There have been several news reports in the last week on the topic of driver amenities, more specifically, the lack of driver amenities available during the COVID-19 pandemic. Small amenities that made driving for hours at a time bearable, such as hot food, coffee, and showers are now harder to find.
According to USA Today, these restrictions have made truck drivers jobs much more difficult, and forcing some to cook for themselves in their trucks as restaurants across the nation shut down. In other cases, it has left them without a place to wash their hands or to park and sleep at night. Dozens of rest stops were closed in Pennsylvania, Texas, Nebraska and Michigan this week because of efforts to slow down the coronavirus outbreak, with more rest stop closures predicted across the nation.
This week, we wanted to put together a comprehensive list for drivers to use of where they can reliably eat, get clean and rest during this time.
Truckstops
TA & Petro Truckstops:
- Enhanced cleaning measures
- Self-serve food options closed; quick-service restaurants remain open
- Dine in areas closed
- Fresh cup policy – no longer accepting reusable coffee cups/water bottles
- Showers are open and can still be reserved through their app
Loves Truckstops:
- Enhanced cleaning measures
- Fresh cup policy – no longer accepting reusable coffee cups/water bottles
- All self-service grills, coffee & drink bars, and delis have been converted to full service by Love’s team members at all locations. Self-serve condiment stations have been converted to provide pre-packaged options.
- In accordance with local mandates, some of our restaurants are moving to drive-thru only, and some of our locations have capacity limits.
- Private shower rooms still available
- Games rooms closed
Pilot Flying J Truckstops:
- Enhanced cleaning measures
- Fresh cup policy – no longer accepting reusable coffee cups/water bottles
- Self-serve food options closed; pre-packaged deili food stilla vaialbe for purchase
- Dining room seating in travel centers and operated quick-service restaurants are closed
- All driver lounges are closed
- Showers at all locations open
- Games rooms closed
Restaurants
Many restaurants have closed their lounges and truck drivers cannot access the drive through windows; in many areas, this is the only option that is available. But, in some areas, drivers can order pick-up directly from the restaurants through online and mobile ordering, or through a third party delivery service such as UberEats, DoorDash, Postmates, Grubhub, or Skip the Dishes. A driver’s best bet is to research what is available in the specific area they are located.
In particular, McDonald’s has stepped up to help the trucking and transportation industry. They are making every effort to remain open to provide hot meals if governments continue to allow them to do so. With most of their locations being limited to drive-thru and delivery, here are the steps for drivers to take:
- Use their mobile order and pay app when you arrive at the restaurant.
- Select the curbside service and walk to the designated “Trucker” curbside sign on the sidewalk outside the designated door.
- Complete the order by entered the “Trucker” curbside number and they will bring the order to you!
McDonald’s is making a great example, and many other restaurants are following suit. Check out a specific national restaurant chain’s app to see what is available for you in your area. And, if curbside pickup isn’t an option, rely on the third-party delivery companies noted above, which can come right to your truck – many of have special delivery rates on right now as well!
Hotels
With many rest areas closing, drivers are finding it difficult to find somewhere to rest and get in their required minimum 10 hours off-duty time.
One company, Drury Hotels is providing drivers with a special “travel healthy” rate at more than 150 locations nationwide, with rates starting at $59/room/night. Yet another small hotel is Lava Hot Springs ID is even offering free rooms for truck drivers!
For more information on some hotels offering discounts for professional truck drivers, check out CDL Life’s Article.
Many companies are proving, we are all in this together, and are showing their appreciation for professional truck drivers during this time. As the situation changes daily, we thank all drivers for their hard work and patience.
