Sterling, North Dakota — Love’s Travel Stops broke ground on its fifth North Dakota outlet on September 8, 2026, unveiling a 59‑space truck parking lot at 3201 Highway 14 to serve drivers cruising I‑94, Highway 14 and Highway 83.

The addition comes at a time when long‑haul carriers and regional fleets alike scramble for safe pull‑overs on the state’s busiest freight corridor. With limited lay‑over options between Bismarck and Valley City, a new stop that bundles fuel, showers and rest facilities can shave hours off mandatory rest calculations under FMCSA regulations.

The Sterling location offers five diesel pumps, a CAT Scale for weight verification, four private showers, on‑site laundry, a dog park and self‑checkout kiosks. Food choices include Love’s Fresh Kitchen, Godfather’s Pizza and Subway, giving OTR truck driver crews a quick bite without leaving the lot. The design reserves space for future electric‑vehicle chargers, allowing Love’s to partner with local utilities should demand rise. To celebrate the opening, the chain donated $5,000 each to Great Plains Food Bank and Sanford Children’s Hospital.

What This Means for Drivers

CDL‑A drivers now have a guaranteed 59‑space parking area that meets the 30‑minute safety buffer required before a driver‑change or rest break. Owner‑operators can refuel at five diesel bays without queuing, then take advantage of four showers and laundry to stay compliant with Hours of Service rules. Fleet managers gain a reliable CAT Scale checkpoint, eliminating the need to detour to separate weigh stations and keeping routes on schedule.

Industry Reaction

Trucking associations in the region praised the move, noting that every new truck‑friendly stop eases pressure on overcrowded rest areas. Carrier representatives highlighted the importance of having a dog park and dedicated EV‑ready pads, signaling that the industry is already looking ahead to electrified fleets. The broader market sees Love’s expansion as a signal that private‑sector investment will continue to fill gaps left by public infrastructure shortfalls.

Key Points

• Love’s opens its fifth North Dakota travel stop in Sterling, adding 59 truck parking spaces.
• Facility includes five diesel bays, a CAT Scale, four showers, laundry and a dog park.
• Future‑proof design reserves space for electric‑vehicle charging stations.
• Grand‑opening donations total $10,000 to local charities.

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