Driven Women

Official Whiner

GG—Truck stops are getting to be more about the family and stuffed shirt business traveler than they are the trucker. There used to be a time when truckers were the preferred customers, now we’re beginning to feel like second-rate citizens.

I’m not really complaining because truck stops are giving us a lot more conveniences, but are they really aiming to bring in the truckers, or are they aiming to bring in more four wheelers?

JZ, Vancouver, WA

Without a specific example, JZ, it’s difficult for me to understand where your perception is coming from. Of the 70 truckers I asked, none shared your opinion. That’s a small sampling, but it leads me to believe you may have been the victim of poor customer service.

A quick glance at the Web sites of the larger truck stops indicates that their mission is to attract all highway travelers, but the professional trucker will always be their main customer. They appeal to the family or business traveler by focusing on highway hospitality services and family restaurants. For the trucker, the focus is on clean showers, money orders, CAT scales, laundry facilities and 24/7 mechanic services. Very different audiences, yet they have one thing in common: they’re away from home and want the conveniences of home.

JZ, if you feel slighted, I recommend that you speak to the truck stop manager and share your concerns. Just be prepared to cite specific examples so that the manager can take action to prevent future issues. Remember, if all you do is complain and don’t take action, you’ll become an official whiner and have to hand in your CDL.

GG

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You can e-mail Golden Girl at goldengirl@otrprotrucker.com or mail your letter to Over the Road Magazine, P.O. Box 549, Roswell, GA 30077-0549.