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 Have you been to the world’s largest truckstop? Located off exit 284 on I-80, just west of the Illinois border, Iowa 80 is three times the size of an average truckstop and provides a wide variety of unique services for rest, recovery, and relaxation.  

 

Iowa 80 Truckstop is open 24/7, and hasn’t closed its doors once since opening in 1964! From a dentist office to a movie theater to this year’s Walcott Truckers Jamboree, keep reading to learn everything you need to know about the world’s largest truckstop.  

 

What to Expect When Visiting Iowa 80 Truckstop  

They don’t call this stop the ‘Trucker’s Disneyland’ for nothing. Home to 10 restaurants, 23 private showers, and 900 parking spots for trucks, Iowa 80 is the perfect place to recharge, refuel, and meet other drivers passing through.  

 

Iowa 80’s Fleet Fuel Program ensures that you can fill up quickly and efficiently using their automated card reading satellite pumps. The ‘TRUCKOMAT’ Fleet Wash Program will leave your rig spotless, an important part of preventing corrosion and long-term damage. There’s even a certified CAT scale and a self-serve pet wash to provide baths for your traveling companion!  

 

In addition to these helpful features, Iowa 80 has many more luxury services that set it apart from most truckstops. Here is a list of some of the services Iowa 80 Truckstop offers year-round: 

  • Truck Service Center  
  • Movie Theatre  
  • Chiropractor  
  • Dentist  
  • Barber Shop  
  • Laundry Area  
  • Trucking Museum 
  • Custom Printing Shop  
  • Tesla & ChargePoint DC Fast Chargers 
  • Library 
  • Workout Room 

 

This Year’s Truckers Jamboree (Taking Place July 13th-15th 2023) 

Iowa 80 Truckstop is also famous for celebrating truckers in their annual Walcott Truckers Jamboree. The festival is full of food, music, and the coolest rigs from across the country, and this year is sure to be no different!  

 

The jamboree has been held since 1979 and features an antique truck display, porkchop cookout, live music, the Super Trucks Beauty Contest, and more. The event is always free, and Iowa 80 encourages drivers and non-drivers alike to come out and enjoy the celebration.  

 

“We’ve got a lot to be thankful to professional drivers for,” says Heather DeBaillie, Vice President of Marketing at Iowa 80. “Drivers deserve to be celebrated, and we’re happy to host an event that does just that. Professional driving can be a thankless job, but without trucks on the road, consumers wouldn’t have food on the table or a variety of other goods we need and use on a daily basis. It’s an important job.” 

 

Not in the Neighborhood? 

As an OTR trucker, you’ve got the chance to see all corners of America. Although there’s nowhere quite like Iowa 80, if you find yourself far from I-80 there are still some great stops along the way.  

 

Jubitz Travel Center, located in Portland, OR, is sometimes called the ‘World’s Classiest Truck Stop.’ Here you can find a movie theater and barbershop, along with jacuzzis, free dancing lessons, and more!  

 

Noble’s Restaurant and Truck Stop in Corinth, KY, might not be known for its size, but it’s an “Old School Truck Stop” famous for its homestyle country cooking and excellent prices.  

 

Little America in Flagstaff, AZ, has everything you need when passing through the beautiful southwest. From private showers (with a tub!) to a hot grill and deli, this chain of truck stops is perfect when driving through the west.  

 

 

Truckstops are a necessary part of every driver’s experience, and the best ones will leave you feeling refreshed and ready to get back on the road and finish that job. Iowa 80 does that, and more, creating a true home away from home.  

 

What are your favorite experiences at the World’s Largest Truckstop? Is there another truckstop you think deserves the spotlight? Let us know on our social media! 

intermodal truckingIntermodal trucking can be a great option for truck drivers who are looking for a new job over the road and want to try something different than typical dry and reefer hauling. Here are 3 perks of being an intermodal trucker, along with quotes from actual intermodal drivers about what the job is like.

What is Intermodal Trucking?

