Truck stop food has improved greatly over the years, and the four main truck stops across the U.S. are Flying J, Petro, Pilot, and TA. Pilot primarily offers fast food, and the others offer buffet and menu dining. These truck stops are frequented by the general public as well as semi drivers because the food is usually good, they’re close to major interstates, and they’re open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Fast Food Provides Few Options
Out of the four main truck stops available to semi drivers, many avoid Pilot because this company is known for buying out truck stops, immediately closing down full-service restaurants, and opening Subway or other fast food establishments. Although semi drivers often have little time to eat, they don’t want to survive on fast food all week long. Most want at least one good meal a day, and even Subway doesn’t qualify as a good meal, especially when it’s one of only a few options day after day.
Buffet or Menu Choices?
The general public shouldn’t wonder why semi drivers are overweight. The options for semi drivers are few, and it makes more sense to choose a buffet meal over a meal from the menu at a truck stop. For example, a buffet meal at the Flying J runs a little less than $10.00 for lunch, and a sandwich, side order, and a drink at the same truck stop would cost at least $8.00. The buffet is the better way to go since the options are greater, and the price isn’t much more than a limited meal from the menu.
The High Prices of Truck Stop Food
Truck stops take advantage of drivers and others who can’t park elsewhere for a good meal. Ten dollars for lunch is a ridiculous price to pay, but just like anyone else, semi drivers have to eat. The truck stops know they’ll keep getting the business no matter how high they set their prices. It’s time for commercial drivers to start voicing their dissatisfaction with ridiculously high prices since it’s clear they’re being taken advantage of because of parking limitations.
Alternatives to Truck Stop Food
A great number of drivers have resorted to eating out of a cooler most of the week. They’ve invested in plug-in coolers and inverters to power them. Some have room for small microwave ovens, and this has enabled many to prepare their own meals and stop throwing away money at overpriced truck stops. Eating out of a cooler part of the time is a great way to save money on the road, and it’s a choice many have had to make in order to survive.
