Truckers and owner-operators are, without a doubt, the lifeblood of the domestic market. Supply chains run on the wheel of semi and delivery trucks, and taking care of drivers has become a more important topic of discussion in the last few months. While the industry may be a bit behind with driver pay, fleet utilization, and work conditions, the best truck stops in America have long known how to take care of the nation’s truck drivers. According to the Northeast Association of State Transportation Officials (NASTO), the best truck stops have the services and amenities drivers want and need while on the road.

NATSO is the only national trade association representing the travel plaza and truckstop industry, with more than 2,000 travel plazas and truckstops listed, connected to 220 corporations and freight factoring entities. NATSO defines a “truck stop” as a location with at least one shower, 15 parking spaces, and diesel available for sale. Considering all the mom-and-pop truck stops, small-scale service plazas, and other truck stop types available, the total number of top truck stops in the United States is much higher, with over 40,000 currently recognized in the United States and Canada. Finding the best truck stops within planned routes and knowing where the best truck stops in the USA will help drivers have as comfortable a route as possible, no matter where they are heading. 

Best Truck Stops Across the Country

Truck stops, related driver rest stops, and chains are dotted across the US. Most of the best truck stops offer loyalty programs or rewards points, and most offer services tailored specifically for drivers. As drivers earn points, they receive credit for showers, food, and fuel, saving them time and money and making their trips a little more comfortable and enjoyable. Today’s truck drivers csn enjoy some of the largest chains and best truck stops in America, including well-known names such as: 

• Pilot Flying J. With over 740 locations in 44 states, this chain has earned the distinction as the most prominent travel center operator in North America. As one of the top truck stops, large and small trucking fleets can enjoy showers, food, fuel, and more.
• Love’s Travel Stops. Founded in 1964, this chain with over 550 locations in 41 states is consistently ranked as one of the best truck stops in the USA for truckers. They can easily access fuel, tire care, mechanical services, and travel essentials.   
• TA Travel Centers/Petro Truck Stops. Rated highly by drivers and a prime example of what the best truck stops offer, this truck stop chain has a little of everything. Drivers can access a 24-hr homestyle diner, showers, fuel, parking, and truck services.
• Sapp Bros Travel Centers. In 2021, this best truck stop in the USA chain celebrated 50 years in business with mostly 17 travel centers located in the West and Midwest. Of those locations, 10 include truck service centers, and 15 have certified scales. 

When traveling cross country for weeks at a time, knowing the best truck stops and trucking company rest stops and where to find them can make time on the road less stressful and far more enjoyable. But what about some of the smaller yet unique trucker oasis out there? Here are ten top truck stops drivers must look for along their routes.

Ten US Top Truck Stops Truckers Need to Check Out

There are many questions drivers likely find themselves asking while on the road. Where should they stop and park that night? Where should they stop to eat? Where can they get a shower and stock up on supplies? Finding the best truck stop can be tricky since where truckers choose to stop can set the tone for the entire next leg of their journey. Here are ten of the best truck stops in America for truckers to visit as they work to haul freight from Point A to Point B:

1. IOWA 80 IN WALCOTT, IA

With 900 parking spots, plenty of trucker-related services, tasty food, and accommodations, the truck stop has earned the nickname among drivers as the “World’s Largest Truck Stop.” Here, drivers can find laundry, showers, CAT scales, truck maintenance, and more. No wonder this giant campus ranks among the best truck stops in the country.

2. JUBITZ TRAVEL CENTER IN PORTLAND, OR

Drivers traveling through the Pacific Northwest can find a place to relax and unwind. The campus covers an impressive 15 acres of truck parking and amenities for busy and tired drivers. There is a driver’s lounge, a 24-hour scale, nine trucking fuel lanes, a truck wash, a convenience store, and more which earns it a spot on any top truck stops list.

3. LITTLE AMERICA IN FLAGSTAFF, AZ

When routes head to the southwest, this location is perfect for stopping and enjoying the area’s natural beauty. Truckers praise the accommodations here, including a driver-exclusive hotel, which received Tripadvisor’s 2020 Travelers’ Choice award. Kicking back and rejuvenating after a long drive has never been easier than at the best truck stops. 

4. DYSART’S RESTAURANT & TRUCKSTOP IN BANGOR, ME

Drivers touring the country’s northeast area can stop at this family-owned business and enjoy its two restaurants and eight convenience stores. As one of the best truck stops in the USA, drivers can enjoy good food, fill their tank with fuel, grab a shower, send mail, and visit the truck center while growing their trucking business.

5. BIG APPLE TRAVEL CENTER IN JOPLIN, MO

Drivers in 2020 voted this trucking stop location as one of the top truck stops in America. As one of the country’s most popular independent truck stops, drivers can enjoy food, repair services, fuel options, and relaxing amenities while on the road. This one is a must when looking for top truck stops to mark on the map. 

6. NOBLE’S RESTAURANT AND TRUCK STOP IN CORINTH, KY

When you are on the go, sometimes quick and easy is the best and only option, which is why this stop ranks as one of the best truck stops year after year. It is a restaurant, convenience store, and gas station in one and frequently ranks at the top of lists for independent truck stops as voted by drivers who stop there.  

7. MACH 1 IN FRANKFORT, IL

Drivers often need a quick stop for fuel for themselves and their trucks, and this truck stop has it all. Its store amenities include Little Caesar’s Pizza, Bean2Cup Coffee, and Kate’s Kitchen, with multiple fueling lanes and stations. It is easy for drivers to fuel up and get ready to deliver a load at one of the best truck stops in the country. 

8. TRAIL’S TRAVEL CENTER IN ALBERT LEA, MN

Sometimes the best truck stops in the USA are all about the food. This overnight truckstop, which offers over 300 parking spaces, CAT scales, and a semi-truck wash, is another excellent option for drivers. The center provides several sit-down restaurants and grab-and-go options, including Pizza Hut, McDonald’s, Taco Bell, and Caribou Coffee.  

9. CLEARWATER TRAVEL PLAZA IN CLEARWATER, MN

Serving drivers since 1976, this location offers showers, fueling stations, a food court, a convenience store, and a trucker lounge. A bonus for one of the best truck stops, The Food Network even recognized it as one of the best truck stops for food and services. Any driver for any trucking company should check this stop out/

10. JOHNSON’S CORNER TRUCK STOP IN JOHNSTOWN, CO

Knowing its delicious foods and popular amenities, this final entry on the best truck stops in the US comes complete with a chapel, overnight parking, and CAT scales. Drivers can rest comfortably and spend the night safely and securely while accessing laundry facilities, a FedEx dropoff, and free Wi-Fi.  

It is easy to see that when it comes to options, truckers have plenty of options to choose from, no matter where they might be heading—knowing where the top truck stops will make the long drive easier and more enjoyable.

Maximize Drive Time Productivity and Keep Drivers Happy With the Best Truck Stops in America and a Partnership With BasicBlock

Trucking drivers and companies work hard to keep the supply chain going. Rewarding their efforts with good pay and safe work environments is critical, but it’s impossible to overstate the importance of on-the-road ammonites and comforts. Knowing where the best truck stops are located along their routes and having easy access to the top truck stops in the country can go a long way in keeping driver morale high. 

It is time to get on board and give drivers what they want and need. Along with ensuring drivers know how to take care of themselves and their trucks while on the road by stopping at the best truck stops in the USA, drivers also deserve reliable guidance and support every step. Contact BasicBlock today to get started.