Parking a semi-truck isn’t easy, especially when the truck and trailer contain items of value. A secure parking spot is essential for the safety of your truck and adds extra protection from vandalism, theft, and damage. Trucking insurance can skyrocket if you keep having to make claims due to issues and problems caused while parking.
While most truckstops handle a significant number of parked semi-trucks, some do not. It’s critical to have adequate space to park your truck and trailer with on-site security and cameras to protect yourself, even reasons to have a dashcam. Believe it or not, many semi-trucks get targeted by thieves looking for specific cargo vans or products.
Let’s keep reading to discover the benefits of having semi-truck insurance and more about parking a big rig in America.
What Are the Reasons for Parking a Semi-Truck?
The most important reason to park a truck is to rest without extending your allotted time to operate a semi-truck on the open road by the DOT. Depending on what you are hauling and if your load is covered or uncovered dictates whether you need a covered or uncovered parking spot.
When parking a semi, you should look for fenced-in areas that provide ample space to maneuver your big rig around. Another reason to park your truck is to use the restroom facilities and get a bite to eat. Some truckstops also have shower and laundry facilities that are a blessing when you need to sit idle for the next trip.
Most truck drivers already know the best places to park their semi-trucks when taking a scheduled break or stopping for other reasons. However, some truck drivers don’t have this experience; therefore, ask other drivers or conduct a Google search to find the truckstops or parking lots safe for parking semi-trucks.
5 Commonly Asked Questions About Parking a Semi
When parking a big rig, different situations and circumstances can affect how you park. Since a 53’ foot trailer is attached to your truck, it creates challenges that standard passenger vehicles do not face.
Below are five commonly asked questions:
1. Parking at 45 Degrees
When parking at 45 degrees, you should place your semi-truck parallel to the curb at a distance of 18” from other vehicles. Check your mirrors for other obstacles and slowly move forward while turning into your parking spot. Once your semi-truck is parked, take a look to see if the rear wheels touch the concrete curb stop.
2. Parking at 90 Degrees
Start by driving your semi-truck to your parking spot while slowly turning until your rear wheels are parallel to the area on the back wall. Next, in a reverse 45-degree angle, drive your truck until it’s in the area you want to park. Lastly, keep backing up until your truck has one side parking space free, and pull forward until you are parked.
3. Backing Up a Semi-Truck
When backing up a semi-truck, identify your route and plan before you get started. Look for obstacles, tight turns, or other vehicles blocking your view. Get your truck straight and slowly back it up until you hit the air cushions on the loading dock. Once parked, use your brakes and ensure the truck won’t move.
4. Reasons to Have a Dashcam
Increases in trucking insurance are one of the best reasons to have a dashcam installed in your semi-truck. Dashcams can help lower your insurance premiums for semi-trucks. They also help detect theft, vandalism, and other passenger vehicle neglect and keep you and your company from paying false claims.
5. Width of a Semi-Truck Parking Space
The standard width of a semi-truck parking space is 22’ wide due to the width of the big rig and trailer. When parking a semi-truck, check with local businesses and governments to ensure adequate space is available ahead of time when parking at a truckstop destination.
Parking a semi-truck takes practice and skill, but it’s not impossible because many drivers do it daily. Trucking insurance is part of business within the trucking industry, and your rates can vary depending on your driving record and insurance company.
Advantages of Truck Parking
The advantages of parking your semi-truck in a safe parking spot can help to avoid parking tickets, and the Interstate driving law combined with three maximum duty limits that at all times must be followed.
These include:
11-hour driving limit
14-hour drive limit
7-day/60hr or 8-day/70hr
Kindly note that these limits are based on a daily limit and do not adhere to a 24-hour window. Additionally, most truck drivers enjoy having some time off to relax, get a bite to eat, use restroom facilities, read a book, call and talk to their loved ones, and sleep until it’s time to go again.
Where Can I Get the Best Rates for Trucking Insurance?
We Shop 10 is a top-rate service provider and can find the best rates for semi-truck insurance for certain states in the United States. Our services do the shopping for you, providing the most affordable insurance prices for semi-trucks in America. Whether you are just starting a new job or have been in business for a while, we can help.
We can provide a free quote for your business or semi-truck insurance and work with major insurance companies like Allstate, Liberty Mutual, Progressive, Next Insurance, State Auto, and more. For more information about obtaining semi-truck insurance with affordable rates, call or contact We Shop 10 today.