Intermodal trucking, sometimes referred to as drayage, is the act of using a truck to move international cargo in specially designed containers from point A to point B. Usually this is either the first or last step in the overall intermodal transportation process.

The containers that intermodal drivers haul are large, weather-hardy, and fit securely on several types of transport vehicles so that they can be moved easily between ship, plane, train, and truck. So, what about intermodal trucking makes it appeal to drivers? Here are 3 perks.

1. Consistent Schedule and Home Time

cdl studentsIf consistent home time and a healthy work/life balance are important to you, intermodal trucking might be a good choice for your next driving job. Drivers will tell you that the biggest benefit of this line of work is the consistent schedule and shorter routes. Drivers will usually complete at least one route, (most times more) in a single shift and be home every night.

We spoke with an intermodal truck driver, David, and he shared his thoughts about this line of work,

“Intermodal trucking provides the ability to make great money and be home daily. But the tradeoff is a lot of frustration and hold ups in the railyards,” shares David. 

2. Less Manual Labor and Loading

The shipping containers that intermodal truckers haul move from transport vehicle to transport vehicle without being unpacked or broken down (With the exception of inspections by customs officials). They stay packed as is and sealed from the time they leave, until they get to their destination.

At each stop the container moves to, there’s specialty equipment there to pick up the containers and place them on the trucks. It’s usually no touch for the drivers, which means less wear and tear on your body, and more time moving down the road.

3. Flexibility

Most intermodal drivers find the real perk of the job to be the flexibility that it provides them. We talked to another intermodal truck driver, Ritsuko, and she shared what she loves about intermodal trucking, including seeing the country and making money.

“I enjoy the independence and peace of being on the road and being able to take off when needed and having more flexibility in my schedule,” shares Ritsuko. 

If you think that you’re up to the challenge of being an intermodal truck driver, do some research on companies in your area that specialize in this line of work. Keep in mind that intermodal trucking jobs will be much easier to find the closer you are to large ports and railyards.

If you’re looking for another type of CDL A or B job, consider making a free profile with Drive My Way. Our patented technology matches drivers with jobs that are matches for their qualifications and lifestyle preferences.

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Fan Favorites: Best Truck Driving Songs

Life is a highway… at least that’s what the song says. But for many truck drivers, that lyric couldn’t be truer. Life IS the highway for many. Truckers have countless hours alone in the cab of the truck. They can cover hundreds of miles of pavement every day. This time behind the wheel gives drivers plenty of time to spend listening to music. We asked our readers to tell us about their favorite music to listen to while driving. Here are the best truck driving songs that our Facebook followers mentioned.

Truckers and Their Tunes

There are countless “trucker” themed music compilations available for drivers. A quick Google search results in thousands of results. You can find CDs, playlists, YouTube videos, streaming channels, as well as an endless trucker-friendly podcasts.

Drive My Way Poll

Here’s what our truckers had to say when we recently polled our drivers on Facebook.

Songs that Remind them of their Families

Music can transport you to another place, just by listening to a song. The lyrics can put you in a better mood, make you feel happy or sometimes make you feel sad. Some truck driving songs can remind you of your family and friends who aren’t out driving with you.

Old School Country

Johnny Cash is always a popular selection on truckers’ radios as well as other old school country artists like the Possum himself—George Jones. A good guess would be to also find plenty of Willie and Waylon and the others from the same time. These old school country songs cover a lot of ground—just like most truck drivers. They can be about rebellion, lost loves, and there’s plenty of songs simply about having a good time.

Trucker Songs about Long Haul Driving

A classic in this conversation is East Bound and Down. The song was written for the movie Smokey and the Bandit in 1977. It’s a great song about a day in the life of a long-haul driver. “We’ve got a long way to go and a short time to get there” are perfect lyrics to sum up an over-the-road driver’s life. Hopefully without any Smokies to slow you down.

