Petro Spokane NOW OPEN!

I was speaking to the night manager of the Petro in Spokane, Washington and he gave me a little information about the newest truckstop in the Petro chain.

The Petro Truck Stop in Spokane, Washington is located on Interstate 90 at Exit 272. It opened to the public on October 3rd, 2006. The Spokane Petro single handedly doubled the truck parking space in Spokane. They offer 200, full length truck parking spaces. The Petro offers all of the conveniences associated with the chain of other Petro’s nationwide. They offer a full maintenance shop with oil change and tire change capabilities. Petro’s signature Iron Skillet Restaurant is a favorite with the locals already and truckers alike. In addition to the restaurant, Subway has an outlet inside the truck stop. Petro has all of the conveniences of home away from home including a full C-store, shower facilities, game room, TV/Movie lounge, laundry facilities and plenty of lighted parking. The building has a nice, northwest feel to it. It resembles a log cabin with ornamental rock that gives it the “outdoorsman” type feel. I am sure it will be a favorite stopping point for truckers and travelers on their way east or west towards Seattle. The Spokane Petro is only a 5 1/2 hour drive from downtown Seattle and Kent, Washington.

Last week Diesel prices at the Spokane Petro were at $2.899 per gallon, U.S. Fuel is still pricey in eastern Washington, but when the Petro opened it’s doors, it brought down fuel prices in the area about .20 cents. The only other major competitor in the business has been the Broadway Flying J in Spokane, Post Falls and Ellensberg, Washington. This has caused diesel prices to remain high and filling your rig very expensive. Spokane welcomes the Petro to the area and we look forward to lower fuel prices and a nicer truck stop to grace our freeway!

JB

Trucking in the "Real" world!

It’s a nice refreshing change working out of Seattle. Seattle is a big city, but the people are friendly and the weather has been great. It never ceases to amaze me that driving a big truck in Seattle isn’t as difficult as one might imagine. I spent several years driving the streets and freeways of Southern California and it’s just not the same. In LA, I always found it difficult to maneuver in and out of traffic. It always seemed like someone was trying to get that same precious piece of real estate on the freeway and block your access from changing lanes.

I am astonished by the courtesy and laid back attitude by most Seattle drivers. When I am trying to merge into another lane, I apply my turn signal and 99% of the time, the car behind me takes notice, slows down and allows me to merge.

My first trip took me to Lewiston, Idaho, then back to the yard in Seattle. I have been on trips to Spokane, the local Seattle area and a trip to Bend, Oregon. The first week I averaged a total of 1500 miles, but I get paid by the load and not the mile. What a change! I am actually at home during the week a couple nights and I have the weekends off! I couldn’t ask for much more in a driving job.

Once in awhile, you come across a good job. Just when I was thinking about hanging up my career as a CDL driver, this job came along. I have met the owner of the company and I am quite impressed with his company. With any luck, I’ll have a great job to look forward to in the coming years!

JB