :lol:

 

The hook in Tacoma is a TOILET !!!!!

 

Fultonville....

Once saw a big-truck that had gone nose first off into the lake there next to the road. Now THAT is sleepy... :shock: :lol:

 

you are correct fultonville, damn right off in the river eh....damn that had to suck

 

The Flying J in Tacoma is one of the worse places. Problem is they have out grown their lot. As a rule Flying J's are very busy. Gary, IN and Indianapolis are very busy but have bigger lots so not as congested.

 

lets not talk about Gary Ind. yea i was there a few days ago, that t/a is on one side and pilot on the other, well i was heading into pilot when i didnt see the truck entrance and miss it so i continued straight to find somewhere to turn around...i get no more then half block up i see no trucks sign.........enough of that story....i needed police escort to hold up traffic so i could pull off a ridiculous manever. :idea:

 

yea been there a few times what a crap hole