Religious Song Choices

Some drivers let us know that they fill their time on the road listening to Christian music. There are so many choices for singers and songs in this genre. Listening to Christian or other religious songs while driving can help drivers reflect and be happy while driving. There’s plenty of genres of Christian music available, from true church music, to soft rock to even Christian metal. Sometimes these spiritual or religious choices are perfect truck driving songs to get a driver through their day.

Hard Rock for the Win

Drivers mention many singers and bands that put out hard rock and metal music. These are always going to be popular choices for favorite trucker driving songs. Louder songs can help you pep up and stay alert. AC/DC, Metallica, and Five Finger Death Punch were some choices that our drivers put on their lists! The loud guitars and drums, combined with aggressive and catchy lyrics might be perfect to help a driver concentrate on the road when there’s been miles and miles of nothing to look at for hours.

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long distance date ideas for truckers

With Valentine’s Day around the corner, many truckers won’t be home to spend the holiday with their significant other. However, that doesn’t mean truck drivers can’t still celebrate.

Here are a few long distance date ideas for truckers that go beyond sending flowers and chocolates.

Have Dinner Together on Skype

Just because you may be miles away doesn’t mean you can’t take a few minutes to enjoy a great dinner together via Skype or FaceTime. Plan what you both will eat together, set up your computer or phone, and eat together as if you were right next to each other.

 

Share a Private Spotify Playlist

Are there songs that instantly remind you of your significant other? Put these on a Spotify playlist and share it with your significant other. Consider just keeping the playlist private between the two of you to be able to listen to throughout the year.

 

Plan Future Dates

Brainstorm a list of the 5 top dates you both want to do once you are home. Try to make sure to plan dates for all seasons and weather. Plan out the dates and even mark them down on the calendar to give you both something fun to look forward to.

 

Watch a Movie Together

Just because you’re not together doesn’t mean you can’t still watch a great movie together. Pick a movie out beforehand, plan the time you both will hit play, and talk about the movie together over the phone. Pop some popcorn, grab your favorite snacks, and enjoy!

 

Play 20 Questions

Get to know your significant other more by playing a quick game of 20 questions. Some questions could include where is your dream vacation spot, what would your perfect day look like, what was your dream job when you were in kindergarten, and what exotic pet would you have.

 

We wish truckers and their significant others across the country a very Happy Valentine’s Day and we hope these long distance date ideas help make the day special.

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truck driver hobbiesWhether you’re already a fan or just need a break from the commercials on the radio, plenty of great audiobooks can help you pass the time on your long or short hauls. Here are 10 audiobooks from a mix of genres with summaries and ratings, thanks to audible.com.

1. Before the Fall

Author: Noah Hawley

Genre: Mystery

Rating (out of 5): 4.2

Length:12 hours, 59 minutes

“On a foggy summer night, 11 people–10 privileged, one down-on-his-luck painter–depart Martha’s Vineyard on a private jet headed for New York. Sixteen minutes later the unthinkable happens: The plane plunges into the ocean. The only survivors are Scott Burroughs–the painter–and a 4-year-old boy who is now the last remaining member of an immensely wealthy and powerful media mogul’s family.”

2. The Big Short: Inside the Doomsday Machine

Author: Michael Lewis

Genre: Nonfiction (Business)

Rating (out of 5): 4.6

Length: 9 hours, 27 minutes

“Who understood the risk inherent in the assumption of ever-rising real-estate prices, a risk compounded daily by the creation of those arcane, artificial securities loosely based on piles of doubtful mortgages? Michael Lewis turns the inquiry on its head to create a fresh, character-driven narrative brimming with indignation and dark humor.”

3. The Boys in the Boat

Author: Daniel James Brown

Genre: History

Rating (out of 5): 4.8

Length: 14 hours, 25 minutes

“Daniel James Brown’s robust book tells the story of the University of Washington’s 1936 eight-oar crew and their epic quest for an Olympic gold medal, a team that transformed the sport and grabbed the attention of millions of Americans. The sons of loggers, shipyard workers, and farmers, the boys defeated elite rivals first from eastern and British universities and finally the German crew rowing for Adolf Hitler in the Olympic Games in Berlin, 1936.”

