A Project Built Around Drivers

The effort was led by CEO Dean Ash, who said the goal was to put drivers at the center of the design.

With nearly 200 pull-through parking spaces and what Ash described as “five-star hotel-quality … showers and restrooms,” the facility was created with time and comfort in mind.

Mobile fueling is already available. Instead of lining up at traditional pumps, drivers can park and request fuel delivery. A mobile truck wash works the same way.

“We come to them to fill them up,” Ash explained. “Thirty-five gallons a minute, and they can just relax.”

Why It Was Built

The idea came after Ash heard about the challenges faced by a close friend, a veteran truck driver who lost his truck to an axle fire. While staying with Ash, the driver shared stories about the struggles of the road and how few truck stops truly offered a positive experience.

“After 25 years on the road, there are about four truck stops that I can name that I really enjoy going to,” the driver told him.

Ash, who is not a driver himself, said those conversations helped him understand the need.

“I’ve never had a CDL, never driven a truck, never even been in a truck that’s moving down the highway. But I can relate because these are people and, you know, I think too many people, at least in the industry, don’t treat truckers like a human being, like they ought to.”

Parking and Access

Parking access was a top priority.

“For the guys that are doing their short reset or their 34, they’re welcome here, and we will never have a financial requirement for them,” Ash said.

The site currently features 186 pull-through diagonal parking spaces, each with six feet of clearance on both sides. Overflow areas could push that number to 300 spots, and online reservations are free.

Located just one mile from a welcome center with only 23 spaces, Truckers Paradise has coordinated with TxDOT to redirect drivers when that lot is full.

“That’s kind of the bigger picture of where this has evolved, is that we want to work with TxDOT and even federal DOT to really take a stab at the truck parking issue,” Ash added.

Food and Amenities

The property uses the old mall’s food court for multiple restaurants. Five are already open, serving pizza, Mexican, Indian, and other meals, with room for more vendors.

Showers and restrooms were built to stand apart from standard facilities.

“With multiple jets that can massage your midsection. And it’s a marble finish,” Ash said.

Other features on the site include:

• A chrome and truck accessories store
• A cigar lounge
• Massage therapy services
• DOT physical and chiropractic care

Drivers also check in at a tiki hut entrance where staff provide a quick rundown of available services and fueling options.

What’s Ahead

Truckers Paradise isn’t stopping with what’s already open. Ash is working on:

• Expanding chrome and accessories offerings
• Adding a repair shop
• Building a 30,000-square-foot entertainment complex with batting cages, virtual golf, pickleball, pool tables, and poker.

Long-term, he aims for the model to expand nationwide across the U.S.

“The long-term goal: a frictionless environment where [truckers] just don’t have to think,” Ash said. “It’s really like a five-star resort kind of thing where things are done for them, they don’t have to think. They can just be a real person.”

Source: Overdrive

Image Source: Truckers Paradise

The post Truckers Paradise Brings New Options for Drivers in Gainesville, Texas appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Behind the wheel was Barry Carlson, a longtime Hy-Vee driver whose face now graces the side of one of the company’s semi-trailers. After 40 years on the road, Barry received one of the company’s highest honors: becoming the face of Hy-Vee’s “helpful smile” campaign on a moving tribute that spans nine Midwestern states.

But this wasn’t just about a photo on a trailer. Barry had the chance to drive that very truck into his hometown store, where friends, coworkers, family, and corporate leaders from Hy-Vee were waiting to welcome him back. As a special keepsake, Barry was given a miniature replica of the truck that now carries his image across the region.

Source: Hy-Vee

Hy-Vee has revived its long-standing tradition of honoring employees who’ve dedicated more than four decades of service. Barry is among 18 team members whose photos are now featured on the sides of Hy-Vee trucks. These rigs are more than just delivery vehicles—they’re a rolling tribute to the commitment and care of some of the company’s most loyal employees.

As they make their way across Iowa and beyond, these trucks will deliver more than groceries—they’ll carry the story of people like Barry Carlson, whose “helpful smile” has been part of the journey for 40 years and counting.

Source: The Trucker
Images Source: Hy-Vee

The post Barry Carlson’s Long Road with Hy-Vee Comes Full Circle in Cherokee appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Here’s a look at where some of our drivers were this Independence Day:

Celebrating at Home or Off the Clock
For many, the day was a rare moment to slow down and unwind.

• Carla Crim spent her evening in Ohio, solo but content, watching Jaws 3.
• Jack Harris also stayed in, relaxing at home and listening to his neighbors’ fireworks echo through the night.
• Crystal Dahlman, a top fan, shared her 4th with her grandkids, watching TV and enjoying some quiet family time.
• Tom Cutler enjoyed the holiday at home with his two loyal fur babies.
• Andrew Joseph spent it at his sister’s house in Ames, Iowa.
• Deb Brogdon checked in from Bascom, Florida.
• Mike Fitzgerald was in Edmond, Oklahoma.
• Dennis Smith simply said: “Home.”

