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A Trucker’s Guide to Truck Stop Showers
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WRITTEN BY: BLOOM SERVICES
As a trucker, life on the road can be demanding, often leaving you with limited access to basic amenities like regular showers. However, maintaining personal hygiene is crucial for your overall well-being and professionalism. In this article, we will explore effective strategies and practical tips to help you select a truck stop for showering while on the road, ensuring cleanliness, comfort, and a sense of freshness throughout your journeys.
Choosing the Right Truck Stop
It’s worth noting that not all truck stops have showers. To avoid disappointment, check the amenities at popular truck stop chains like Pilot Flying J, Love’s Travel Stops, and TA-Petro before your trip, and consider reserving a shower in advance.
These clean and private facilities can be a welcome relief for truckers on the road. To use them, you’ll need a code or key provided by the cashier at the truck stop.
How Much Do Truck Stop Showers Cost?
Showering at truck stops does come at a cost, and it can add up during your journey. On average, expect to pay around $10 for a shower, though some truck stops may charge up to $20. However, you can save on these expenses by joining rewards programs and earning free shower credits.
For instance, Pilot Flying J’s myRewards program includes a “Shower Power” category, where you accumulate points for shower and drink credits. By fueling up with over 1,000 gallons in a month, you can even earn a free shower every day.
Love’s Travel Stops offers “My Love Rewards,” providing a free shower credit for every 50 gallons of fuel purchased, valid for one week. Their app lets you check in for your shower without visiting the register and shows you the busiest shower times throughout the day.
TA-Petro’s “UltraONE” rewards program grants “UltraCredits” when you fuel over 60 gallons, which you can use for showers, meals, or parking. Additionally, don’t hesitate to ask fellow drivers for extra credits, as they often expire before being used.
Bloom Services Facilities
Here at Bloom, our shop has a semi-private shower facility. While it is clean and well-maintained, you will need to have your own towels and toiletries. There are a few available shower stalls with good water pressure and everything you would generally need to freshen up, but will likely pale in comparison to some of the better truck stop options. It will, however, get the job done, while you wait for a truck repair or maintenance.
Alternate Options to Truck Stops
If you seek extra amenities along with your shower, you may want to consider signing up for a gym membership. Many gyms with nationwide facilities can have membership prices under $50 per month. This translates to breaking even after approximately 5 showers per month on the road, making it a cost-effective alternative compared to many rest stops.
Beyond the financial advantage, a gym membership brings additional benefits. It not only provides access to enhanced shower facilities but also allows you to stay active regardless of your location on the road. This dual benefit makes a gym membership a practical investment for truckers seeking both comfort and wellness during their journeys.
How to Use the Shower
Inside these shower rooms, you’ll find all the amenities you need for a refreshing break: a sink, mirror, shower, toilet, fan, and electrical outlet. Some truck stops even offer hair dryers.
The process is straightforward: purchase a shower at the register, receive a receipt with a code or a key, and use that code or key to access your private shower room. These showers are secure, and you’ll be the sole holder of the code, ensuring a relaxing and peaceful respite from your driving.
Truck stops with showers often provide some essentials, but it’s wise to be prepared and bring your own toiletries, just in case. It’s wise to maintain a dedicated hygiene kit in your truck at all times.
Stock it with essentials such as travel-sized toiletries, towels, wet wipes, deodorant, and a change of clothes. This kit may come in handy when you don’t have immediate access to shower facilities or need a quick touch-up between showers.
After each use, the facilities are sanitized and supplementary toiletries are restocked for the next visitor. However, for added comfort and peace of mind, you may prefer to use your own towels or bring extras.
Truck stop showers can get busy, often requiring a 30-minute to an hour wait. And while you won’t be hurried along after a set time, it’s important to be considerate of others waiting for their turn. By using only the time you need you demonstrate respect for your fellow drivers and their schedules.
What is Provided by the Truck Stop?
Many of the major truck stop franchises offer towels, washcloths, soap, etc. Some have laundry facilities and business centers as well. You will be able to purchase basic items if you are lacking in toiletries as well. As a trucker, you undoubtedly understand how most truck stops operate. You will have an AC outlet, mirror, toilet, towels, and some locations even provide hair dryers. Usually a bench as well, but it depends on the location and truck stop.
What to Pack for the Shower
When showering at a truck stop, it’s essential to have all your necessities with you. Make sure you have a stocked shower kit that contains your essentials.
Keep your shower kit organized, including a change of clothes and shower shoes. Consider bringing extra towels, especially if you anticipate the truck stop shower offering only one or prefer using your own. Some items you should have are shampoo, soap, lotion, razor, comb, deodorant, towels, etc.
Truck Stop Shower Etiquette
To make your truck stop shower experience better show consideration for fellow drivers waiting to use the facility. Please adhere to common courtesy and follow these guidelines:
- Manage your shower time: Aim to keep it within a reasonable 10-15 minutes to avoid taking more time than is necessary.
- Respect others’ time: Avoid unnecessary delays in the shower room and remain sensitive to others’ needs.
- Maintain cleanliness: Dispose of trash and used towels properly, leaving the shower room in a clean state for the next driver.
- Respect shared areas: If the facility includes common areas such as dressing rooms or restrooms, respect other drivers’ privacy and personal space.
- Protect your feet: with shower shoes or flip flops to guard against common germs and athlete’s foot fungus often found in shared shower facilities.
- Secure personal belongings: Generally, it’s best to refrain from bringing personal items into the shower room. Consider securing your belongings in your truck.
As a trucker, managing showering while on the road is essential for maintaining personal hygiene and comfort. By planning ahead, utilizing available resources, and adopting portable shower solutions, you can ensure that cleanliness remains a priority throughout your journeys.
Remember to maintain personal cleanliness habits, stay hydrated, and make the most of truck stops and other amenities along your route. With these practical tips, you can shower on the road with ease, promoting a sense of well-being and professionalism as a truck driver.
Bloom Services, Inc
After you have had a chance to refresh yourself by using a truck stop shower, consider joining Bloom Services, where we are actively seeking over-the-road truckers with a Class A CDL and a minimum of two years of experience.
Discover the exceptional opportunities at Bloom Services through our outstanding Rental and Lease-Purchase Program, showcasing the renowned fuel-efficient Freightliner Cascadias. These trucks come fully loaded with robust inverters, refrigerators, and an HVAC system that operates seamlessly without idling. Our drivers have the potential to earn over $3,000 per week after covering all expenses. Join us for a rewarding and lucrative journey on the road.
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