Question:
Well, I'm finally off to truck school on May 11. I've talked a bit to some companies, and I've run across one problem.
KLLM says that they will only hire me if I have a place to park the truck during home time. This place must be approved by the dispatcher, they say. I know that other companies will want me to have a place to park the truck as well. The problem is that I can't park the truck at my house.
So.....since I can't park the truck at my house, and since most of the companies that I am considering don't have terminals or drop yards in Portland, how do I go about finding a good, secure place to park the truck?
Thanks alot. And I'd like to thank all of you regulars for all of the information that you've posted here. I've been reading this forum off and on for about three years now, and I wouldn't feel nearly as comfortable about moving into this industry without the help that you guys have given.

Answer:
Some options for you to check out:
Large storage yards.
Area truck stops.
Trucking companies with terminals in the area.
Factories with drop yards. (especially any that your company does a lot of hauling for)
Be sure to get permission before you park your truck on any ones property. You may also want to invest in a good king pin lock, a solid pad lock for the trailer doors, and possibly an parking brake lock.
Some of the options I mentioned above may cost you a fee per week/.month to use and if it does be sure to ask your company if they will reimburse you for parking expense. If not get and save your reciepts and you can deduct the costs from your taxes.
Answer:
You might try calling the Jubitz Truck Stop and see if they can recommend anything. If I remember correctly, Jubitz has a drop yard for trailers. Also you might drive around the Jubitz truck stop and see if you can find anything yourself. There are plenty of drop yards in the area.
Also Jubitz does have a bobtail parking area, on their property.
Here is a link for Jubitz: http://www.jubitztravelcenter.com/jubitztravelcenter/
-J

Answer:
park it in the bullpen

Answer:
I don't know if this would work for you but...
Do you attend a local church at all? one with a big parking lot?
I have a local church less than a block away with a big lot, that doesn't mind if I park the truck at the back of their lot.
Also, check with neighbors, gas stations, grocery stores, etc...
Just a thought...
Virus"I love the view from my office window!"

Answer:
Ok then, Chris. Right now I'd be happy to be able to park it without hitting anything!
Are you back in OKC? I'm still here in Drumright. Four more weeks in Mayberry, looks like.

Answer:
Most tittty-bars and adult book stores have large parking lots. Park it there. Great company exposure. Just remember:If the world did'nt suck, you'd fall off!
The more I see and read about Republicans and Democrats, the more I wish we had an Independent Party.
IMPEACH BUSH!!!!!!!!!!

Answer:
When you are checking in your area, make sure the city or county hasn't placed a "No Truck Parking" ordinance on the books. Very bad to park the truck and end up having to pay towing and storage fees. I ride for those who can't! POW/MIA - You are NOT forgotten!!
Lead, Follow or get out of my way!!!

Answer:
Check with the local law, (courthouse, constable, etc.). If they cant help you find a place to park, they probably will tell you where not to park it. Sometimes at your house aint even legal.

Answer:
Well if you are gonna park it at a truckstop and goto the house for the weekend or a few days off or whatever..........DONT PARK IT ON THE END OF A ROW!!!! I saw 2 seperate trucks with headlights and fenders laying on the ground this past weekend Both rigs were parked on the end of a row and according to the staff at one of the T/S had been sittin there banged up like that for 2 days!!!! Boy aint he/she gonna be surprised when returning back to work??!!!!
BTW.....both damaged trucks were at a Flying J.......where else??!!
I NEVER park on the end of a row(unless i am next to a curb) ESPECIALLY at a flyin J!!
CDrecovering dweller..........oilfield trash division

Answer:
Over the years I've been hit 5 times at T/S, 4 of which were at a Flying J. I try like hell not to park at the "crashing J"
A hint... "Where not to park your truck and go home".
JONESBORO, GA (AP) -- The driver of a tractor trailer has been charged after a Riverdale man died when his car plowed into the back of the semi that was illegally parked alongside Georgia Highway 85 in Clayton County.
http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/georgia/news...spx?storyid=19090

Answer:
Man, this thread has taken off more than I expected.
Bean town and I are graduating from truck school one week from today, and I still don't know where I will park the truck, or even what company I will drive for, although I've certainly got it narrowed down.
Truck school is fun, if a bit stressful. Just a short while longer, and the real adventure begins.....

Answer:
driverJ mentioned the Jubitz truck stop. You should be able to park it at there drop lot. I think it is on Goetz Rd. By the way is there any truth to the rumor that Pilot is gonna buy Jubitz. I heard that a while back

Answer:
This can be a real big problem so I had to contribute.
When I was about to get my tractor after being hired, I was able to park my truck in my church parking lot - as long as it was not loaded (makes a mess of the tarmack), and as long as it was not there Sunday AM, or Wed PM.
So, I used that on an emergency basis at first. Then I alternated with the local WalMart. But this was still not good enough to allow me to go home and relax; not worrying about the truck.
So, I drove around the area not too far from the house and collected phone numbers of businesses that were either not there anymore (vacant lots - many businesses up here in New England are no longer around due to the recession), or had a large parking lot area not being used.
I was able to get one business to allow me to park - for free. This worked well, until the snow flew. Then I was very worried about finding a place, when my wife found a very small truck stop; really a glorified gas station with deisel pumps, and I went there and was happy to discover that they welcomed my parking there. Other locally-based drivers do the same.
Of course, I buy fuel there on an out-of-network basis whenever I can. The company pays for it and I return the favor for the little truck stop.
Hope this helps. I do understand your concerns!

Answer:
Someone mentioned Jubitz T/S had a drop yard- you can secure your trailer there with a kingpin lock, then find a mini-storage that has parking for RVs.
I pay $35 a month for a 12' wide X 40' long paved spot at a mini-storage for my tractor. Secured, gated, well-lit, with cameras everywhere. No problem over the last 7 years.
As far as my trailer goes, I either drop it at a customer's yard where I live that pre-loads them, or I deliver a load 150 miles away in Laredo, drop the trailer at the company's yard there and bobtail home.Not liable for any information posted.