Still on the Move, But Making the Most of It
For drivers who were working or on the road, the 4th looked a little different, but they found ways to enjoy it nonetheless.

• Ashley Wade was making her way into Lake Havasu, heading toward Minneapolis.
• Leisa Jackson was rolling toward Houston, keeping her spirits up: “Happy 4th of July!”
• Rick Yates was in California’s Bay Area, getting loaded and prepping for a run down I-40.
• Dennis Winstead was headed toward California as well.
• Paul Trotter, a top fan, was loading up in Michigan.
• Kim Sluyter started her day on I-17 south of Flagstaff and expected to end it somewhere along I-10.
• Harold Warwick had a busy day, delivering to the Walmart DC in Gas City, Indiana, then making his way to Paw Paw, Michigan, for the next pickup.

Truck Stops, Terminals, and Everywhere in Between
Some drivers found themselves at familiar haunts or waiting out the holiday in quieter spots.

• Dan Carr was across from the Flying J in Aurora, Oregon.
• Larry Robertshaw was parked in Kanona, New York, near the Pilot/Love’s and even set off fireworks from above the westbound rest area.
• Sean Newcomer checked in from the Love’s in Shorter, Alabama.
• Jeffery Lewis was at the Petro in Salina, Kansas.
• Gary Stewart stopped at the Love’s in Wamsutter, Wyoming.
• David Combs found himself at the Kwik Trip in Worthington, Minnesota.
• Waheed Zazai enjoyed the scenery near Delano, California, and spent time making videos of a nearby grape garden.
• Simon Bowdrey reported from the TA in Prescott, Arkansas, where the heat and humidity were on full blast.

Across the U.S. and Around the World
Others were scattered across the map, from the Midwest to overseas.

• Diane Young and Mary Ridener both celebrated from Cheyenne, Wyoming.
• Pamela Sanchez was in Running Springs, California.
• Jaime Saravia stayed in Haines City, Florida.
• James Kimbley was in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
• Marvin Chacón Madrigal, a top fan, was grateful to be safe at home.
• Kasey Kindrick celebrated all the way from London, England.
• Paul Wallis was in Iligan City, Philippines.
• Sigfredo Ariel Aizpurua spent the day at the Terpel gas station in Penonomé, Panama.
• Mark Reese, retired after 45 years, was relaxing in Volcan, Panama.

Riding with Family or Missing Them from Afar
Some shared sweet updates about their loved ones—either being reunited or waiting for them to come home.

• Pam Budd Goodwin shared that her husband was on the road in Nebraska but planned to be home by Sunday.
• Shelly Stockton said her husband was in Montana heading for Idaho, while she was holding it down back in Michigan.
• Gail Boyce was thrilled: “My son is home! Thought he would be working, so he’s relieved.”

More Check-Ins from Around the Country
Our drivers showed up from every corner of the country:

• Norman Larsen from Cheyenne, WY
• Lyle W Brunson at the I-80 & I-25 intersection
• John Bushbaum from his brother’s place in Silver Lake, WI
• Ashley Davis from Madison, GA
• Randy Jaye Westbrooks in Kingsport, TN
• Marion D. Hill in northeast Texas
• Don Smith in Mineola, TX
• Lisa Michelle McDowell in West Virginia
• Jeff Dewey, retired in Eagle River, WI
• Judy Cobb at Outback RV Resort
• John Hubalek Jr. is safe and sound in Oswego, NY
• Catherine Guill gave a shoutout to her dad and all drivers out there
• Matt Marckese in Brush, CO
• Jesse Ray Rex in Gila Bend, AZ
• Chris Hill in Flat Rock, NC
• Mary Cruikshanks in Cincinnati, OH
• Bob Boss was hosting in Stamford, CT
• Trudy Fearday checked in from Friendship Beach and also mentioned Adams, Wisconsin
• Michael Wamhoff in Jessup, Maryland
• Sekh Denise in Savannah, GA
• Maxamed Ismacil in Phoenix, AZ
• Bill Cutsinger in Cullman, AL
• Rhonda Starling in Florida
• Sherry Stroy kept things light with a quick “LOL.”
• Al Cravenjr Jr. near MM37
• Jordain Wilburn stayed home this year, remembering the last 4th spent at a truck stop in Laredo, TX.

Whether behind the wheel or with family, working or resting, drivers across our community spent the 4th of July in ways as varied as the roads they travel. And no matter where they were, one thing was clear: the spirit of resilience and pride runs deep in this profession.

To all drivers out there—thank you for keeping the country moving, every day of the year.
Want to be part of a community that gets it? Join Truck Drivers USA to connect with fellow drivers, share your stories, and stay updated on everything happening on and off the road.

The post Where Truck Drivers Spent Their 4th of July: Stories from the Road and at Home appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.