Another world, accessible to everyone but known best to professional truck drivers, is tucked away on the side of a highway in every little pocket across Canada. Truck stops are almost institution-like. Amenities vary, but many have everything a long hauler needs to reset for the coming day’s klicks, from hot showers to some of the best comfort food around (more on that later). Most importantly, they have fuel.
Truck stops have what are known as cardlocks, a term you may have heard or seen before. Cardlocks are basically fuel stations for transport and fuel delivery trucks. Cardlocks at truck stops are usually off to the side, with extra tall coverings for vehicle clearance. According to Kent Group Ltd., there are 1265 cardlock sites in Canada (2017).
Cardlock sites require a card to unlock them, so hence the name. The trucking company provides drivers with a unique credit card that they use to access and pay for fuel. The driver saves time without the line-ups at a regular station, and the trucking company can manage fuel use and costs.
Fuel companies also want their cardlock locations to be easy to find. For example, Federated Co-operative Limited, has a service locator app for drivers to use on the road. Esso and Husky have a cardlock partnership means that drivers can use the same fuel card at both locations across Canada.
Filling up both tanks
On the road, drivers also know something about where to find good food. Some Canadian Fuels members run the best truck stops around. Days on the road have a way of making you miss home, so the menus are full of homestyle cooking. Here we look at some Canadian stand-outs:
- Irving’s Big Stop is known for its hot turkey sandwich made with real turkey, covered in gravy and topped with peas.
- Husky makes a mean hamburger steak.
- Petro-Canada stops usually have some popular restaurants with their reliable fare.
Do you have a favourite truck stop restaurant?
