patriotgrunt wrote:
You'd think that they would be cheaper due to bulk sales much like the Walmart model of business. But as you've mentioned, people will pay more when traveling for convenience.
It's not really about "Convenience". It is about the fact that class 8 trucks..Tractor Trailers and their drivers have few choices of where they can get fuel. Their payment systems for fuel are different from the usual gas or diesel customer and only truck stops offer to accept those.
In addition they need showers, scales, and other services. Only Truck Stops provide these.
This means that truck stops can charge more for Diesel fuel...and they do. The American Trucking industry is basically a "captive audience" for the big chain truck stops.
I avoid them and fuel where my Gas Buddy App tells me is the most economical station closest to my route. Often it is 10,20 and 30 cents LESS expensive across most of the country than the big truck stops.
As for Convenience...it almost always takes me more than twice as long to get in, fuel, pay and get out of a Pilot or Fly J than it does the average gas station selling diesel. Some are so congested with big rigs that you have to wait in line for a very long time. That is not convenience.
