If you own a truck stop business, or any business, your ability to increase the revenue generated by the business is the hallmark of your expertise as a business owner.
Interestingly, the reason why most people go into business is to make money, and making money does not just come easy. You must be willing to explore every opportunity that is available to you.
Interestingly, for a truck stop business, there are several complimentary business ideas that the owner of the business can start alongside the business and make loads of extra cash.
So, if you are looking for ways to make extra money for your truck stop business or expand the service offerings of your truck stop business without necessarily changing the course of the business, then you may just want to continue reading this article.
Businesses That Thrive in a Truck Stop
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Fast Food Restaurant
If you have enough space within your truck stop facility, you can easily set up a fast-food restaurant offering quick and convenient meals for truckers and travelers.
The fact that truckers are expected to spend ample time in a truck stop facility means that they will always need food and drinks, thus making it a perfect business idea to incorporate into a truck stop facility.
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Coffee Shop or Café
Another fantastic business idea that is bound to thrive in a truck stop business facility is a coffee shop or coffee café. Of course, you know how important coffee is to truck drivers and their assistants. Generally, truckers often rely on coffee to stay alert during long drives.
So opening a coffee shop or a coffee café that is offering quality coffee and snacks can indeed be a profitable and thriving business idea in and around a truck stop business facility.
This is a complimentary service that you will find in most truck stop facilities. So, if you do not have a truck wash and detailing service as part of your service offerings, you may want to consider establishing one.
The truth is that truckers take pride in the appearance of their vehicles, and a truck wash and detailing service can cater to this need. Besides, offering a quick and efficient cleaning service can help you attract a steady flow of customers.
It could be a dry-cleaning business or a self-operated laundromat, the bottom line is that a laundry service business is highly needed in a truck stop business facility.
The reason for this is that truckers are always on the road for extended periods hence they will appreciate a laundry service where they can wash and dry their clothes.
Trust me, having a laundromat or a dry cleaning service business in a truck stop business facility can be a convenient and necessary amenity that will help you attract more customers to your truck stop.
There is no doubt that a convenience store is a business that must not be missing within a truck stop business facility. Of course, you know that a well-stocked convenience store can cater to the basic needs of truckers, providing them with essentials, snacks, and drinks.
If you plan to add a convenience store to your truck stop business, you should consider including trucker-specific items, such as travel-sized hygiene products and accessories if indeed you want to maximize profit from the business.
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Fitness Center or Outdoor Exercise Areas
The fact that truckers often face challenges in maintaining a healthy lifestyle due to the sedentary nature of their job makes a fitness center or an outdoor exercise area a good idea.
Come to think of it, providing a fitness center or outdoor exercise area can be a marketing strategy that will help you attract health-conscious truckers.
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Truck Accessories and Supplies Store
If you are looking to make more money from your truck stop business, then you should consider opening a store that sells truck accessories, parts, and supplies. The items you sell can include items like trucker apparel, GPS devices, bedding, and other essentials for life on the road.
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Tech Services and Charging Stations
A tech services and charging station at a truck stop provides essential amenities for truckers, offering charging facilities for electronic devices and on-site tech support.
This benefits truckers by ensuring their gadgets are charged and operational, enhancing connectivity and navigation. It addresses the growing reliance on technology during long-haul trips, making the truck stop a more convenient and modern facility.
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Entertainment Hub
Interestingly, you do not need to set up a regular entertainment hub which can be relatively expensive. All you need to do is create an entertainment area with amenities such as a gaming section, a movie lounge, or even a small live music venue.
Truckers often have downtime and may appreciate some entertainment options as a means of easing stress and maximizing their relaxation time.
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Pet Services
It might interest you to note that many truckers often travel with pets. They take their pet along to keep them company while they are on a lonely and long trip.
So, a truck stop business facility that offers pet services such as a pet grooming station, a pet-friendly area, or a pet supply store can cater to this demographic. Trust me, this type of truck stop will always attract truckers who are pet lovers.
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Showers and Rest Area
Once a trucker gets to a truck stop, they usually will want to freshen up and rest for a while before continuing their journey. It is difficult to find a truck stop that does not have showers and rest areas.
Although the amount they charge truckers for using this facility might not be the same across the board, it is indeed a business idea that can help you generate more income for your truck stop business without setting up another business structure.
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Food Truck
A food truck business can afford to sell a variety of food that can cater to the needs of truckers who are stopping by a truck stop. Of course, a food truck can easily compete with fast food restaurants for customers, especially within a truck stop facility.
The use of food trucks by brick-and-mortar restaurants allows them to test out new menu items before adding them to their standard menu.
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Automobile Repair Shop
The truth is that having an auto repair shop at a truck stop provides several important benefits. It attracts truckers and motorists, increasing business for both the shop and the truck stop.
Drivers can get urgent repairs done without detouring, minimizing downtime and lost revenue. The shop can cater to both trucks and cars, offering a wider range of services and attracting a larger customer base.
Having an auto repair shop within a truck stop facility can help create a one-stop shop for travelers, boosting convenience and satisfaction.
Furthermore, the repair shop can identify potential problems early on, preventing more serious breakdowns and ensuring safer roads for everyone.
A gas station is a fundamental component of a successful truck stop, offering numerous advantages for both truck drivers and the businesses themselves.
Interestingly, many truck stop gas stations offer additional services like tire repair, oil changes, and DEF dispensers. This allows drivers to take care of routine maintenance tasks while refueling, maximizing their efficiency.
With a gas station in a truck stop facility, truck drivers can refuel without leaving the truck stop, saving valuable time and reducing the need for detours. This is especially important for long-haul drivers who operate on tight schedules.
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Money Transfer and Exchange Kiosk
This business will make it easier for truck drivers especially cross-country truck drivers who may want to change the currency they have to the currency of the host country. The kiosk can also serve as a place where truck drivers can easily transfer money or withdraw money.
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An Automated Teller Machine (ATM)
An automated teller machine (ATM) is an electronic telecommunications device that enables customers of financial institutions to perform financial transactions, such as cash withdrawals, deposits, transfer funds, or obtaining account information, at any time and without the need for direct interaction with bank staff.
Typically, ATM installation costs range from $2500 – $4000 but can be higher based on construction costs or other site prep factors ahead of showing up to the site.
There are several things that a vending machine can do. But for a truck stop, installing a vending machine that caters to the needs of truck drivers should be your target.
A vending machine business involves owning and operating vending machines that dispense a variety of products such as snacks, beverages, coffee, water, ice, and other items.
The vending machine accepts payment from customers, usually in the form of coins, bills, credit cards, or mobile payments, and dispenses the selected product.
The business owner purchases or leases vending machines and places them in high-traffic locations in and around the truck stop facility.