New Concord, Ohio — Sheetz will open three new convenience‑store sites this week, delivering a total of 120 free overnight parking spots for tractor‑trailers.

The addition comes as drivers across the Midwest grapple with a chronic shortage of safe lay‑over areas. Long‑haul carriers and independent owner‑operators often circle for miles before finding a spot that can accommodate a 53‑foot sleeper. By placing high‑flow diesel lanes and bulk DEF pumps at highway exits, Sheetz is turning a typical pit stop into a reliable rest point, easing the pressure on drivers trying to stay within FMCSA regulations on hours of service.

Sheetz’s first Ohio outlet launches on Sept. 28 at 701 Friendship Dr. in New Concord. The site features seven diesel lanes, a DEF dispenser and 29 dedicated parking stalls accessible from I‑70 Exit 169. The second store opens Sept. 30 at 1301 S. Bailey Rd. in North Jackson, offering five diesel lanes, DEF and 59 overnight spaces reachable via Exit 57. A third location, also debuting Sept. 30 at 4700 S. Charleston Pike in Springfield, provides eight diesel lanes, DEF and 32 parking spots off Exit 59. Combined, the three stations bring the chain’s footprint to 40 locations across Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio and Maryland.

What This Means for Drivers

CDL‑A drivers will be able to refuel high‑capacity trucks without queuing, then pull into a guaranteed spot for a legal rest period. Owner‑operators gain a predictable lay‑over zone that reduces deadhead miles and fuel waste. Fleet managers can plan routes that include a Sheetz stop, knowing the driver can comply with FMCSA hours‑of‑service rules without scrambling for a safe parking area. The free overnight option also cuts costs for independent drivers who otherwise pay nightly rates at truck‑specific lots.

Industry Reaction

Trucking associations have praised the move, noting that every new lay‑over location eases a bottleneck that has driven up detention times on the nation’s highways. While the source did not quote a specific carrier, the broader consensus among driver forums is that convenience‑store chains with diesel capability are filling a gap left by dwindling dedicated truck stops. The industry continues to lobby state DOTs for more public‑land parking, but private‑sector solutions like Sheetz are proving to be the fastest way to address the crunch.

Key Points

• Three Ohio Sheetz stores open between Sept. 28 and Sept. 30, 2026.
• Combined total of 120 free overnight parking spaces for tractor‑trailers.
• Each location offers high‑flow diesel and bulk DEF directly off I‑70.
• Sheetz now operates 40 sites in six states, searchable via its mobile app.

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