Question:
I have been told that if you live within a certain distance from a terminal or drop yard, most companies want you to park the truck there during hometime. Are there any general rules for where you can park if you don't live near a terminal, and it won't fit in your driveway? I'm wondering about security standards, type of pavement or ground surface, etc. that companies may insist on. Also, I assume the driver pays any rental that may be required for a parking space (like at those boat and camper lots).
TIA!
PP
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Answer:
Some shippers and receivers may let you park there. Also farmers markets usually have truck parking. truck stops won't let you park and leave the truck, most anyway some small ones might. Stevens transport has some sort of deal with Thermo King and you can park there. Some dealers may also let you.
Great Stuff
"Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of all who threaten it"

Answer:
I lot of companies will require written approval from the owners of the property you park the truck on. They may ask for certain minimum security requirements and have you take pictures to verify these things. Their insurance company will have made up the list of what they want. Others will just hold you personally liable for anything that happens to the truck while it's parked somewhere besides their property. I just parked at the yard, and didn't worry about it, so I never went through all that. your results may vary.
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Answer:
varies a lot from company to company. Some companies insist that the truck and trailer be left either on your personal property or in a secured lot (with prrof the lot is secure) while others will basically say do the best you can.
Every company I have ever worked for have stated that the trailer is not to be dropped with a high value load and a few said the trailer was not to be dropped at all if loaded. (Except on company property.)
Use some common sense when parking your truck though. Dont park it or drop your trailer on soft ground such as dirt. If you get stuck you may find yourself stuck with the bill to get pulled out. If dropping a heavy trailer on asphault put some wood under the landing gear so as to minimize the potential damage to the lot. Even if you are not dropping the trailer but are heavily loaded go ahead and dolly down if you are going to be parked for more than 8-10 hours.
As far as drivers paying any rental fees for parking or dropping in a secure lot near their home for purpose of hometime this once again varies from company to company. Some companies will reimburse a driver for this, especially if they are requiring it be done.
I will always be a mutter trucker at heart.
Answer:
Originally posted by Stuffs:
...truck stops won't let you park and leave the truck, most anyway some small ones might.
I disagree with this. I've left my truck (and wagon) parked at a few places near where I live over the weekend (Pilot, Flying J, TA) and no one said anything EVER. I've also dropped just the wagons there, but dropped it way out in back, out of the way.
I also know of another driver on a dedicated route who parks his rig at the Shenandoah truck stop in Old Washington, Ohio every weekend.
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I'm not a truck driver, I'm a professional tourist!

Answer:
You take it home and leave it unattended...It is YOUR responsibility. Carrier requirements may vary from total financial responsibility to a write-up...but it is all on you.
Now you can hee-haw all you want to here...But it is better to ask your employing carrier what their policy is...not the Truckstop Legal Staff here...

Answer:
on someone else's property, even if 100 other drivers already do it, be sure to get permission from the owner or manager of that property first.
I will always be a mutter trucker at heart.
Answer:
dredick you've been lucky. I've read many signs that say not to do that at truck stops. I'm sure you have also. I hate taking chances. If they give you permission go for it if not your playing the lottery.
Great Stuff
"Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of all who threaten it"

Answer:
...because about ten minutes from my house is a tank wash facility we use so I'm authorized to drop the tank there and take my truck home. I live in a good neighborhood routinely patrolled by the police so that helps out a bit too. Indian River is one of the companies that wants the equipment parked at the yard if you live within a reasonable driving distance, but hey, I'm 200 miles away so, 'nuff said.
When I was at C.T.L., the equipment was to be parked at the yard no ifs, ands, or buts! The truck was not allowed to be taken home, and the terminal manager here did a daily yard check and if you were on time off and your truck wasn't in either the yard or shop, he would then check the qualcomm to see where the truck was at. Luckily I never had to find out what happened if you were caught doing this...
Carlo 0351/8151/6531 I.Y.A.O.Y.A.S
Truck #176
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Answer:
Originally posted by Stuffs:
dredick you've been lucky. I've read many signs that say not to do that at truck stops. I'm sure you have also. I hate taking chances. If they give you permission go for it if not your playing the lottery.
Only sign I've ever seen in my neck of the woods (Licking County, OH) is at the J, stating no dropped trailers w/o authorization, but I talked to the manager before I did, and they basically said they didn't really care, as long as it was in the back.
When I have dropped my wagon and bobtailed home, I made sure to secure the doors AND the kingpin, as my company required.
Now, I HAVE seen those signs in other states (Pilots, mostly), just not where I've parked my setup on a frequent basis.
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I'm not a truck driver, I'm a professional tourist!