The company announced plans to invest $700 million in 2026, including adding more than 1,500 new truck parking spaces, opening 20 new store locations, and upgrading 35 existing locations.

For drivers running tight clocks and hunting for safe parking late in the day, added capacity can directly impact trip planning, HOS compliance, and overall safety.

What Love’s 2026 Expansion Includes

According to company leadership, the 2026 plan focuses on both new construction and the modernization of existing sites.

The 2026 expansion includes:

• More than 1,500 additional truck parking spaces
• 20 newly constructed locations
• Renovations and upgrades at 35 current stores

Shane Wharton, president of Love’s, outlined the company’s direction for the year.

“Our 2026 priorities reflect what has always mattered at Love’s: delivering a best-in-class customer experience every time, no matter the part of our business,” said Shane Wharton, president of Love’s. “This year, growth means new and updated locations, expanded food and snack options, added amenities for RVers, and continued reinvestment in the business through a stronger loyalty program, and updated technologies — all focused on strengthening Love’s brand to drive customer value.”

From a driver’s perspective, additional parking capacity is the headline. For fleets and owner-operators, improved infrastructure in high-traffic corridors can reduce time spent circling lots and improve on-time performance.

Renovations Will Close Some Locations Temporarily

Love’s also confirmed a shift in how it handles major remodels. Instead of keeping stores partially open during construction, certain locations undergoing significant upgrades will temporarily close to complete work faster.

Wharton noted that the company found remodeling while remaining open was “not a good experience for customers.”

During renovations, key services such as parking, fuel, restrooms, and limited food and drink options will remain available through on-site trailers or alternative setups.

For drivers planning routes, this means checking ahead for specific location updates may be more important in 2026 as projects roll out.

Truck Care and Roadside Service Remain a Focus

Beyond parking and store upgrades, Love’s says it will continue strengthening its Truck Care operations in 2026. While a few new Truck Care locations are expected to open, much of the emphasis will be placed on improving warranty partnerships and roadside service.

Importantly for drivers, Wharton confirmed that Love’s will continue offering roadside service for truck drivers, even after another major truck stop chain discontinued roadside repairs along highway shoulders due to technician safety concerns.

For fleets managing uptime metrics and breakdown response times, continued roadside availability can influence routing and service planning decisions.

Food and On-Site Amenities Expanding

Food access is another area seeing continued development. In 2025, Love’s introduced order-ahead capabilities at several restaurant brands, including Arby’s, Hardee’s, Taco John’s, Bojangles, and Carl’s Jr., along with intelligent kiosks at Arby’s locations.

In 2026, the company plans to expand the use of intelligent kiosks to additional restaurant concepts.

Love’s will also grow its restaurant footprint. After launching Buffalo Wild Wings GO at three locations last year, eight more Buffalo Wild Wings GO outlets are scheduled to open in 2026. The company also plans to open its first Whataburger location in early 2026.

For drivers operating under tight schedules, faster food ordering and expanded options can reduce dwell time during mandatory breaks.

Why This Matters for Drivers and Fleets

The addition of 1,500 parking spaces represents one of the more tangible elements of the 2026 investment. With parking shortages regularly cited in industry surveys as a top safety and compliance issue, increased capacity at major travel centers can directly impact driver fatigue management and route efficiency.

For owner operators calculating time as money, predictable parking availability reduces the unpaid hours spent searching for safe stops. For carriers, expanded infrastructure supports compliance with federal hours of service rules and improves safety outcomes.

As 2026 unfolds, drivers and fleet managers alike will be watching where those new spaces are built and how renovations affect major freight corridors.

Parking, service access, and efficient stops remain central to life on the road. Love’s 2026 investment signals that those priorities continue to shape large-scale truck stop strategy across the country.

Source: Overdrive

The post Love’s Travel Stops to Add 1,500 Truck Parking Spaces in 2026 as Part of $700 Million Investment Plan. appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The Kansas Turnpike Authority teamed up with Love’s to make the project happen.

“This collaboration with Love’s reflects our ongoing commitment to improving the travel experience for commercial drivers,” said Steve Hewitt, KTA’s CEO. “We’re excited to see this additional amenity come to life and support the essential work of the trucking industry.”

The new shop is set up right next to the Love’s Travel Stop and opened late last week. It brings drivers three full maintenance bays and access to Love’s regular Truck Care services. That includes tire replacement, oil changes, and light mechanical work, so you do not have to burn time trying to find a shop off route.

It also connects to Love’s roadside assistance network, which means faster help when something breaks down across the region.

“This strategically located Love’s Truck Care facility provides professional drivers an option for truck service without having to leave the Turnpike,” said Eric Daniels, vice president of Love’s Truck Care. “This partnership with KTA is a natural extension of Love’s commitment to getting customers back on the road quickly with minimum downtime and thorough, friendly over-the-road service.”

For anyone hauling freight across Kansas, this setup means less downtime, easier access to repairs, and one less headache when something comes up on the road.

Image Source: Love’s Travel Stops

Source: Truckers News

The post New Love’s Truck Care Shop Now Open on the Kansas Turnpike appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Over the past few months, Love’s has launched three brand-new Speedco facilities, transformed an aging truck care location into a state-of-the-art Speedco service center, and expanded its truck wash network to include 11 locations across nine states.

Where to Find the New Locations

Here’s a quick look at the newly constructed and upgraded facilities now available to drivers at Love’s locations nationwide:

• Benson, Arizona – Upgraded and expanded into a full-service Speedco.

• West Memphis, Arkansas – Features a brand-new truck wash for thorough clean-ups.

• Wichita, Kansas – Newly opened Speedco with an integrated truck wash.

• North Lima, Ohio – Brand-new Speedco facility offering full maintenance services.

• Baker City, Oregon – A newly launched Speedco location.

• Troy, Texas – Added a modern truck wash for driver convenience.

These additions bring a combined total of 11 new service bays, six service trucks, and five truck wash bays to Love’s robust service network.

A Growing Nationwide Network

Love’s Truck Care and Speedco have expanded to more than 430 locations, featuring over 1,400 service bays and 1,100 roadside service vehicles ready to assist drivers on the road.

Notably, Love’s holds the distinction of being the exclusive warranty repair and campaign recall service provider for Freightliner and International trucks, adding an extra layer of trust and reliability to their services.

Whether it’s preventative maintenance, emergency roadside assistance, or a much-needed truck wash, Love’s continues to lead the charge in keeping drivers and their rigs in top condition.

Source: Truckers News

The post Love’s Expands Speedco Network and Introduces Additional Truck Washes appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.