JOLIET, Ill. — Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores officially opened a new location off Exit 134 on Interstate 80, providing 91 additional truck parking spaces for drivers navigating one of the most congested freight corridors in the Midwest.

Finding a secure place to shut down for a mandated break remains a top priority for any OTR truck driver, especially throughout the northern Illinois region. This facility aims to alleviate the chronic shortage of overnight parking that plague drivers during peak freight cycles. The company reports that this site is part of a broader push that has added 733 parking spaces to the national network since the beginning of 2026.

The Joliet facility is equipped with nine diesel lanes, seven showers, laundry facilities, and a CAT Scale. Drivers can utilize self-checkout options and fresh food offerings, with a Hardee’s restaurant slated to begin operations on May 18. Engineers have also designated specific space on the property for future electric vehicle charging infrastructure, should commercial demand warrant the installation of charging stations down the road.

What This Means for Drivers

For the average CDL-A driver, this new stop offers a reliable location to manage hours-of-service compliance without the frustration of circling full lots. Reliable access to showers, laundry, and scales at a single stop helps maximize efficiency for those running tight schedules. As trucking companies are hiring to keep up with freight demand, having modern infrastructure like this in a key logistics hub makes the job more manageable for long-haul professionals.

Industry Reaction

Investment in physical infrastructure remains a critical component of the industry's response to the ongoing parking crisis. While the FMCSA regulations continue to mandate strict rest periods, the private sector is currently the primary driver behind expanding capacity. Beyond the new construction in Illinois, Love’s has pushed forward with its Road Ahead Plan, completing renovations at 14 existing stores this year alone, including a recent overhaul of their Auburndale, Florida, location.

Key Points

• 91 new truck parking spaces now available at I-80 Exit 134.
• Facility includes nine diesel bays, seven showers, and CAT Scale access.
• Love’s has added 733 total parking spaces nationwide throughout 2026.
• Infrastructure site prep is complete for potential future EV charging stations.

Looking for a better trucking job? US Trucker's free job-matching service connects CDL-A drivers, OTR drivers, regional drivers, and owner-operator professionals with 500+ top US carriers. Leave your details in the form on this page and a recruiter will call you within one business day. Trucking companies are hiring now.

Photo by Dextar Studio ™ on Pexels