Long driving schedules make it hard for truck drivers to keep up with their personal hygiene which is why they use truck stop showers.
However, although many truck stop showers on the road are clean, affordable, and refreshing, many truck drivers are still afraid to use them.
Below, find out everything you need to know about truck stop showers.
What is a truck stop shower?
A truck stop shower is a facility available at a truck stop across the U.S. or at a smaller gas station where a truck driver can take a shower.
These shower facilities are used by professional truck drivers to freshen up after driving hundreds of miles.
Most truck stop showers have high standards of cleanliness making the experience as if using a shower in a hotel or Inn.
Are truck stop showers safe?
Truck stop showers are usually clean and safe because a janitor cleans and sanitizes the shower room making it ready for the next shower.
Besides that, almost all truck stops separate their shower area from the general public.
And once you are inside the shower room, you can lock or unlock the door using a code given to you when purchasing a shower.
How to use a truck stop shower?
To use a truck stop shower, you want to go up to the front counter and tell them that you would like to purchase a shower.
Once you've paid for the shower, you'll receive a ticket with a number that tells you when the shower facility is ready to be used.
Depending on the truck stop, you get also a code that lets you enter the shower room.
While waiting for your turn, you can spend your time in a small lounge room.
Some truck stops have games for truckers that you can play while waiting for your shower.
Or, you can wander around the store or even get in a quick meal.
When your shower is ready, they will call out your number or have it appear on a screen for you to see.
When you are ready, someone will show you to your shower room or give you a door number, and you will be able to type in your code to enter. This is why you must make sure not to lose the ticket "receipt" they give you.
What to bring with you to a truck stop shower
If you opt to use a truck stop shower, you need to bring your personal hygiene toiletries in a shower bag.
Make sure to include the following items in your shower kit:
- Flip flops.
- Bar soap or liquid soap.
- Your own towel (maybe even extra towels).
- Clean clothes to change into.
- Shampoo or conditioner.
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental floss.
- Anything else you love to use in the shower.
Can truck stop showers be used by anyone?
Initially, truck stop showers were made for truckers who spend long hours on the road but they can be used by anyone willing to pay for a shower.
How Much are Truck Stop Showers?
Truck stop showers are not cheap.
Depending on the place you go to, the cost to take a shower at a truck stop may range between $10 to $17.
However, if you spend $50 on diesel fuel at that truck stop as well, you may get a free shower.
Or, you can get free showers by involving in the credits program from Flying J, Loves Travel Stops, and TA-Petro.
How long can you stay in the shower?
There are no legal time limits on showers at truck stops.
So, nobody will kick you out of the shower for staying too long in it.
However, you should be mindful of how much time you spend in the shower if other truck drivers are waiting to take a shower as well.
Do truck stop shower provide towels?
Most truck stops provide one to two towels in every private bathroom.
After each customer, the truck stop cleans the bathroom and replaces the towels.
Though towels are provided, you may feel more comfortable using your own or bringing extras.