4. The Girl on the Train: A Novel

Author: Paula Hawkins

Genre: Thriller

Rating (out of 5): 4.3

Length: 10 hours, 59 minutes

“Rachel takes the same commuter train every morning. Every day she rattles down the track, flashes past a stretch of cozy suburban homes, and stops at the signal that allows her to daily watch the same couple breakfasting on their deck. She’s even started to feel like she knows them. And then she sees something shocking. Unable to keep it to herself, Rachel offers what she knows to the police, and becomes inextricably entwined in what happens next, as well as in the lives of everyone involved.”

5. The Kind Worth Killing

Author: Peter Swanson

Genre: Thriller

Rating (out of 5): 4.3

Length: 10 hours, 18 minutes

“On a night flight from London to Boston, Ted Severson meets the stunning and mysterious Lily Kintner. Sharing one too many martinis, the strangers begin to play a game of truth, revealing very intimate details about themselves. Ted talks about his marriage that’s going stale and his wife, Miranda, who he’s sure is cheating on him. Ted and his wife were a mismatch from the start–he the rich businessman, she the artistic free spirit–a contrast that once inflamed their passion but has now become a cliché.”

6. The Last Mile

Author: David Baldacci

Genre: Mystery

Rating (out of 5): 4.5

Length: 11 hours, 49 minutes

“In his No. 1 New York Times bestseller Memory Man, David Baldacci introduced the extraordinary detective Amos Decker–the man who can forget nothing. Now, Decker returns in a spectacular new thriller.”

7. Ready Player One

Author: Ernest Cline

Genre: Sci-fi

Rating (out of 5): 4.7

Length: 15 hours, 46 minutes

“At once wildly original and stuffed with irresistible nostalgia, Ready PlayerOne is a spectacularly genre-busting, ambitious, and charming debut–part quest novel, part love story and part virtual space opera set in a universe where spell-slinging mages battle giant Japanese robots, entire planets are inspired by Blade Runner, and flying DeLoreans achieve light speed.”

8. Red Rising

Author: Pierce Brown

Genre: Sci-fi

Rating (out of 5): 4.6

Length: 16 hours, 12 minutes

“Darrow is a Red, a member of the lowest caste in the color-coded society of the future. Like his fellow Reds, he works all day, believing that he and his people are making the surface of Mars livable for future generations. Yet he spends his life willingly, knowing that his blood and sweat will one day result in a better world for his children. But Darrow and his kind have been betrayed. Soon he discovers that humanity reached the surface generations ago. Vast cities and sprawling parks spread across the planet.”

9. The Revenant: A Novel of Revenge

Author: Michael Punke

Genre: Historical

Rating (out of 5): 4.4

Length: 9 hours, 12 minutes

“The year is 1823, and the trappers of the Rocky Mountain Fur Company live a brutal frontier life. Hugh Glass is among the company’s finest men, an experienced frontiersman, and an expert tracker. But when a scouting mission puts him face to face with a grizzly bear, he is viciously mauled and not expected to survive. Two company men are dispatched to stay behind and tend to Glass before he dies. When the men abandon him instead, Glass is driven to survive by one desire: revenge.”

10. 11/22/63

Author: Stephen King

Genre: Sci-fi

Rating (out of 5): 4.6

Length: 30 hours, 44 minutes

“On November 22, 1963, three shots rang out in Dallas, President Kennedy died, and the world changed. What if you could change it back? In this brilliantly conceived tour de force, Stephen King–who has absorbed the social, political and popular culture of his generation more imaginatively and thoroughly than any other writer—takes listeners on an incredible journey into the past and the possibility of altering it.”

Read the rest of the story here.

Want more suggestions on how to be entertained on the road, plus the best tips, latest news, and fun stories about the trucking life? Subscribe to the Drive My Way newsletter below. It’s free!

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