Having easy access to a shower doesn’t seem like a luxury to most people. However, because semi-trucks do not have showers or bathrooms inside them, finding a place to get clean isn’t always easy for truck drivers. It can require a little extra time spent trip planning and even a few extra dollars.
Especially when you’re new to the industry, the process of finding a shower, paying for it and even the act of showering can feel daunting. And if you’re really new, you may even be wondering, ‘Where do truck drivers shower?’
Continue reading for answers to all questions related to showering as a truck driver – because nothing feels better than a hot shower after a long day of work.
Question 1: Where do truck drivers shower?
The answer is truck stops, rest stops and company facilities. Schneider, for example, has facilities across the country
that offer free, clean showers to company drivers.
During your trip planning at the start of your work day, you should decide if you’re going to stop for a shower, and if you are, determine when and where you’ll be stopping.
Question 2: Do all truck stops have showers?
Not all truck stops have showers, though, so while trip planning, check the amenities for the location you are considering stopping at to ensure it does in-fact have showers.
Many of the major truck stop chains have search functions that allow truck drivers to find locations with showers:
It’s important to note that truck stops with showers, don’t always have all the amenities you need to take a proper shower. While some do offer a towel, shampoo and body wash, it’s never a bad idea to bring all the shower supplies you know you need with you. And don’t forget shower shoes!
Question 3: What do truck stop showers look like?
Most truck stop showers are inside a clean, safe and private bathroom stall that one person uses at a time. The bathroom stall typically consists of a sink with a mirror, a toilet, outlets and, of course, a shower.
Question 4: How much do showers at truck stops cost?
Truck stop showers are almost never naturally free – they usually cost anywhere between $10 and $15 per shower – however, there are ways to get free showers at truck stops.
Joining a rewards program at a major truck stop chain is your best bet at getting free showers. Pilot Flying J’s myRewards Programs
rewards drivers with a free daily shower when they fuel over 1,000 gallons per month. Love’s Travel Stop’s My Love Rewards
and TA-Petro’s UltraONE Loyalty Programs
also provide drivers with free showers based on fueling.
These reward programs are super simple to use – all you need to do is download the truck stop’s app on your smart phone and it’ll tell you exactly what is required to earn free showers. The app may even allow you to sign up for a specific time to shower, so you don’t have to wait for one to open up when you get there.
Question 5: How long are showers at truck stops?
When you go into a truck stop to use a shower, there is a good chance all the showers will be occupied, and you will have to wait. Follow proper truck stop shower etiquette and be patient. Most truck stops have lounges where you can hang out, watch TV, have a snack, etc.
One you enter the bathroom stall, there is most-likely no maximum amount of time you can use to shower. However, this is again your opportunity to adhere to good truck stop shower etiquette. It’s tempting to stand under the hot water for an hour, but remember, there are probably other drivers who are waiting to shower just like you were.
